The meeting between the hydrocarbons sector and elected officials in Casanare successfully concluded.

The Colombian Association of Oil and Gas (ACP) led the development of a strategic meeting between the industry, the governor, and elected mayors in the department of Casanare; a space for participatory and constructive dialogue to identify sustainable development opportunities for the region, which also included the participation of the National Hydrocarbons Agency (ANH), the National Planning Department (DNP), INVÍAS, the Presidential Council for the Regions, and the companies operating in Casanare.

The space was attended by elected governor César Ortiz Zorro and the upcoming mayors of the municipalities: Aguazul, Chámeza, Hato Corozal, La Salina, Maní, Monterrey, Nunchía, Paz de Ariporo, Pore, Recetor, Sácama, Sabanalarga, San Luis de Palenque, Támara, Trinidad, and Yopal.  

The elected governor expressed, “I understand that a large part of the resources of this nation depend on the oil industry and that the wealth from oil should serve us to make the transition we all aspire to. But we must seek a point of balance, make agreements on environmental, labor, and social matters.”.

“There is much work to be done and there are many resources that can be extracted in the best way and with standards of excellence in environmental and social matters so that companies not only return to their shareholders, which is fundamental, but also fulfill their social function. And that is why we made this invitation today; we believe that complex problems like those faced by Colombia and Casanare can only be solved if we transform the way we relate; if we use the past to learn lessons and look forward,” stated Frank Pearl, president of the ACP.  

During the meeting, inputs and tools were offered to the upcoming leaders for the construction of territorial development plans, and the importance of coordination and joint work between communities, local authorities, the national government, and industry was raised to promote the execution of regionally impactful projects, taking advantage of - for example - royalty resources derived from oil and gas production, and mechanisms such as ‘Works for Taxes’.

Another topic around which the conversation revolved was the need to achieve a just energy transition in the region, in a process that takes into account the impacts on the socioeconomic and productive dynamics, as well as on the workers in the sector and the communities neighboring the operations; in which it is a priority to explore strategic opportunities that promote economic diversification for long-term stability;

At the close of the meeting, the oil and gas industry reiterated its commitment to the sustainable development of the Department and its interest in continuing to contribute significantly to the well-being and quality of life of the people of Casanare; for this, it was agreed to maintain a joint work agenda with the leaders and work on the management of regionally impactful projects.