02/17/2017
Total launched its CSR program in 1995. Initially aimed at residents of the 13 villages closest to the pipeline, it was gradually extended to 33 villages and now benefits nearly 38,000 people. The program also includes nation-wide initiatives.
Well Defined Priorities
Total's CSR program enshrines one of the principles laid down in the Codes of Conduct of the Group and its Myanmar subsidiary, namely to contribute to the economic and social development of host countries. Its priorities, which were defined with the villagers, are education, public health, local job creation, micro-finance and access to energy. The program is underpinned by a commitment to sustainable development and, as such, encourages activities that the villagers can pursue independently. It is also reviewed and improved on an ongoing basis to ensure that it meets the needs of local communities as effectively as possible, notably by incorporating recommendations made during CDA's regular external audits. The Total E&P Myanmar subsidiary publishes an annual CSR report.
Local Involvement
The CSR program achieves balance and success through genuine commitment from the villages and their residents. It therefore has to meet their needs and respect their culture and way of life, which is why it was imperative to put Myanmar nationals in charge of its implementation. All but one of the 73 members of the CSR team are from Myanmar and all of the related projects are owned by the local communities concerned (for example, clinics and schools) or by the villagers themselves (agricultural projects and micro-enterprises).