Social Impact on Communities

Prior to commencing all major projects and planned interventions, MOL conducts assessments of the projected impacts on local communities and implements safeguards to minimise any negative impacts since the well-being of all our stakeholders is of critical importance.

We study and analyse the possible intended and unintended social consequences of our developments during the planning phase so any changes required can be incorporated and considered in due time. The primary purpose of our assessments is to bring about a more sustainable and equitable biophysical and human environment. Success depends on our capacity to adapt best practices and make the most of local opportunities and synergies by incorporating and addressing stakeholders’ views throughout the project lifecycle. During stakeholder engagement process we inform stakeholders about the proposed project and its probable effects, collect their input, views and concerns and take account of this information in decision-making. Beyond identifying and mitigating adverse impacts we consider positive reimbursements from the projects. This means not only creating job opportunities but supporting various local initiatives. Successfully answering local challenges further underpins MOL’s ability to adhere to sustainability principles.

Compensation and relocation / resettlement

Using third-party properties is a particularly sensitive issue, since several parts of society may be affected. Under the official system, the competent authorities determine conditions of land use and compensation. However we only use compensation as a last resort ensuring that impacts are not borne disproportionately, other means such as relocation / resettlement are treated as a special case.

In impact mitigation and management phase we consider it to be essential that all local lay residents who may be affected by a project are kept sufficiently informed about it, as a means of reassurance. One way is to establish a public forum with the local inhabitants, even if not stipulated in law, where features of the development and its direct impact is presented to and discussed with all parties concerned to ensure appropriate co-operation after construction has commenced. The management plan comprises actions, responsibilities and timing of mitigation and enhancement actions and monitoring of impacts and actions. Mitigation measures are built into the selected alternative. As part of the project organisation there is an allocated officer who is responsible for feedback, general information and relevant communication. The allocated officer is continuously available during the course of the whole project and provides information to stakeholders on issues related to land-use and the project status

In certain types of licensing procedures, public hearings and forums with local inhabitants are mandatory. They are directed by the competent authority, and the constructor is a direct participant.

Heritage protection

Mandatory heritage protection studies are usually conducted prior to linear facility construction projects (e.g.: pipelines, transmission lines). Where projects require licences to proceed, the relevant cultural heritage protection authority prescribes the preparation of such studies in line with relevant legislation. These studies dictate whether prior archaeological research or professional supervision is required.