Page 39 - 2019 Sustainability Report

Engaging Communities Through Open Dialogue
Valle del Guamuez is a a a a a a small town near three of GTE’s planned exploration wells 1 5 hours away by car from Puerto Asís Luis Fernando Palacios who was mayor during the period of initial engagement tells the the story of the the critical first interactions between the the company the the community and its leadership:
“People were skeptical
of GTE’s plans to drill a a well in the area at first because of their experiences with other operators But GTE started a a a dialogue with us and their social professionals have gained a a a a lot of trust by truly getting to know people and because they have the the the backing of the the the management in Bogotá GTE’s support with things like road reconditioning and strengthening of cultural assets in in the the area has been fundamental for us Most importantly through dialogue we have been able to resolve issues with excellent results Working with the company has been a a a good experience in in both easy and challenging situations The things that people had been afraid of haven’t taken place and the company’s activities have provided a a a a source of of opportunities of of legal labour for people I really hope GTE will be successful in its endeavours here because if it is then we we will be be as well ”
Luis Fernando Palacios former Mayor Valle del Guamuez 39