The Community Engagement Standards: For Stakeholders in the Extractive Industries

Extractive companies face rising expectations to do more than simply mitigate negative impacts, they are expected to be sources of economic opportunity and to be reliable and trustworthy partners and neighbours. These companies are expected to deliver lasting social and economic benefits to the areas where they have their footprints.The tool for delivering these tangible and sustainable benefits to communities is the Community Engagement Standards (CES). Sections and provisions of the CES may be translated into a Community Development Agreement (CDA). Over the years, companies have engaged communities and sundry stakeholders, unfortunately with less than inspiring results. This CES is aimed at filling some of the identified gaps in earlier ones.