DORA MONCADA, Director of the National Centre for Water and Biodiversity, ANDI
“The Biodiversity and Development Agreement for Putumayo, which brings together five entities of the National Environmental System, ANDI and energy companies such as Gran Tierra Energy, celebrates 10 years of work in Putumayo. This alliance has been a platform for public-private work, the generation of trust and the union of collective efforts for Andean-Amazonian connectivity. This agreement, led by Gran Tierra Energy, has allowed the cleanup of the Orito Ingi Ande Medicinal Plant Sanctuary, the management of new knowledge of the region's biological diversity, the generation of strategies and high standards of monitoring and sectoral planning around biodiversity.”
JESSICA BAUTISTA, Transparency Committee Secretary, La Milagreña
“When GTE arrived they helped us understand what their plans were and how we could work together. The transparency committee is an effective tool to work through issues and has helped reach agreements with the community.”
FRANCISCO JOSÉ GÓMEZ MONTES, Deputy Director,
“The Chawar Project is an example of an oil company trying to have a real conversation with the environmental sector and big picture thinking about transitioning towards sustainability.”
Scientific Services and Special Projects, Humboldt Institute
LUZ MARY CORTES CELIS, Professor,
“Gran Tierra has been very supportive and collaborative with our municipality regarding infrastructure, transportation, and technology. The training, support and workshops for the teachers and students that were part of PetrolCopa were very positive.”
Universidad de Magdalena & Secretary of Education, San Martín
CAROLINA AGUAS, Former President, JAC La Banca
“GTE has always been a good neighbour, treating our requests seriously and never closing its doors to us. They have gone far beyond what was expected, and if it wasn’t for their support, we wouldn’t be able to carry out these projects. As a result, the quality of life here has improved a lot.”
HILIANA TORO, Secretary of Agricultural Development and Environment, Governor’s Office, Putumayo Department
“GTE has been a strategic ally to the government of Putumayo in its efforts to support our producers. Successful projects like AgroEmprende are important models that help us attract additional public-private initiatives. The Company’s efforts to help develop local infrastructure like roads is connected with its entrepreneurial and agricultural projects, which taken together are very important in territories where development is lagging.”
ANDRES LOPEZ, Mayor Villagarzón
“This effort shows that if the private and public sectors join forces to look for solutions to meet the needs of the communities, we can have success, and GTE has been an important teammate in this journey to build a sustainable and lasting economy.”
of Campo Alegre Village
ROLANDO GUERRA, President, La Banca JAC
“In my experience as a leader, GTE has been an incredible company with respectful professionals that are committed to the community. The way the Company reacts during the difficult moments has actually built trust and confidence between the community and Company.”
LUZ DEIFI VELÁQUES, President, La Carmelita JAC
“We’ve worked with GTE in several ways, but one of the most impactful activities has been the demining of our region, which has dramatically changed the way people live and move in this area.”
GLORIA MARGOTH LOPEZ FUENTES, Hilos de la Tierra participant
“The moment GTE arrived we’ve seen more interaction with and support towards the community. They’ve helped us with investments in cultural areas like the arts, entertainment and sports. Historically, we’ve had a mixed experience with previous oil industry operators in this area. While there were jobs and work for everyone, it came with environmental damage as well as impacts on the community. Things changed as the armed conflict went away before GTE’s arrival and now we have a really nice relationship with them.”
RUBÉN DARÍO VILLABONA PÉREZ, Mayor, Rionegro
“GTE’s contributions to our community have made it into an incredible partner for us, and now we are seeing results materialize. Our municipality is stronger as a result of the dialogue, agreements and social endeavours that we have worked on together.”
WENDY LOZADO, Legal Representative, Contranskilili
“Since my family started our business in 1995 as a simple transportation company, we’ve grown into other sectors, including oil transportation. Gran Tierra’s clear communications, guidance and training has helped us easily integrate with the Company, and their support has helped us improve our own processes.”
PAUL ANDREAS VARGAS, Legal Representative and Founder, with her husband, Anderson Peña Perdomo, Manager, IMCOL Group
“The support GTE has provided to local businesses, including its Key Partners program, has given us an opportunity to find success as entrepreneurs.”
HEIDY QUIROGA, Reaces S.A.S
“People often simply throw their used cooking oil away which can pollute the water and soil. We wanted to do something that would make a difference, environmentally, socially and healthwise, and that’s where the idea for this business came from. The people at Emprender+[(GTE’s popular entrepreneurship-centred social investment program] really took me by the hand and dedicated their time to help me understand all the factors that go into the business which was a big reason for our success.”