We received recognition from the Colombian government for our contribution to the sustainability agenda

We were recognized by the Ministry of Mines and Energy, the National Hydrocarbons Agency, and the National Mining Agency for our ‘Sustainable Housing’ program in the fourth edition of Significant Experiences, an event that recognizes the best practices in social and environmental management in the mining-energy sector.

This initiative that we have implemented since our arrival in the country aims to improve the living conditions and well-being of the communities neighboring our operations in the departments of Casanare and Putumayo, thus contributing to the consolidation of more inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable societies. The initiative was distinguished among 23 programs submitted by companies in the same category.

Through the implementation of a participatory process and under the technical leadership of the Corporación Minuto de Dios, since 2013 we have managed to benefit more than 1,200 families in the municipalities of Tauramena, Villanueva, and Paz de Ariporo in Casanare and in the municipality of Puerto Asís in Putumayo. The adjustments made have allowed for an improvement of up to 94% in the different indicators of the Multidimensional Poverty Index of the intervened households.

This is the third year in which we receive the Significant Experiences recognition. In 2018 and 2019 we were awarded for our good practices in the categories of Prevention of Social Conflict and Labor Management. This year, the jury responsible for evaluating the submitted initiatives was made up of representatives from public entities, academic institutions, and multilateral organizations, who took into account criteria such as the impact of the initiatives, sustainability, innovation, and relation to the 2030 agenda.

“Since our arrival in Colombia, we set out to contribute to the development of the country through the generation and implementation of projects that positively impact the life and well-being of the neighboring communities of our operations. We are convinced that with the ‘Sustainable Housing’ Program we genuinely connect with our higher purpose of Creating Value and Giving Back, and most importantly, we respond assertively to the expectations, dreams, and desires of our neighbors who recognize in this initiative an appropriate way to materialize their life projects in conditions of well-being and dignity,” expressed Norma Sánchez, our director of Nature and Neighbors, at the time of receiving the recognition.

It is important to highlight the differential value of the Sustainable Housing program, which goes beyond fostering better living conditions for the beneficiaries, and involves the coordination of efforts from different actors, such as local institutions, in carrying out projects that help overcome poverty conditions, such as: the improvement of rural roads, construction of basic service infrastructure, health, recreation, and sports, among others. Additionally, we have also promoted the holding of community workshops to encourage healthy coexistence among families.

We thank the Government of Colombia for this distinction and congratulate all the companies that were also recognized for their differential management. We reaffirm our commitment to contribute to the development of the country through the implementation of projects that promote well-being and prosperity, and strengthen the efforts made to help close gaps to ensure compliance with the 2030 agenda.