{"id":845,"date":"2023-05-10T15:14:37","date_gmt":"2023-05-10T21:14:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/forestfirst.com\/contact-copy\/"},"modified":"2025-09-12T08:38:35","modified_gmt":"2025-09-12T14:38:35","slug":"news-events","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/forestfirst.com\/es\/news-events\/","title":{"rendered":"Noticias + Eventos"},"content":{"rendered":"
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News + Events<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t

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Carbon Sequestration<\/i><\/strong><\/h2>

Late in the first quarter of 2025 we received an issuance of 127,375 carbon credits.\u00a0 <\/span>That makes a total of over 600,000 credits issued to us to date for our CO2 sequestration efforts.\u00a0 <\/span>All credits have now been sold.<\/p>

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We are certified by VERRA for the Voluntary Carbon Standard (VCS) and Climate, Community and Biodiversity (CCB).<\/p>

\u00a0<\/p><\/div>

August 18, 2025<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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See our 2024 Sustainability Report<\/i><\/strong><\/h2>

August, 2025<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Read Report here<\/strong><\/em><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/h4>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Q & A with Forest First\u00a0<\/strong><\/em>CEO Tobey Russ and CFO Jonathan Dodd on climate change mitigation and sustainable forestry in Colombia<\/strong><\/h2>

Dec 5th, 2023<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Read Article by DFC.gov here<\/strong><\/em><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/h4>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Community + Social<\/strong><\/em><\/span><\/h2>\n
Social and economic betterment of our employees is extremely important to us. We strive to go above “what is required” and we do what is the responsible and right thing to do. Here are some of the activities we have undertaken:<\/h6>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Quarter 2, 2023<\/strong><\/em><\/span><\/h4>
Stakeholder Engagement<\/strong><\/em><\/span><\/div>
This quarter had a focus on our investment in people and the communities around us. This was seen through several key initiatives:<\/strong><\/div>

\u2022 May 28th – 31st \u00a0we held several job fairs in anticipation of future processing and harvesting job\u00a0openings. Events were held in Puerto Carre\u00f1o, Aceitico, Puerto Murillo, Morichalito and La Venturosa. Approx. 300 people\u00a0participated and we received positive job interest. Locals were enthused at having the opportunity to be taken\u00a0into consideration for future roles.\u00a0We expect this initiative will contribute towards reducing the lead time between operational headcount requests\u00a0and actual hiring.<\/p>

\u00a0<\/p>

\u2022 We held a women only workshop to communicate job opportunities and allow them to express their concerns in a safe\u00a0space.\u00a0This was a successful activity and allowed many women to register for potential work.<\/p>

\u00a0<\/p>

\u2022 Engagement activities were increased beyond Venturosa in anticipation of our expansion plans and in order to increase our regional impact. In particular, we are targeting the Aceitico population and the Puerto Murillo and La Mayera indigenous communities.\u00a0<\/p>

\u00a0<\/p>

\u2022 Venturosa had a sport event for the children. We donated food and drinks after the sport competition took place. Adults also participated in sport events so we donated football kits both for the men and women’s teams.<\/p>

\u00a0<\/p>

\u2022 We donated 100 native tree seedlings to the school in Aceitico as part of our celebration of the international tree and earth day. Trees were planted by the school children and staff.<\/p>

\u00a0<\/p>

Health & Safety<\/strong><\/span><\/p>

\u2022 Total man hours works without LTI (Lost Time Injury) is 257,118 hours to date (year 2023). Our target goal is 900,000.<\/p>

\u00a0<\/p>

\u2022\u00a0As part of our ESG commitment we are planning a contractor audit to ensure alignment in our understanding of health and\u00a0safety matters and human resources.<\/p>

\u00a0<\/p>

Environment + Biodiversity<\/strong><\/span><\/p>

\u2022\u00a0We continue to be hard at work on an environmental and social action plan, based on IFC PS, since FinnFund\u2019s investment\u00a0in 2017.<\/p>

\u00a0<\/p>

\u2022 Our Environmental Lead, alongside a member from Fundaci\u00f3n Omacha, held training sessions on\u00a0armadillos in the school in Venturosa, San Cristobal and Paraiso camps.\u00a0The aim of the training is to expand our collaborators and contractor\u00b4s knowledge of this specie as they are widely\u00a0hunted for their meat.\u00a0Armadillos are endemic to the Llanos Orientales and are a critical specie to maintain the ecological balance in the\u00a0region. In addition, we want people to be aware that Armadillos can be carriers of leprosy, and therefore it is best to\u00a0avoid direct contact and eat their meat.<\/p>

\u00a0<\/p>

\u2022 Communications have started regarding the environmental team\u2019s progress. Banners have been posted\u00a0in all our campsites in visible places.\u00a0In May we issued communication on the Armadillo training sessions, our new recycling methodology and the results\u00a0of our water monitoring program.\u00a0This is important as an additional training tool and to generate\u00a0awareness of results obtained through monitoring.<\/p>

\u00a0<\/p>

Operations<\/strong><\/span><\/p>

\u2022\u00a0We continue to grow our wood sales and have now delivered over 5,600 m3 of logs in 2023.<\/p>

\u00a0<\/p>

\u2022 Our sawmill is now on site and installation is underway. Our treatment cylinder is on route and expected to arrive in August.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Job fairs were well attended.<\/figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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100 native tree seedlings were donated to a local school.<\/figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Giant Armadillo - Priodontes maximus seen at camp.<\/figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t
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Quarter 1, 2023<\/strong><\/em><\/span><\/h4>

\u2022 \u00a0We participated in the 40th Anniversary of the town of\u00a0La Venturosa by donating food for the sports event. The celebrations included visitors from the local villages of Puerto Murillo and Aceitico.<\/p>

\u00a0<\/p>

\u2022 \u00a0We sponsored a workshop, in association with the Colombian Children Protection Agency \u2013 ICBF, around self care for the children of La Venturosa school. This was the first in a \u00a0series of workshops in which children can learn about the importance of taking care of themselves and how to do so.<\/p>

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\u2022 We held a workshop on community fire use, impact, and risks, in association with the National University. The objective is to promote good practices and provide support around fire management.\u00a0<\/p>

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\u2022 The indigenous Morichalito Matsuldani community has expressed interest in participating in new job vacancies. This is a very welcome development but many its community members have limited knowledge in preparing a CV and going through a selection process. During March, the social lead and one of our H&S coordinators helped to train community members in how to complete a CV so they are prepared when we conduct a local recruiting fair, expected in May.<\/p>

\u00a0<\/p>

\u2022 With an increased focus on indigenous peoples in Colombia, generally, we have engaged \u00a0consultant who has experience in indigenous stakeholder engagement. They help us develop our strategic plan for near term, medium term, and long term relationships with indigenous peoples in our area of influence. Initial visits by the consultant to these communities were received very positively and we received very good feedback for our proactive approach.<\/p>

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Quarter 4, 2022<\/strong><\/em><\/span><\/h4>

\u2022 \u00a0As it is tradition during the Christmas season, we participated in the celebrations by donating a total of 256 gifts for the children in Venturosa, Aceitico, the indigenous community of Morichalito and ICBF, the children protection agency in Puerto Carreno.\u00a0<\/p>

\u00a0<\/p>

\u2022 We closed 2022 with extended and improved relationships at the local and regional level. We invested in increasing our internal capabilities for community and stakeholder engagement. As a result, we have an effective team articulating our messages to local and regional peoples.<\/p>

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Q & A with Forest First\u00a0<\/strong><\/em>CEO Tobey Russ and CFO Jonathan Dodd on climate change mitigation and sustainable forestry in Colombia<\/strong><\/h2>

Dec 5th, 2023<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Read Article by DFC.gov here<\/strong><\/em><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/h4>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Community + Social<\/strong><\/em><\/span><\/h2>\n
Social and economic betterment of our employees is extremely important to us. We strive to go above “what is required” and we do what is the responsible and right thing to do. Here are some of the activities we have undertaken:<\/h6>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Quarter 2, 2023<\/strong><\/em><\/span><\/h4>
Stakeholder Engagement<\/strong><\/em><\/span><\/div>
This quarter had a focus on our investment in people and the communities around us. This was seen through several key initiatives:<\/strong><\/div>

\u2022 May 28th – 31st \u00a0we held several job fairs in anticipation of future processing and harvesting job\u00a0openings. Events were held in Puerto Carre\u00f1o, Aceitico, Puerto Murillo, Morichalito and La Venturosa. Approx. 300 people\u00a0participated and we received positive job interest. Locals were enthused at having the opportunity to be taken\u00a0into consideration for future roles.\u00a0We expect this initiative will contribute towards reducing the lead time between operational headcount requests\u00a0and actual hiring.<\/p>

\u00a0<\/p>

\u2022 We held a women only workshop to communicate job opportunities and allow them to express their concerns in a safe\u00a0space.\u00a0This was a successful activity and allowed many women to register for potential work.<\/p>

\u00a0<\/p>

\u2022 Engagement activities were increased beyond Venturosa in anticipation of our expansion plans and in order to increase our regional impact. In particular, we are targeting the Aceitico population and the Puerto Murillo and La Mayera indigenous communities.\u00a0<\/p>

\u00a0<\/p>

\u2022 Venturosa had a sport event for the children. We donated food and drinks after the sport competition took place. Adults also participated in sport events so we donated football kits both for the men and women’s teams.<\/p>

\u00a0<\/p>

\u2022 We donated 100 native tree seedlings to the school in Aceitico as part of our celebration of the international tree and earth day. Trees were planted by the school children and staff.<\/p>

\u00a0<\/p>

Health & Safety<\/strong><\/span><\/p>

\u2022 Total man hours works without LTI (Lost Time Injury) is 257,118 hours to date (year 2023). Our target goal is 900,000.<\/p>

\u00a0<\/p>

\u2022\u00a0As part of our ESG commitment we are planning a contractor audit to ensure alignment in our understanding of health and\u00a0safety matters and human resources.<\/p>

\u00a0<\/p>

Environment + Biodiversity<\/strong><\/span><\/p>

\u2022\u00a0We continue to be hard at work on an environmental and social action plan, based on IFC PS, since FinnFund\u2019s investment\u00a0in 2017.<\/p>

\u00a0<\/p>

\u2022 Our Environmental Lead, alongside a member from Fundaci\u00f3n Omacha, held training sessions on\u00a0armadillos in the school in Venturosa, San Cristobal and Paraiso camps.\u00a0The aim of the training is to expand our collaborators and contractor\u00b4s knowledge of this specie as they are widely\u00a0hunted for their meat.\u00a0Armadillos are endemic to the Llanos Orientales and are a critical specie to maintain the ecological balance in the\u00a0region. In addition, we want people to be aware that Armadillos can be carriers of leprosy, and therefore it is best to\u00a0avoid direct contact and eat their meat.<\/p>

\u00a0<\/p>

\u2022 Communications have started regarding the environmental team\u2019s progress. Banners have been posted\u00a0in all our campsites in visible places.\u00a0In May we issued communication on the Armadillo training sessions, our new recycling methodology and the results\u00a0of our water monitoring program.\u00a0This is important as an additional training tool and to generate\u00a0awareness of results obtained through monitoring.<\/p>

\u00a0<\/p>

Operations<\/strong><\/span><\/p>

\u2022\u00a0We continue to grow our wood sales and have now delivered over 5,600 m3 of logs in 2023.<\/p>

\u00a0<\/p>

\u2022 Our sawmill is now on site and installation is underway. Our treatment cylinder is on route and expected to arrive in August.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Job fairs were well attended.<\/figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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100 native tree seedlings were donated to a local school.<\/figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Giant Armadillo - Priodontes maximus seen at camp.<\/figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t
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Quarter 1, 2023<\/strong><\/em><\/span><\/h4>

\u2022 \u00a0We participated in the 40th Anniversary of the town of\u00a0La Venturosa by donating food for the sports event. The celebrations included visitors from the local villages of Puerto Murillo and Aceitico.<\/p>

\u00a0<\/p>

\u2022 \u00a0We sponsored a workshop, in association with the Colombian Children Protection Agency \u2013 ICBF, around self care for the children of La Venturosa school. This was the first in a \u00a0series of workshops in which children can learn about the importance of taking care of themselves and how to do so.<\/p>

\u00a0<\/p>

\u2022 We held a workshop on community fire use, impact, and risks, in association with the National University. The objective is to promote good practices and provide support around fire management.\u00a0<\/p>

\u00a0<\/p>

\u2022 The indigenous Morichalito Matsuldani community has expressed interest in participating in new job vacancies. This is a very welcome development but many its community members have limited knowledge in preparing a CV and going through a selection process. During March, the social lead and one of our H&S coordinators helped to train community members in how to complete a CV so they are prepared when we conduct a local recruiting fair, expected in May.<\/p>

\u00a0<\/p>

\u2022 With an increased focus on indigenous peoples in Colombia, generally, we have engaged \u00a0consultant who has experience in indigenous stakeholder engagement. They help us develop our strategic plan for near term, medium term, and long term relationships with indigenous peoples in our area of influence. Initial visits by the consultant to these communities were received very positively and we received very good feedback for our proactive approach.<\/p>

\u00a0<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Quarter 4, 2022<\/strong><\/em><\/span><\/h4>

\u2022 \u00a0As it is tradition during the Christmas season, we participated in the celebrations by donating a total of 256 gifts for the children in Venturosa, Aceitico, the indigenous community of Morichalito and ICBF, the children protection agency in Puerto Carreno.\u00a0<\/p>

\u00a0<\/p>

\u2022 We closed 2022 with extended and improved relationships at the local and regional level. We invested in increasing our internal capabilities for community and stakeholder engagement. As a result, we have an effective team articulating our messages to local and regional peoples.<\/p>

\u00a0<\/p>

\u00a0<\/p>

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Q & A with Forest First\u00a0<\/strong><\/em>CEO Tobey Russ and CFO Jonathan Dodd on climate change mitigation and sustainable forestry in Colombia<\/strong><\/h2>

Dec 5th, 2023<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Read Article by DFC.gov here<\/strong><\/em><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/h4>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Community + Social<\/strong><\/em><\/span><\/h2>\n
Social and economic betterment of our employees is extremely important to us. We strive to go above “what is required” and we do what is the responsible and right thing to do. Here are some of the activities we have undertaken:<\/h6>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Quarter 2, 2023<\/strong><\/em><\/span><\/h4>
Stakeholder Engagement<\/strong><\/em><\/span><\/div>
This quarter had a focus on our investment in people and the communities around us. This was seen through several key initiatives:<\/strong><\/div>

\u2022 May 28th – 31st \u00a0we held several job fairs in anticipation of future processing and harvesting job\u00a0openings. Events were held in Puerto Carre\u00f1o, Aceitico, Puerto Murillo, Morichalito and La Venturosa. Approx. 300 people\u00a0participated and we received positive job interest. Locals were enthused at having the opportunity to be taken\u00a0into consideration for future roles.\u00a0We expect this initiative will contribute towards reducing the lead time between operational headcount requests\u00a0and actual hiring.<\/p>

\u00a0<\/p>

\u2022 We held a women only workshop to communicate job opportunities and allow them to express their concerns in a safe\u00a0space.\u00a0This was a successful activity and allowed many women to register for potential work.<\/p>

\u00a0<\/p>

\u2022 Engagement activities were increased beyond Venturosa in anticipation of our expansion plans and in order to increase our regional impact. In particular, we are targeting the Aceitico population and the Puerto Murillo and La Mayera indigenous communities.\u00a0<\/p>

\u00a0<\/p>

\u2022 Venturosa had a sport event for the children. We donated food and drinks after the sport competition took place. Adults also participated in sport events so we donated football kits both for the men and women’s teams.<\/p>

\u00a0<\/p>

\u2022 We donated 100 native tree seedlings to the school in Aceitico as part of our celebration of the international tree and earth day. Trees were planted by the school children and staff.<\/p>

\u00a0<\/p>

Health & Safety<\/strong><\/span><\/p>

\u2022 Total man hours works without LTI (Lost Time Injury) is 257,118 hours to date (year 2023). Our target goal is 900,000.<\/p>

\u00a0<\/p>

\u2022\u00a0As part of our ESG commitment we are planning a contractor audit to ensure alignment in our understanding of health and\u00a0safety matters and human resources.<\/p>

\u00a0<\/p>

Environment + Biodiversity<\/strong><\/span><\/p>

\u2022\u00a0We continue to be hard at work on an environmental and social action plan, based on IFC PS, since FinnFund\u2019s investment\u00a0in 2017.<\/p>

\u00a0<\/p>

\u2022 Our Environmental Lead, alongside a member from Fundaci\u00f3n Omacha, held training sessions on\u00a0armadillos in the school in Venturosa, San Cristobal and Paraiso camps.\u00a0The aim of the training is to expand our collaborators and contractor\u00b4s knowledge of this specie as they are widely\u00a0hunted for their meat.\u00a0Armadillos are endemic to the Llanos Orientales and are a critical specie to maintain the ecological balance in the\u00a0region. In addition, we want people to be aware that Armadillos can be carriers of leprosy, and therefore it is best to\u00a0avoid direct contact and eat their meat.<\/p>

\u00a0<\/p>

\u2022 Communications have started regarding the environmental team\u2019s progress. Banners have been posted\u00a0in all our campsites in visible places.\u00a0In May we issued communication on the Armadillo training sessions, our new recycling methodology and the results\u00a0of our water monitoring program.\u00a0This is important as an additional training tool and to generate\u00a0awareness of results obtained through monitoring.<\/p>

\u00a0<\/p>

Operations<\/strong><\/span><\/p>

\u2022\u00a0We continue to grow our wood sales and have now delivered over 5,600 m3 of logs in 2023.<\/p>

\u00a0<\/p>

\u2022 Our sawmill is now on site and installation is underway. Our treatment cylinder is on route and expected to arrive in August.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Job fairs were well attended.<\/figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Quarter 1, 2023<\/strong><\/em><\/span><\/h4>

\u2022 \u00a0We participated in the 40th Anniversary of the town of\u00a0La Venturosa by donating food for the sports event. The celebrations included visitors from the local villages of Puerto Murillo and Aceitico.<\/p>

\u00a0<\/p>

\u2022 \u00a0We sponsored a workshop, in association with the Colombian Children Protection Agency \u2013 ICBF, around self care for the children of La Venturosa school. This was the first in a \u00a0series of workshops in which children can learn about the importance of taking care of themselves and how to do so.<\/p>

\u00a0<\/p>

\u2022 We held a workshop on community fire use, impact, and risks, in association with the National University. The objective is to promote good practices and provide support around fire management.\u00a0<\/p>

\u00a0<\/p>

\u2022 The indigenous Morichalito Matsuldani community has expressed interest in participating in new job vacancies. This is a very welcome development but many its community members have limited knowledge in preparing a CV and going through a selection process. During March, the social lead and one of our H&S coordinators helped to train community members in how to complete a CV so they are prepared when we conduct a local recruiting fair, expected in May.<\/p>

\u00a0<\/p>

\u2022 With an increased focus on indigenous peoples in Colombia, generally, we have engaged \u00a0consultant who has experience in indigenous stakeholder engagement. They help us develop our strategic plan for near term, medium term, and long term relationships with indigenous peoples in our area of influence. Initial visits by the consultant to these communities were received very positively and we received very good feedback for our proactive approach.<\/p>

\u00a0<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Quarter 4, 2022<\/strong><\/em><\/span><\/h4>

\u2022 \u00a0As it is tradition during the Christmas season, we participated in the celebrations by donating a total of 256 gifts for the children in Venturosa, Aceitico, the indigenous community of Morichalito and ICBF, the children protection agency in Puerto Carreno.\u00a0<\/p>

\u00a0<\/p>

\u2022 We closed 2022 with extended and improved relationships at the local and regional level. We invested in increasing our internal capabilities for community and stakeholder engagement. As a result, we have an effective team articulating our messages to local and regional peoples.<\/p>

\u00a0<\/p>

\u00a0<\/p>

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