Oil and natural gas companies aim to be active and responsible members of the communities in which they operate. The industry recognizes that it derives its license to operate from the public, and that companies and the industry need to work harder and more creatively to preserve that right to operate. Companies are demonstrating that they can be more than “good neighbors” by actively working with partners to protect the environment, support educational development and develop local capacity. These actions in turn help create a more stable and desirable environment in which communities may prosper and businesses may operate in a sustainable manner.
Community Engagement and Health Programs
An important step toward building effective partnerships is engaging local communities to better understand and address their issues, concerns and aspirations. Many companies with facilities, such as refineries, gas plants, pipelines and drilling operations, establish local councils that inform citizens about the facility’s operations and what provisions are in place to protect the health and safety of the community. Community councils provide a forum for discussing matters of mutual interest and for promoting decisions and actions. Many companies are also partners in community health programs with the aim of improving health related services to local communities or in supporting regional and national programs.
Community Clean-up, Environmental Protection and Volunteer Programs
At the heart of many effective community partnerships are the individual efforts and time that company employees give as volunteers in community service. Community clean-up projects and environmental conservation programs offer many different opportunities for volunteer projects. Many companies support volunteer projects such as repainting or refurbishing homes in the community for those who are having difficulty in maintaining their homes.
Community Infrastructure, Development and Relief Programs
By far the fastest growing and most needed area of development is helping communities build the capacity to meet their basic needs such as infrastructure development, training, job creation, health education, sanitation and water supply. Many API member companies with global operations are forming more effective partnerships with communities, regions, host governments and international organizations to address these needs. The oil and natural gas industry plays a key role in cooperative technology development, transfer and capacity building. Often this means helping host communities in many different ways as illustrated in these partnership examples. Capacity building partnerships provide constructive “win-win” relationships between the public and private sectors, with the aim of developing the capability and skills to achieve sustainable development through the use of modern technologies, management systems, a competent workforce and appropriate laws and regulations.
Human Rights, Diversity, Minority Business and Youth Support Programs
A critical element for improving social and economic well-being through effective partnerships is the nurturing of minority business and youth support, and the protection of human rights. The oil and gas industry seeks to treat all people fairly and equitably. Some companies are members of the United Nations Global Compact to encourage good practices covering human rights, labor and the environment. Other companies have endorsed the Sullivan Principles that contain a set of principles addressing a range of social responsibility issues.
Security Assurance Programs, Disaster Preparedness and Relief Programs
Security has always been a top priority at oil and natural gas facilities. In light of the horrific attacks of September 11th, the oil and natural gas industry is taking additional steps to secure their facilities and, in turn, enhance the security of surrounding communities. These include: increasing security at critical facilities worldwide; setting up communication networks to interface with government agencies on security related issues and information requests; promoting legislation to allow companies to share confidential information on security issues; supporting removal of facility specific information from government and other public web sites that could aid terrorists; and, working with the new Department of Homeland Security.