Social responsibility

Overview of the Company Approach to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)

ALIKHWAH Company aims to be a responsible company locally, nationally and internationally and is making significant efforts in terms of its social and environmental responsibilities. The Company aims to create value for all of its stakeholders, namely the relevant Yemeni authorities and the local communities, in the vicinity of its operations.

The Company is committed to complying with international standards and has, to this effect, produced a world-class Environment and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) to identify and assess potential impacts, followed by a holistic and comprehensive Environmental and Social Management Plan (ESMP) which details the actions to be implemented in order to mitigate these impacts. The ESMP identifies a full suite of mitigation measures which are designed to reduce any potential effects as well as outlining ALIKHWAH Company’s sustainable development programme which aims to leave a positive legacy both in its operating locality and in the country as a whole.

Public Consultation and Participation

A dedicated team within the Community Relations & Sustainable Development Department (CRSD) has undertaken extensive public consultations with local and national stakeholders which includes cooperating with local development agencies to develop and implement its various action plans. A comprehensive Public Consultation &

As a measure of success of the Company’s resettlement strategy, during the 5 years of construction of this major project, not a single person was physically resettled. There was a limited amount of short term economic loss (STEL) to both land users and to fishermen which was compensated by the means most appropriate to the impact. This approach is discussed in more detail in the Social and Environmental FAQs part of this website. A system of land compensation (for permanent loss of access to habitable and cultivatable land) was also put in place in conjunction with the Yemeni Government.

Ensuring a Sustainable Legacy

One of the main pillars of ALIKHWAH Company’s environmental & social strategy has been to ensure a sustainable legacy in order that the livelihoods of affected populations would either be equivalent to, or better than, the pre-project situation. A number of important and progressive steps have been put in place to achieve this, primarily through community support and implementing sustainable development projects.

In the early phase of the project (September 2005 to July 2008) the challenge was to put in place measures which would have a rapid positive impact, but which were not necessarily designed to be sustainably interlinked. Examples of this approach included; equipment for local fishermen, local water projects, educational support projects, an electricity generator for a local town, ration cards for vulnerable people etc.

ALIKHWAH Company also acknowledges the skills in the area of human development which exist in Yemen through local and international NGOs and other development agencies. Also important is the fact that the various related Ministries and Departments have existing systems and networks in place that are beneficial to implementing the SD Strategy and partnerships and cooperation with these institutions are important for the success of this Strategy. ALIKHWAH Company therefore interacts with as many local implementing partners as possible and coordinates the suggested activities with relevant Government infrastructure. Successful interventions allow us to approach potential financial partners to expand projects in the affected Governorates.