By the OGJ Online Staff
HOUSTON, Apr. 10 -- Talisman Energy Inc., Calgary, Tuesday released its first independently verified corporate social responsibility report regarding its exploration and development operations in southern Sudan.
The report, outlining how Talisman is addressing human rights issues, was made in compliance with the International Code of Ethics for Canadian Business that Talisman adopted in December 1999.
Talisman (Greater Nile) BV operates and holds 25% ownership in the 12.2 million-acre Greater Nile Oil Project (GNOP). Critics allege revenues from the project help the Khartoum government fund the war against the Sudanese in the south (OGJ, Jan. 17, 2000, p. 38).
PricewaterhouseCoopers UK independently verified the report by visiting Khartoum, the concession area, and a village along the pipeline. The report evaluates Talisman's progress in the areas of human rights, community participation, employee rights, ethical business conduct, and health, safety, and environment.
Jim Buckee, Talisman�s president and CEO, said, "We hope this report will be received as an honest effort to respond to concerns about our investment in Sudan �with the assistance of stakeholders, we will continue to address social issues in a responsible and inclusive fashion."
The state oil companies of China, Malaysia, and Sudan are partners in GNOP, which is producing 211,000 b/d of crude for export.
"Our share of GNPOC oil production accounted for 11% of Talisman's worldwide production in 2000," Talisman said.
The report has established a comprehensive framework from which the company can expand the reporting process in future years.
"We also believe that we are helping the people of Sudan by providing employment and skills training, building local infrastructure, supporting further economic development, and by doing what we can to support peace and stability in the region," the report said.
Talisman's community development initiatives, including the provision of water wells, health clinics, and schools, will be expanded, the report said.
Talisman plans to fund a $2 million community development program during 2001 and is working to increase employment of Sudanese nationals, the report said.
