GABRICH Group commits to building a legitimate ‘social license to operate’ in the communities and countries in which we operate. We see this as an essential foundation for our business activity.
GABRICH Group guiding principle is to enter into dialogue and engagement with the key stakeholders in our operations communities, conducted in the spirit of transparency and good faith, at all stages of company activities including, but not limited to, the following:
Conducting Environmental and Social Impact Assessments (EIA and SIA);
Holding Stakeholder Awareness Meetings (SAM) and open town hall meetings;
Employing Community Liaison Officers (CLO) to act as a bridge between communities and the Company;
Establishing representative stakeholder committees in areas of activity; and establishing a formal grievance mechanism.
- We respect local cultures and community rights, and aim to preserve or develop these, where possible, through our activities.
- We will consult with representatives of the local community and other stakeholders about activities undertaken in the areas where we operate.
- We seek to build trust and mutually beneficial relationships with local communities.
- We will implement a process for systematically receiving, investigating, responding to and closing out complaints or grievances from project-affected stakeholders in a timely, fair and consistent manner.
- We seek to contribute to enhancing the overall social and economic wellbeing of local communities in the areas where we operate, by hiring local staff and participating in local community development projects when applicable.
- We strive to deliver tangible and sustainable development opportunities to targeted populations through community infrastructure, sustainable livelihoods initiatives and economic developments.
We will deliver Community and Economic Development programs designed specifically to supplement these benefits by delivering tangible and sustainable development opportunities to targeted populations through a three-tiered approach:
Community infrastructure – health, education & water;
Sustainable livelihoods – enhanced food security & improved household incomes; and
Economic development – wealth & employment creation.
Activity in these areas may be short, medium or long-term and cover a range of initiatives. They will be designed and implemented in consultation with local communities, local and national authorities, donor organizations and NGOs.