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Environmental & Social Review Summary
Project Number
38754
Company Name
PROTEAK UNO, S.A.B. DE C.V.
Date ESRS Disclosed
Nov 14, 2016
Country
Mexico
Region
Latin America and the Caribbean
Last Updated Date
Jul 27, 2017
Environmental Category
B - Limited
Status
Active
Previous Events
Approved : Dec 20, 2016
Signed : Jan 13, 2017
Invested : Jul 17, 2017
Sector
Plantation Forests
Industry
Agribusiness and Forestry
Department
Regional Industry MAS LAC & EUR
Project Description
Proteak is an existing IFC client and the largest forestry company in Mexico. The Company is seeking additional IFC support for the implementation of its 2017 – 2019 investment plan which aims to expand its sustainably managed eucalypts plantations, the replanting of existing plantations, funding incremental working capital needs and refinancing existing debt (the “project”). This project will support the growth of a forestry player with strong focus on sustainability. Additionally, the project will contribute to reduction of carbon emissions (through carbon sequestration) and generation of employment in remote rural areas of frontier regions (Tabasco, Veracruz and Chiapas), where job opportunities are scarce. Proteak has requested IFC to provide an A loan and parallel loan of up to US$ 65 mn.
Overview of IFC's Scope of Review
IFC’s Environmental and Social due diligence took place during August 2016 and included site visits to Proteak’s plantations and nurseries in the States of Chiapas, Veracruz and Tabasco and review of its new Medium Density Fiberboard (MDF) processing facilities in Huimanguillo, Tabasco. IFC reviewed the environment and social risks and impacts associated with the proposed project through site visits to company plantations, nurseries, and wood milling facilities. The team conducted interviews with field staff, contractors, local government officials and consultants and reviewed company policies, procedures and actual practices. The CES team also met with village and municipal leaders as well as private individuals and communities leasing land to the company. During appraisal, IFC assessed Proteak’s forestry management practices against IFC’s Performance Standards, local regulatory requirements and applicable requirements of the World Bank Group’s General and sector-specific Environmental, Health and Safety (EHS) Guidelines including Perennial Crop Production (2015) and Forest Harvesting Operations (2007). The team reviewed all of the systems and documentation across all business areas with particular attention on land acquisition procedures, recruitment and labor practices, transportation safety, and broader management systems used to document and manage EHS risks. Prior to field visits IFC compiled a geographic information system to help organize and assess the large amounts of E&S information available through the company, government and other data sources.
E & S Project Categorization and Applicable Standard
While all Performance Standards are applicable to this investment, IFCs environmental and social due diligence indicates that the investment will have impacts which must be managed in a manner consistent with the following Performance Standards. If IFCs investment proceeds, IFC will periodically review the the project’s ongoing compliance with the Performance Standards
PS 1 – Assessment and Management of Environmental and Social Risks and Impacts
PS 2 - Labor and working conditions
PS 3 - Resource Efficiency and Pollution Prevention
PS 4 – Community Health, Safety and Security
PS 5 – Land Acquisition and Involuntary Resettlement
PS 6 – Biodiversity Conservation and Sustainable Management of Living Natural Resources
PS 8 – Cultural Heritage
If IFC’s investment proceeds, IFC will periodically review the the project’s ongoing compliance with the Performance Standards
The Company neither operates, nor plans to acquire or lease plantations or lands belonging to indigenous peoples or proximate to recognized indigenous territories thus PS7: Indigenous Peoples is not considered applicable. However, the company will add specific procedures for the application of free, prior and informed consent as per PS7, should they encounter concentrations of Indigenous People in neighboring areas.
This is a Category B project with limited E&S risks and impacts which can be avoided or mitigated through established forest management practices.It is noted that the company has made steady improvement in its environmental and social management systems; employment practices and workforce safety in plantations; and continued conformity with internationally-recognized forestry practices to conserve biodiversity. The company has achieved Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certification for all of its teak and eucalypts forests and recently was certified to the Verified Carbon Standard (“VCS”) for its teak plantations in Chiapas, Nayarit and Tabasco enabling it to accrue and sell roughly 50K TCO2e of carbon credits annually. External audits and Annual Monitoring Reports (AMR’s) confirm use of good management practices including proactive monitoring systems, attention to local recruitment and work safety practices, safe handling of pesticides, improving engagement with surrounding communities, appropriate land acquisition and rental practices, and reforestation of previously cleared and degraded pastures. Key risks reviewed during the appraisal included: level of stakeholder engagement, transportation safety, use of security personnel, and effectiveness of its management of conservation and restoration practices. All IFC Performance Standards are applicable.
Environmental and Social Mitigation Measures
IFC's appraisal considered the environmental and social management planning process and documentation for the project and gaps, if any, between these and IFCs requirements. Where necessary, corrective measures, intended to close these gaps within a reasonable period of time, are summarized in the paragraphs that follow and (if applicable) in an agreed Environmental and Social Action Plan (ESAP). Through the implementation of these measures, the project is expected to be designed and operated in accordance with Performance Standards objectives.
Proteak is a publicly-traded Company which has recently purchased 6,500 ha of existing eucalypts and planted another 3,500 in eucalypts in southern Mexico. The EHS practices and management systems within the recent acquisitions and leases have been audited and certified against the FSC Principles & Criteria for several years by previous owners. All forestry operations are directed through the Company’s Chief Forestry Officer and are conducted through Forest Management Plans which provide the framework for the assessment of risks and impacts and relevant mitigation measures within each management unit. Regional operations managers are supported by appropriate expertise in cartography, inventory and research. Newly acquired plantations are also managed under the CFO’s direction. Proteak has now developed a unit and integrated procedures for all land acquisition and leasing. Proteak added a mid-level environmental and social manager during IFC’s first investment which has led to a strengthening of the companies EHS systems and management practices.
IFC reviewed available environmental and social assessment documentation and found that the reviews have been conducted at levels consistent with national regulations for forestry plantations in all countries. Each Operating unit had registers of applicable EHS and forestry-related regulations. The plantations were clustered regionally and the necessary environmental review documentation was submitted to Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources (Secretaria de Medio Ambiente y Recursos Naturales - SEMARNAT ) for review and approval. All Proteak plantations are currently certified by Rainforest Alliances SmartWood Program which is fully accredited by the FSC.
IFC reviewed available environmental and social assessment documentation and found that the reviews have been conducted at levels consistent with national regulations for forestry plantations in all countries. Each Operating unit had registers of applicable EHS and forestry-related regulations. The plantations were clustered regionally and the necessary environmental review documentation was submitted to Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources (Secretaria de Medio Ambiente y Recursos Naturales - SEMARNAT ) for review and approval. All Proteak plantations are currently certified by Rainforest Alliances SmartWood Program which is fully accredited by the FSC.
Policy – Proteak’s policies and procedures have grown significantly since IFC’s first engagement. The corporate objectives and environmental and social policies and commitments are available through its website (http://www.proteak.com/index.php/en/sustainability/environmental-watch). Examples of environmental review, management plans for forestry, and monitoring systems are also found at this location. During appraisal it was concluded that Proteak’s operational policies and procedures and policies are generally effective and appropriately documented.
Identification of Risks and Impacts - The Forest Management Plans are Proteak’s primary tool for conducting E&S risk assessment and management. Each forest “cluster” or Forest Management Units includes a biophysiographic and an edaphic description (of or relating to the condition of the soil) of the unit and reviews the potential environmental impacts. Upon acquisition of the FOMEX plantations in 2014 Proteak conducted an external environmental assessment of the plantations and the general region in Tabasco. This environmental review focused largely on the biophysical conditions of the area including soils, water, native vegetation and potential E&S impacts. It included a monitoring plan which the company has adopted to ensure that the company is proactively monitoring water, soil and land use changes in the area which is reviewed annually. According to the FSC Surveillance audits, the risk procedures are adequate and routinely implemented during the forest planning process. There is also additional information on the social context of communities neighboring Proteak’s eucalypts plantations which may have occasionally been conducted after the actual onset of management activities when originally purchased by FOMEX’s predecessor. Although social impact assessments are not required by law, the company has conducted several social assessments of its operations in Mexico to comply with FSC certification requirements. The studies were conducted in March and August 2015 focusing respectively on its eucalyptus operations in the states of Tabasco and Veracruz and teak in the state of Tabasco. The social assessments are focused on understanding the perceptions of local stakeholders on the performance of the company, and were based on small samples of residents of a number of communities surrounding its plantation. In general, the results and interviews with community members indicate broad support for the activities of the company and satisfaction with the company’s performance in terms of providing employment in the region, managing pollutants and managing water sources, and providing an important processing facility which now allows value addition to round wood production.
Proteak uses geographic and geospatial information systems to manage its forestry operations. However the systems are not adequate to allow the company to assess and avoid environmental, social, health and safety risks
. As part of the ESAP Proteak will update its GIS software and integrate information from its social and environmental programs as well as relevant information from other sources such as the Mexican Institute of Statistics and Geography (INEGI). The company will use this information to expand its understanding of the context where it operates, improve its ability to identify environmental and social risks and impacts, and inform its mitigation measures and social development programs. It is not expected that Proteak will expand its operations into areas with Indigenous Peoples; however, if it identifies that Indigenous Peoples lands or resources will be affected by its operations, Proteak will conduct Informed Consultation and Participation with affected communities.
Organizational Capacity and Competency - As previously stated field application of the companies EHS procedures is managed by the Chief Forestry Officer. Since IFC’s first investment the company engaged a Manager of Social Responsibility and Environment Management who coordinates communication with shareholders on sustainability issues, compliance with Mexican regulations, and conformity with the independent verification processes including FSC and the VCS. The manager also monitors the stakeholder engagement and grievance processes as well as following the occupational health & safety performance. Both the Chief Forestry Officer and the EHS Manager report directly to the CEO. There is active engagement by senior management in the review of E&S performance. With the expansion on plantations and operations of the MDF plan, Proteak will strengthen its management capacity to fully capture, assess and mitigate environmental and social risks and impacts. Proteak will hire a qualified individual to manage the field-level ESMS including stakeholder engagement, risk assessment, and implementation of mitigation measures. This is addressed in the Environmental and Social Action Plan (ESAP) item #1.
Emergency Preparedness and Response - Proteak has developed response plans and procedures for fire, seismic and severe weather events. The company is in the process of developing a centralized control center in the MDF facilities in Huimanguillo to manage responses to any emergency or contingency that may affect the safety or security of Proteak’s personnel and facilities. An experienced security officer has been appointed to organize and manage the control center which is expected to respond to accidents, natural disasters, and local personnel and property security threats. It is expected that the control center will be operational by early 2017.
Monitoring and Review - Proteak has an environmental and social monitoring procedure that includes a) community relations survey for neighboring communities and workers, b) water quality tests, c) physical and chemical soil analysis, d) vegetation inventories in conservation areas and e) workers’ health analysis applied to a sample of work
ers. Summaries of the M&E plans are available on the aforementioned website. Annual Monitoring Reports to IFC have been provided in the agreed upon format on a timely basis. Some of the monitoring provisions are available at the company’s website sited below.
Stakeholder Engagement - Proteak has a Communications Strategy that includes a bimonthly newsletter distributed in the company’s facilities, a quarterly newsletter for forestry personnel, monthly digital newsletter for clients and the annual report for investors and shareholders. The company engages with local stakeholders through meetings with communities, where information regarding its operations is provided and opinions from community members are gathered through surveys. In 2015 Proteak conducted 14 meetings with communities and in the first six months of 2016, nine meetings had been conducted. Additionally, plantation managers engage with local stakeholders as needed to facilitate operations and maintain neighbors informed of issues that may affect them. The company has an ambitious program designed to improve and formalize its engagement with stakeholders in the Tabasco Region. This includes better mapping of local populations, establishing more direct communication with landowners adjacent to leased or owned properties, and development of a more robust grievance mechanism. This will become increasingly important as the new land acquisition ramps up and the outgrower program accelerates.
Grievance Mechanisms - The company has developed a grievance mechanism for its operations in the states of Nayarit and Tabasco and will be updating and expanding it to cover all its operations in Mexico. Observations during the recent FSC Forest Management and Chain of Custody (FM/COC) surveillance audit indicated that the company had made progress in this area although the documentation and systematic response to grievances was inconsistent. Proteak will use integrated social context information, and the services of a qualified consultant, to develop and implement a more formal Stakeholder Engagement Plan including wide disclosure and consistent implementation of the grievance mechanism.
Proteak is implementing a number of Corporate Social Responsibility programs including support for rural schools, a small producers (outgrower) program and donation of MDF boards to municipalities and civil society organizations. In addition, the company has plans to develop a housing program for its employees and a potable water program in communities of its area of influence. For all future land acquisitions Proteak will identify potentially affected people and integrate them in the stakeholder map. Procedures to update the social context and stakeholder mapping periodically will be developed and implemented in order to strengthen consultation and communication with stakeholders upon which the company depends.
Identification of Risks and Impacts - The Forest Management Plans are Proteak’s primary tool for conducting E&S risk assessment and management. Each forest “cluster” or Forest Management Units includes a biophysiographic and an edaphic description (of or relating to the condition of the soil) of the unit and reviews the potential environmental impacts. Upon acquisition of the FOMEX plantations in 2014 Proteak conducted an external environmental assessment of the plantations and the general region in Tabasco. This environmental review focused largely on the biophysical conditions of the area including soils, water, native vegetation and potential E&S impacts. It included a monitoring plan which the company has adopted to ensure that the company is proactively monitoring water, soil and land use changes in the area which is reviewed annually. According to the FSC Surveillance audits, the risk procedures are adequate and routinely implemented during the forest planning process. There is also additional information on the social context of communities neighboring Proteak’s eucalypts plantations which may have occasionally been conducted after the actual onset of management activities when originally purchased by FOMEX’s predecessor. Although social impact assessments are not required by law, the company has conducted several social assessments of its operations in Mexico to comply with FSC certification requirements. The studies were conducted in March and August 2015 focusing respectively on its eucalyptus operations in the states of Tabasco and Veracruz and teak in the state of Tabasco. The social assessments are focused on understanding the perceptions of local stakeholders on the performance of the company, and were based on small samples of residents of a number of communities surrounding its plantation. In general, the results and interviews with community members indicate broad support for the activities of the company and satisfaction with the company’s performance in terms of providing employment in the region, managing pollutants and managing water sources, and providing an important processing facility which now allows value addition to round wood production.
Proteak uses geographic and geospatial information systems to manage its forestry operations. However the systems are not adequate to allow the company to assess and avoid environmental, social, health and safety risks
. As part of the ESAP Proteak will update its GIS software and integrate information from its social and environmental programs as well as relevant information from other sources such as the Mexican Institute of Statistics and Geography (INEGI). The company will use this information to expand its understanding of the context where it operates, improve its ability to identify environmental and social risks and impacts, and inform its mitigation measures and social development programs. It is not expected that Proteak will expand its operations into areas with Indigenous Peoples; however, if it identifies that Indigenous Peoples lands or resources will be affected by its operations, Proteak will conduct Informed Consultation and Participation with affected communities.
Organizational Capacity and Competency - As previously stated field application of the companies EHS procedures is managed by the Chief Forestry Officer. Since IFC’s first investment the company engaged a Manager of Social Responsibility and Environment Management who coordinates communication with shareholders on sustainability issues, compliance with Mexican regulations, and conformity with the independent verification processes including FSC and the VCS. The manager also monitors the stakeholder engagement and grievance processes as well as following the occupational health & safety performance. Both the Chief Forestry Officer and the EHS Manager report directly to the CEO. There is active engagement by senior management in the review of E&S performance. With the expansion on plantations and operations of the MDF plan, Proteak will strengthen its management capacity to fully capture, assess and mitigate environmental and social risks and impacts. Proteak will hire a qualified individual to manage the field-level ESMS including stakeholder engagement, risk assessment, and implementation of mitigation measures. This is addressed in the Environmental and Social Action Plan (ESAP) item #1.
Emergency Preparedness and Response - Proteak has developed response plans and procedures for fire, seismic and severe weather events. The company is in the process of developing a centralized control center in the MDF facilities in Huimanguillo to manage responses to any emergency or contingency that may affect the safety or security of Proteak’s personnel and facilities. An experienced security officer has been appointed to organize and manage the control center which is expected to respond to accidents, natural disasters, and local personnel and property security threats. It is expected that the control center will be operational by early 2017.
Monitoring and Review - Proteak has an environmental and social monitoring procedure that includes a) community relations survey for neighboring communities and workers, b) water quality tests, c) physical and chemical soil analysis, d) vegetation inventories in conservation areas and e) workers’ health analysis applied to a sample of work
ers. Summaries of the M&E plans are available on the aforementioned website. Annual Monitoring Reports to IFC have been provided in the agreed upon format on a timely basis. Some of the monitoring provisions are available at the company’s website sited below.
Stakeholder Engagement - Proteak has a Communications Strategy that includes a bimonthly newsletter distributed in the company’s facilities, a quarterly newsletter for forestry personnel, monthly digital newsletter for clients and the annual report for investors and shareholders. The company engages with local stakeholders through meetings with communities, where information regarding its operations is provided and opinions from community members are gathered through surveys. In 2015 Proteak conducted 14 meetings with communities and in the first six months of 2016, nine meetings had been conducted. Additionally, plantation managers engage with local stakeholders as needed to facilitate operations and maintain neighbors informed of issues that may affect them. The company has an ambitious program designed to improve and formalize its engagement with stakeholders in the Tabasco Region. This includes better mapping of local populations, establishing more direct communication with landowners adjacent to leased or owned properties, and development of a more robust grievance mechanism. This will become increasingly important as the new land acquisition ramps up and the outgrower program accelerates.
Grievance Mechanisms - The company has developed a grievance mechanism for its operations in the states of Nayarit and Tabasco and will be updating and expanding it to cover all its operations in Mexico. Observations during the recent FSC Forest Management and Chain of Custody (FM/COC) surveillance audit indicated that the company had made progress in this area although the documentation and systematic response to grievances was inconsistent. Proteak will use integrated social context information, and the services of a qualified consultant, to develop and implement a more formal Stakeholder Engagement Plan including wide disclosure and consistent implementation of the grievance mechanism.
Proteak is implementing a number of Corporate Social Responsibility programs including support for rural schools, a small producers (outgrower) program and donation of MDF boards to municipalities and civil society organizations. In addition, the company has plans to develop a housing program for its employees and a potable water program in communities of its area of influence. For all future land acquisitions Proteak will identify potentially affected people and integrate them in the stakeholder map. Procedures to update the social context and stakeholder mapping periodically will be developed and implemented in order to strengthen consultation and communication with stakeholders upon which the company depends.
Working Conditions and Terms of Employment - The company’s operations in Mexico, including eucalyptus and teak, are spread across several properties in six States, and employ between just under 500 to over 700 forestry laborers depending on the season. In July 2016, 127 administrative and technical staff were employed. One third of the administrative and technical personnel are women, while approximately 7% of laborers are female. Due to the seasonal nature of its operations, a considerable number of workers are hired on a temporary basis and have contracts for specific times or specific projects, which are compliant with Mexican labor legislation. During an induction session all workers are given an explanation of their contracts and working conditions. All the laborers are local residents and the company prioritizes hiring workers from communities proximate to its operations. Since the company started implementing a program to improve labor conditions of all workers personnel rotation has been steadily declining. In January 2016 rotation was at 6.2%. By July, rotation was at 4.5%. The program includes increasing wages, adjusting salaries according to the type of work, increasing the number of people with permanent contracts and providing transportation services. The company currently provides free transportation to approximately 70% of its field workers. The company provides employment at above minimum wages and all employees are registered in the Mexican Institute of Social Services (IMSS) and are paid through bank accounts.
Human Resources Policies and Procedures - The company has human resources policies and labor conditions that comply with local legislation. Its policies include those related to non-discrimination and equal opportunity, and although it is not made explicit in its policy documents, it does not hire, directly or through contractors, children under 18 year of age and it respects the right of workers to freely associate. Currently, Proteak is working with two labor unions with which they have collective agreements. The company will develop an overarching labor policy committing to respect labor rights and stating the general principles for working conditions and its position on freedom of association, forced labor, child labor, discrimination and equal opportunity, occupational health and safety and retrenchment. The policy will be applicable to Proteak, its contractors and main suppliers. This is addressed in the ESAP. Proteak is currently developing communication materials and will develop a booklet summarizing labor rights, labor conditions and working conditions to distribute to all its forestry employees.
Retrenchment - The company has a policy and procedure to terminate labor relations. All dismissals are handled by the department of Human Resources and according to Mexican Law. Retrenchment will be included in the overarching Human Resources policy to be developed
Grievance Mechanism - Currentl
y, the company handles workers’ grievances through an informal process managed by the supervisor of Human Resources. According to the company, in the last two years only one formal complaint has been presented to the labor justice system, where the worker claimed that the company did not provide the severance package as required by law. The case was handled by the conciliatory committee of the Ministry of Labor and the company was cleared of wrongdoing. Proteak will develop and implement a formal grievance mechanism for workers and their organizations to raise workplace concerns including aspects related to labor and working conditions, corruption, abuse of authority, discrimination and sexual harassment among others. The grievances mechanism will allow for anonymous complaints to be raised and addressed, and will not impede or limit access to other judicial or administrative remedies. This is addressed in the ESAP.
Workforce Protection & safety - The most significant risks to workforce safety occur during harvest operations. Harvest operations of eucalypts are now conducted mechanically using appropriate and well-maintained felling and bucking equipment and grapple skidders. The harvest areas were well secured and personnel were appropriately equipped with personal protective equipment. Equipment operators appeared to be generally well trained and a new equipment vendor was on-site to ensure that the operators were using the equipment to specification. Manual pruning and thinning operations in teak plantations continued to be well organized with careful attention to directional felling. PPE for work crews applying herbicides were observed to be appropriate and routinely available. Contracting of transportation services for local field workers has improved local transportation safety. Review of accident records and discussions with human resources staff indicated that training and supervision appears to be effective in managing the workforce safety risks.
Third Party Contractors - The company currently manages all of its operations in house and outsources only wood transportation services. Contractors are required to comply with Mexican labor legislation and are monitored to ensure that that all workers are registered in the IMSS. Risks associated with transportation safety are included below within Community Health and Security.
Human Resources Policies and Procedures - The company has human resources policies and labor conditions that comply with local legislation. Its policies include those related to non-discrimination and equal opportunity, and although it is not made explicit in its policy documents, it does not hire, directly or through contractors, children under 18 year of age and it respects the right of workers to freely associate. Currently, Proteak is working with two labor unions with which they have collective agreements. The company will develop an overarching labor policy committing to respect labor rights and stating the general principles for working conditions and its position on freedom of association, forced labor, child labor, discrimination and equal opportunity, occupational health and safety and retrenchment. The policy will be applicable to Proteak, its contractors and main suppliers. This is addressed in the ESAP. Proteak is currently developing communication materials and will develop a booklet summarizing labor rights, labor conditions and working conditions to distribute to all its forestry employees.
Retrenchment - The company has a policy and procedure to terminate labor relations. All dismissals are handled by the department of Human Resources and according to Mexican Law. Retrenchment will be included in the overarching Human Resources policy to be developed
Grievance Mechanism - Currentl
y, the company handles workers’ grievances through an informal process managed by the supervisor of Human Resources. According to the company, in the last two years only one formal complaint has been presented to the labor justice system, where the worker claimed that the company did not provide the severance package as required by law. The case was handled by the conciliatory committee of the Ministry of Labor and the company was cleared of wrongdoing. Proteak will develop and implement a formal grievance mechanism for workers and their organizations to raise workplace concerns including aspects related to labor and working conditions, corruption, abuse of authority, discrimination and sexual harassment among others. The grievances mechanism will allow for anonymous complaints to be raised and addressed, and will not impede or limit access to other judicial or administrative remedies. This is addressed in the ESAP.
Workforce Protection & safety - The most significant risks to workforce safety occur during harvest operations. Harvest operations of eucalypts are now conducted mechanically using appropriate and well-maintained felling and bucking equipment and grapple skidders. The harvest areas were well secured and personnel were appropriately equipped with personal protective equipment. Equipment operators appeared to be generally well trained and a new equipment vendor was on-site to ensure that the operators were using the equipment to specification. Manual pruning and thinning operations in teak plantations continued to be well organized with careful attention to directional felling. PPE for work crews applying herbicides were observed to be appropriate and routinely available. Contracting of transportation services for local field workers has improved local transportation safety. Review of accident records and discussions with human resources staff indicated that training and supervision appears to be effective in managing the workforce safety risks.
Third Party Contractors - The company currently manages all of its operations in house and outsources only wood transportation services. Contractors are required to comply with Mexican labor legislation and are monitored to ensure that that all workers are registered in the IMSS. Risks associated with transportation safety are included below within Community Health and Security.
Pesticide, Fertilizers and Herbicide Handling and Application – The primary pollution prevention and abatement issues revolve around agronomic practices and the use of herbicides, pesticides and fertilizers. Composite fertilizers and calcium-based amendments are used to improve fertility and pre- and post-emergent herbicides are used to manage competitive undergrowth during plantation establishment. Soil sampling and foliar analysis are used to guide fertilizer applications and it was noted that the company intends to improve management of fertilizer application, which will reduce the potential for over-fertilization. Proteak has developed a soil mapping system and conducts foliar analysis to encourage optimization of agrochemical inputs and reduce the potential for overuse. Set-backs from water courses are established and mapped within each management unit which further reduces the possibility of surface water contamination. Since the company is expanding operations into new geographic areas, it will be important to harmonize agrochemical procurement, storage and application procedures and ensure that only legally-permitted chemicals are used. The company has a stated policy of reducing agrochemical use through monitoring and management of soil fertility and pest problems to reduce unnecessary use. The company will establish a standardized agrochemical procurement system and training plan to better manage the soil fertility and surface water contamination risks. This is addressed in the ESAP. The company is monitoring water quality and potential localized pollution. It measures fertilizers and amendments for balancing PH. However, it is not currently monitoring for the pesticides and herbicides associated with its plantation activities. Water monitoring will be adapted to include appropriate testing for herbicides and pesticides in use for silvicultural practices and report findings annually in the Annual Monitoring Plan. This is addressed in the ESAP.
Energy and GHG Emissions - Proteak has recently undergone external certification to the Verified Carbon Standard. The company has developed an initial calculus for the estimation of greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs) from its teak operations using generally-accepted IPCC estimates for carbon sequestration. The company estimates that the gross sequestration of GHGs in teak plantations (above the “pre-plantation” carbon balance using IPCC data) will be approximately 50,000 tCO2e per year in 2017. This estimate includes carbon sequestered in products using a lifecycle assessment approach (“Scope 3”) but may not yet include all indirect emissions (“Scope 2”) associated with plantation establishment. The company will seek to sell some of the VCS vintages in 2017 and will likely expand its carbon credit model to eucalypts in 2018. It is worth noting that the new MDF plant has also included installation of a wood waste biomass-fired 11 MWh Combined-Heat-Power (CHP) generator which will provid
e thermal and electrical power for the plant and be capable of shedding approximately 5 KWh of power to the regional grid when fully commissioned. While the MDF plant and biomass power are not part of this project improvement in the recovery of wood and use of waste for replacing gas-fired requirements improves the enterprises sustainability. The company will revise and update its GHG tracking system across all operations and report its results annually to IFC.
Air Emissions and Ambient Air Quality – The biggest source of GHG emissions related to forestry would be the burning of undergrowth in lieu of using herbicides which is strongly discouraged. GHG emissions form heavy equipment and transportation vehicles is the only other measurable source of GHG which is reported through fuel consumption coefficients. The company has recently installed a minibus system which transports about 70% of the workforces from their villages to the work sites which has reduced GHG emissions from the previous use of stake trucks. It has also upgraded its harvest equipment and transportation contractors are now using more efficient equipment which it estimated reduced fuel consumption by more than 20 percent.
Energy and GHG Emissions - Proteak has recently undergone external certification to the Verified Carbon Standard. The company has developed an initial calculus for the estimation of greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs) from its teak operations using generally-accepted IPCC estimates for carbon sequestration. The company estimates that the gross sequestration of GHGs in teak plantations (above the “pre-plantation” carbon balance using IPCC data) will be approximately 50,000 tCO2e per year in 2017. This estimate includes carbon sequestered in products using a lifecycle assessment approach (“Scope 3”) but may not yet include all indirect emissions (“Scope 2”) associated with plantation establishment. The company will seek to sell some of the VCS vintages in 2017 and will likely expand its carbon credit model to eucalypts in 2018. It is worth noting that the new MDF plant has also included installation of a wood waste biomass-fired 11 MWh Combined-Heat-Power (CHP) generator which will provid
e thermal and electrical power for the plant and be capable of shedding approximately 5 KWh of power to the regional grid when fully commissioned. While the MDF plant and biomass power are not part of this project improvement in the recovery of wood and use of waste for replacing gas-fired requirements improves the enterprises sustainability. The company will revise and update its GHG tracking system across all operations and report its results annually to IFC.
Air Emissions and Ambient Air Quality – The biggest source of GHG emissions related to forestry would be the burning of undergrowth in lieu of using herbicides which is strongly discouraged. GHG emissions form heavy equipment and transportation vehicles is the only other measurable source of GHG which is reported through fuel consumption coefficients. The company has recently installed a minibus system which transports about 70% of the workforces from their villages to the work sites which has reduced GHG emissions from the previous use of stake trucks. It has also upgraded its harvest equipment and transportation contractors are now using more efficient equipment which it estimated reduced fuel consumption by more than 20 percent.
Community Health and Safety - Although the company operates plantations in six Mexican states, the focus of the expansion project is expected to be in the state of Tabasco. Priority for the expansion of eucalyptus plantations is within a radius of 50 km of the MDF plant in the western part of the state, while expansion of teak plantations is expected to be in the east of the state where conditions tend to be more favorable for that species. Main community health and safety risks associated with the company operations identified during the appraisal, include project related vehicular traffic and risks from wildfires.
Transportation and Equipment Safety - Transportation both of personnel and materials are subcontracted. Currently there is an average of 13 trips delivering timber to the plant daily and it is expected to increase to approximately 30 trips at capacity. That represents 60 trips both ways per day in regional and local roads, which are often narrow and crossing several villages and small towns. In addition, there are approximately 4 trips each way transporting workers from local communities to and from the plantation in the western part of Tabasco. Teak is expected to be transported from plantations to the port of Dos Bocas, north-west of the city of Villahermosa. The company will develop and implement a transportation management plan focusing on security and community safety, and will monitor contractors' compliance with the plan. This is addressed in the ESAP.
Ecosystem Services - As the company restrict access to areas set aside for conservation, shifts in access to non-timber forest products (e.g. forage, game) may affect provisional and cultural ecosystem services enjoyed by communities surrounding company’s farms. As part of the stakeholder engagement efforts to be undertaken in accordance with the ESAP, the company will carry out survey work to provide a localized and quantitative assessment of the impacts of company activities on priority ecosystem services. This will be key for identifying mitigation measures for ensuring continued access to these priority ecosystem services and form part of the basis for the protection of set-backs and High Conservation Value Areas.
Emergency Preparedness and Response - The company has in place a forest fire prevention and control program for its plantations that consists of a) fire breaks, b) an early warning system with ultraviolet video cameras, c) firefighting brigades, d) coordination system with municipal, state and national protective and fire services and e) communication with, and assistance to neighboring agricultural producers to conduct controlled burns where needed. Engagement with direct neighbors is important and the company will strengthen engagement with neighboring communities through the implementation of the Stakeholder Engagement Plan.
Security Policy & Personnel - Proteak has a security policy that focuses on prevention and protection of its personn
el and assets while complying with Mexican legislation. Through its implementation the company has conducted a complete security risk assessment of the MDF plant and its operations and is in the process of conducting a risk assessment of forestry operations. Currently the company has three employees managing security, including the security manager and two security supervisors. In addition, the company has a security contractor who provides 30 unarmed guards that are under direct supervision of Proteak’s security department. Use of fire arms, according to the security policy is restricted to authorities. The policy will be revised to include clear reference to respect of human rights, guided by the principle of proportionality and good international practices. The company has security guidelines which include provisions for the development of a program to provide training and certification of security personnel. This will include background checks of all security personnel (direct employees and contractors) to ensure they have not been implicated in human rights abuses. The company will development a code of conduct for security personnel and will ensure that the grievance mechanism for communities allows stakeholders to express concerns about the security arrangements and acts of security personnel, considering and as appropriate investigating all allegations of abusive acts. This is addressed in the ESAP.
The company, together with other firms operating in the region, has developed a trust fund to support the State of Tabasco strengthen security in the region. A representative of the company is part of the technical committee that manages the trust fund and approves expenditures. Currently, resources of the trust fund are being used to build and equip a rural security station in the south west of the State. For all and any future acquisition or application of funds from the trust fund, the company, as part of the technical committee, will stipulate the purpose and intend of the equipment or service to be acquired, excluding any potential use that may impact human rights, and will seek agreement from the State of Tabasco to act accordingly. The company will do its best efforts to ensure that government security forces will act according to the principle of proportionality, respecting human rights, and will encourage the authorities to disclose the security arrangements with the company, including the trust fund and use of resources from the fund. The company will integrate community health and safety risks within stakeholder information in its GIS system. Information will be analyzed to identify health and safety risks and impacts to communities. A monitoring mechanism will be established to periodically assess and update the system. This is addressed in the ESAP.
Transportation and Equipment Safety - Transportation both of personnel and materials are subcontracted. Currently there is an average of 13 trips delivering timber to the plant daily and it is expected to increase to approximately 30 trips at capacity. That represents 60 trips both ways per day in regional and local roads, which are often narrow and crossing several villages and small towns. In addition, there are approximately 4 trips each way transporting workers from local communities to and from the plantation in the western part of Tabasco. Teak is expected to be transported from plantations to the port of Dos Bocas, north-west of the city of Villahermosa. The company will develop and implement a transportation management plan focusing on security and community safety, and will monitor contractors' compliance with the plan. This is addressed in the ESAP.
Ecosystem Services - As the company restrict access to areas set aside for conservation, shifts in access to non-timber forest products (e.g. forage, game) may affect provisional and cultural ecosystem services enjoyed by communities surrounding company’s farms. As part of the stakeholder engagement efforts to be undertaken in accordance with the ESAP, the company will carry out survey work to provide a localized and quantitative assessment of the impacts of company activities on priority ecosystem services. This will be key for identifying mitigation measures for ensuring continued access to these priority ecosystem services and form part of the basis for the protection of set-backs and High Conservation Value Areas.
Emergency Preparedness and Response - The company has in place a forest fire prevention and control program for its plantations that consists of a) fire breaks, b) an early warning system with ultraviolet video cameras, c) firefighting brigades, d) coordination system with municipal, state and national protective and fire services and e) communication with, and assistance to neighboring agricultural producers to conduct controlled burns where needed. Engagement with direct neighbors is important and the company will strengthen engagement with neighboring communities through the implementation of the Stakeholder Engagement Plan.
Security Policy & Personnel - Proteak has a security policy that focuses on prevention and protection of its personn
el and assets while complying with Mexican legislation. Through its implementation the company has conducted a complete security risk assessment of the MDF plant and its operations and is in the process of conducting a risk assessment of forestry operations. Currently the company has three employees managing security, including the security manager and two security supervisors. In addition, the company has a security contractor who provides 30 unarmed guards that are under direct supervision of Proteak’s security department. Use of fire arms, according to the security policy is restricted to authorities. The policy will be revised to include clear reference to respect of human rights, guided by the principle of proportionality and good international practices. The company has security guidelines which include provisions for the development of a program to provide training and certification of security personnel. This will include background checks of all security personnel (direct employees and contractors) to ensure they have not been implicated in human rights abuses. The company will development a code of conduct for security personnel and will ensure that the grievance mechanism for communities allows stakeholders to express concerns about the security arrangements and acts of security personnel, considering and as appropriate investigating all allegations of abusive acts. This is addressed in the ESAP.
The company, together with other firms operating in the region, has developed a trust fund to support the State of Tabasco strengthen security in the region. A representative of the company is part of the technical committee that manages the trust fund and approves expenditures. Currently, resources of the trust fund are being used to build and equip a rural security station in the south west of the State. For all and any future acquisition or application of funds from the trust fund, the company, as part of the technical committee, will stipulate the purpose and intend of the equipment or service to be acquired, excluding any potential use that may impact human rights, and will seek agreement from the State of Tabasco to act accordingly. The company will do its best efforts to ensure that government security forces will act according to the principle of proportionality, respecting human rights, and will encourage the authorities to disclose the security arrangements with the company, including the trust fund and use of resources from the fund. The company will integrate community health and safety risks within stakeholder information in its GIS system. Information will be analyzed to identify health and safety risks and impacts to communities. A monitoring mechanism will be established to periodically assess and update the system. This is addressed in the ESAP.
Protection and Conservation of Biodiversity - The company plans to expand it eucalypts plantings largely in Tabasco where the high water table and humid soils have been historically used for such practices. Review of satellite imagery and the land use history of the area indicate that the conversion of native forest to agriculture and pasture began just after the first Agrarian Reform in the 1930s was nearly complete by the end of the last Agrarian Reform in 1991. A common practice for new ejidotarios was to clear land and improve pasture as a way of demarcating ejido lands. As the petrochemical industry evolved in Tabasco in the 1980’s and 1990’s large portions of the male population abandoned farming altogether for more lucrative jobs in the oil fields. Private and ejido farmland was leased to contract grazers and little investment occurred in what had been one of Mexico’s most fertile areas for higher value horticulture in the 1950’s. Importantly, eucalypts were introduced into the area in the late 1980s’ and it is believed that most of the FOMEX eucalypts plantations purchased by Proteak were purchased in the early 1990s and have been harvested and replanted at least once. The geospatial review conducted by IFC confirmed findings that were included in the 2014 Environmental Reviews indicating that there is little if any primary forest left within Tabasco outside of seasonally inundated areas or legally protected areas found along the coast well outside of Proteak’s operating footprint.
What’s left of the original biodiversity is now found in the “bajos”, riparian zones, and the lowland secondary forests now generously pockmarked with oil and natural gas extraction and collection infrastructure. According to the FOMEX management plans 90% percent of the project area is occupied by native and non-native grasses (Paspalum, Andropogon, Axonopus, Erarostis and Panicum), sedges (Fimbristilis, Dicronema and Rhynchospora) and planted and invasive broadleaves depending on grazing intensity. According to SEMARNAT there are birds (2), mammals (3) and reptiles (3) on the IUCN Red Book lists and 5 species of plant on the IUCN CITES Appendix II list may be found in protected areas in the region and possibly within remnant native gallery forests surrounded by plantations. Satellite imagery and geospatial analysis corroborate the condition of rangelands in the region and the decline of native forests. The previous company from which Proteak has acquired most of their eucalypts titles and leases worked hard to exclude these conservation areas which can vary between 15 and 60 percent of any given 100 hectare parcel and averages 38 percent across all areas. These riparian features provided a mosaic for the area’s rich birdlife which is not protected within any formal protected areas nor is identified as Key Biodiversity Area according to the Integrated Biodiversity Assessment Tool (IBAT) which was also used to screen current and prospective expansion
areas. The company intends to protect these important biological corridors of the area’s natural forests and wetlands, and provides limited guidance within their Forest Management Plans and, as yet has not yet created specific management prescriptions for these areas. In 2014 Proteak undertook a comprehensive study of all of the biophysical attributes of each of three FOMEX units. The 10 volume study provides a complete overview of the character and content of the secondary forests and areas set aside for various purposes and outlines interventions to protect HCV areas and aquatic set-backs. Within the ESAP Proteak has agreed to review its HCV procedure and the management of owned or leased permanent protection areas acquired in the past, and those to be acquired in the future, to ensure they are included in the stand-level management planning. This is addressed in the ESAP.
Management of Ecosystem Services – Several household products are still collected from the secondary forests including construction materials, medicinal products, fruit and protein sources. Since part of some plantations are retained as natural areas, local residents have an opportunity to continue to use these resources with Proteak’s authority. As indicated in PS4 section, Proteak will conduct surveys and studies to understand the use of ecosystem services by local population and potential impacts. Based on these studies and the use of inventories conducted Proteak will establish management systems and mitigation measures as necessary.
Sustainable Management of Living Natural Resources - In terms of sustainable forestry practices the company has invested considerable efforts in establishing greenfield plantations in Mexico for which it has developed good practices for site selection, identification of appropriate cultivars, and selection of agronomic and silvicultural trials to maximize growth and yield and reduce use of agrochemicals. With recent acquisition of more mature plantations from different genetic origins, the company has the advantages and challenges of assessing genetic and site variables and developing standardized practices to maximize growth and rationalize inputs. In order to improve performance in this area, and use its strength as a regional leader, the company is reviewing its corporate-wide high conservation value forest assessment (HCVA) practices in order to establish more standardized procedures for future acquisitions and monitoring its existing holdings. The company will establish standard practices for biodiversity inventories which will be adopted at all properties. Proteak will seek to manage these assets internally or agree to have them managed by a third party. The company will also develop this information with external support and develop management and geographic management systems to assist in mapping input requirements, growth and sustainable management practices. The company will assess its conformity with the FSC standa
rd for its natural forests and all plantations which are five years or older through annual audits by an FSC-accredited certifying body. This is addressed in the ESAP.
What’s left of the original biodiversity is now found in the “bajos”, riparian zones, and the lowland secondary forests now generously pockmarked with oil and natural gas extraction and collection infrastructure. According to the FOMEX management plans 90% percent of the project area is occupied by native and non-native grasses (Paspalum, Andropogon, Axonopus, Erarostis and Panicum), sedges (Fimbristilis, Dicronema and Rhynchospora) and planted and invasive broadleaves depending on grazing intensity. According to SEMARNAT there are birds (2), mammals (3) and reptiles (3) on the IUCN Red Book lists and 5 species of plant on the IUCN CITES Appendix II list may be found in protected areas in the region and possibly within remnant native gallery forests surrounded by plantations. Satellite imagery and geospatial analysis corroborate the condition of rangelands in the region and the decline of native forests. The previous company from which Proteak has acquired most of their eucalypts titles and leases worked hard to exclude these conservation areas which can vary between 15 and 60 percent of any given 100 hectare parcel and averages 38 percent across all areas. These riparian features provided a mosaic for the area’s rich birdlife which is not protected within any formal protected areas nor is identified as Key Biodiversity Area according to the Integrated Biodiversity Assessment Tool (IBAT) which was also used to screen current and prospective expansion
areas. The company intends to protect these important biological corridors of the area’s natural forests and wetlands, and provides limited guidance within their Forest Management Plans and, as yet has not yet created specific management prescriptions for these areas. In 2014 Proteak undertook a comprehensive study of all of the biophysical attributes of each of three FOMEX units. The 10 volume study provides a complete overview of the character and content of the secondary forests and areas set aside for various purposes and outlines interventions to protect HCV areas and aquatic set-backs. Within the ESAP Proteak has agreed to review its HCV procedure and the management of owned or leased permanent protection areas acquired in the past, and those to be acquired in the future, to ensure they are included in the stand-level management planning. This is addressed in the ESAP.
Management of Ecosystem Services – Several household products are still collected from the secondary forests including construction materials, medicinal products, fruit and protein sources. Since part of some plantations are retained as natural areas, local residents have an opportunity to continue to use these resources with Proteak’s authority. As indicated in PS4 section, Proteak will conduct surveys and studies to understand the use of ecosystem services by local population and potential impacts. Based on these studies and the use of inventories conducted Proteak will establish management systems and mitigation measures as necessary.
Sustainable Management of Living Natural Resources - In terms of sustainable forestry practices the company has invested considerable efforts in establishing greenfield plantations in Mexico for which it has developed good practices for site selection, identification of appropriate cultivars, and selection of agronomic and silvicultural trials to maximize growth and yield and reduce use of agrochemicals. With recent acquisition of more mature plantations from different genetic origins, the company has the advantages and challenges of assessing genetic and site variables and developing standardized practices to maximize growth and rationalize inputs. In order to improve performance in this area, and use its strength as a regional leader, the company is reviewing its corporate-wide high conservation value forest assessment (HCVA) practices in order to establish more standardized procedures for future acquisitions and monitoring its existing holdings. The company will establish standard practices for biodiversity inventories which will be adopted at all properties. Proteak will seek to manage these assets internally or agree to have them managed by a third party. The company will also develop this information with external support and develop management and geographic management systems to assist in mapping input requirements, growth and sustainable management practices. The company will assess its conformity with the FSC standa
rd for its natural forests and all plantations which are five years or older through annual audits by an FSC-accredited certifying body. This is addressed in the ESAP.
Protection of Cultural Heritage in Project Design and Execution - Most of the areas where Proteak has established its plantations are second or third forestry rotations or have been used for agriculture, including establishment of pastures for grazing. To date no archeological, paleontological or historical features are known to have been affected by its operations. Considering the extensive expansion of its plantations to areas with potential high value cultural assets, the company will include identification of key cultural heritage sites within its land acquisition and land prospection strategy and will establish chance find procedures which will be employed during the establishment of new plantations. This is addressed in the ESAP.
Proteak engages with local stakeholders through meetings with communities including municipal authorities, where information regarding its operations is provided and opinions from community members are gathered through surveys. Additionally, plantation managers engage with local stakeholders as needed to facilitate operations and maintain neighbors informed of issues that may affect them. Proteak has a Communications Strategy that includes a bimonthly newsletter distributed in the company’s facilities, a quarterly newsletter for forestry personnel, monthly digital newsletter for clients and the annual report for investors and shareholders. Proteak’s social assessments process has included consultation with community members in the area of influence through surveys conducted in March and August 2015 focusing on its eucalyptus operations in the states of Tabasco and Veracruz and teak in the state of Tabasco respectively. In general, the results show broad support for the activities of the company and consider that it has an adequate performance in terms of providing employment opportunities in the region, managing pollutants and managing water sources.
Proteak engages with local stakeholders through meetings with communities including municipal authorities, where information regarding its operations is provided and opinions from community members are gathered through surveys. Additionally, plantation managers engage with local stakeholders as needed to facilitate operations and maintain neighbors informed of issues that may affect them. Proteak has a Communications Strategy that includes a bimonthly newsletter distributed in the company’s facilities, a quarterly newsletter for forestry personnel, monthly digital newsletter for clients and the annual report for investors and shareholders. Proteak’s social assessments process has included consultation with community members in the area of influence through surveys conducted in March and August 2015 focusing on its eucalyptus operations in the states of Tabasco and Veracruz and teak in the state of Tabasco respectively. In general, the results show broad support for the activities of the company and consider that it has an adequate performance in terms of providing employment opportunities in the region, managing pollutants and managing water sources.
Stakeholder Engagement
Proteak engages with local stakeholders through meetings with communities including municipal authorities, where information regarding its operations is provided and opinions from community members are gathered through surveys. Additionally, plantation managers engage with local stakeholders as needed to facilitate operations and maintain neighbors informed of issues that may affect them. Proteak has a Communications Strategy that includes a bimonthly newsletter distributed in the Company’s facilities, a quarterly newsletter for forestry personnel, monthly digital newsletter for clients and the annual report for investors and shareholders. Proteak’s social assessments process has included consultation with community members in the area of influence through surveys conducted in March and August 2015 focusing on its eucalyptus operations in the states of Tabasco and Veracruz and teak in the state of Tabasco respectively. In general, the results show broad support for the activities of the Company and consider that it has an adequate performance in terms of providing employment opportunities in the region, managing pollutants and managing water sources.
Proteak will integrate existing social context information, including information from the social assessments, other Company programs and information from public sources to expand its understanding of the social context. The Company will engage an experienced Social Consultant to support the development and implementation of a Stakeholder Engagement Plan, including an upgrading its Grievance Mechanism and a its Communications Strategy, based on a sound Stakeholder Mapping exercise. Mechanisms to update the stakeholder map through periodical social context analysis and to report social and environmental performance to affected communities and relevant stakeholders will be developed and implemented.
Proteak is implementing a number of Corporate Social Responsibility programs including support for rural schools, a small producers program and donation of MDF boards to municipalities and civil society organizations. In addition, the Company has plans to development of a housing program for its employees and a potable water program in communities of its area of influence.
Proteak will integrate existing social context information, including information from the social assessments, other Company programs and information from public sources to expand its understanding of the social context. The Company will engage an experienced Social Consultant to support the development and implementation of a Stakeholder Engagement Plan, including an upgrading its Grievance Mechanism and a its Communications Strategy, based on a sound Stakeholder Mapping exercise. Mechanisms to update the stakeholder map through periodical social context analysis and to report social and environmental performance to affected communities and relevant stakeholders will be developed and implemented.
Proteak is implementing a number of Corporate Social Responsibility programs including support for rural schools, a small producers program and donation of MDF boards to municipalities and civil society organizations. In addition, the Company has plans to development of a housing program for its employees and a potable water program in communities of its area of influence.
Client’s contacts:
Gaston Mauvezin, CEO
Av. Paseo de la Reforma 725, Lomas de Chapultepec,
C.P. 11000, Miguel Hidalgo, Ciudad de Mexico
Phone: (52 55) 62351504
gm@proteak.com
http://www.proteak.com
Key Documents: These are available at http://www.proteak.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/infoanua.pdf
2015 SmartWood FM/CoC Assessment
VCS Carbon Assessment ``
2016 Forest Management Plan
2015 Annual Report:
Resumen Público del Plan de Manejo Maestro
Proteak Forest Management Plan: http://www.proteak.com/pdfs/forest_management.pdf
FSC Assessment & Surveillance Reports (SW-FM-002110; SW-FM/COC-000098; SW-FM/COC-004221) http://www.fsc.org
Gaston Mauvezin, CEO
Av. Paseo de la Reforma 725, Lomas de Chapultepec,
C.P. 11000, Miguel Hidalgo, Ciudad de Mexico
Phone: (52 55) 62351504
gm@proteak.com
http://www.proteak.com
Key Documents: These are available at http://www.proteak.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/infoanua.pdf
2015 SmartWood FM/CoC Assessment
VCS Carbon Assessment ``
2016 Forest Management Plan
2015 Annual Report:
Resumen Público del Plan de Manejo Maestro
Proteak Forest Management Plan: http://www.proteak.com/pdfs/forest_management.pdf
FSC Assessment & Surveillance Reports (SW-FM-002110; SW-FM/COC-000098; SW-FM/COC-004221) http://www.fsc.org
Broad Community Support
Broad Community Support is not applicable for this project
Environmental & Social Action Plan
| Proteak Exp(38754) Supervision Disclosure Snapshot – Version 2 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Description | Anticipated Completion Date | Status | Comments | Completion Date |
| Hire a qualified Environment & Social specialist to direct field-level ESMS activities including stakeholder engagement, risk assessment, and implementation of E&S mitigation measures. | 30-Mar-2017 | Completed | Completed | 12/31/2018 |
| The Company will upgrade its GIS and include layers addressing the E&S risks and impacts within its enterprise management system and forest management activities. | 30-Mar-2017 | Completed | Completed | 12/31/2018 |
| The Company will engage an experienced Social Consultant to support the development and implementation of a Stakeholder Engagement Plan, including a Grievance Mechanism for local communities and other relevant stakeholders. | 30-Jul-2017 | Completed | Completed | 12/31/2018 |
| The Company will include in the land acquisition procedures appropriate provisions to identify any IP communities in expansion areas. If potential impacts to IPs are identified, the Company will conduct an assessment to determine risks and potential impacts on Indigenous communities in accordance with PS7. | 30-Mar-2017 | Completed | Completed | 12/31/2018 |
| The Company will develop an overarching labor policy stating the general principles guiding working conditions and the Company's position on freedom of association, forced labor, child labor, discrimination and equal opportunity, occupational health and safety and retrenchment. The policy will be applicable to the Company and its contractors and will be clearly communicated to workers. | 30-Apr-2017 | Completed | Completed | 12/31/2018 |
| The Company will develop, implement and communicate a Workers Grievance Mechanism involving an appropriate level of management to address labor related concerns promptly, using a transparent process that allows for anonymous complaints to be raised by all workers. | 30-Jun-2017 | Completed | Completed | 12/31/2018 |
| Develop and implement a Pesticide Management Plan which includes the acquisition, transportation, storage and safe handling of all pesticides across plantation operations. | 30-Aug-2017 | Completed | Completed | 12/31/2018 |
| Amend soil sampling and mapping practices to optimize use of agrochemical inputs and reduce potential for overuse resulting in surface water pollution. | 30-Sep-2017 | Completed | Completed | 12/31/2018 |
| Water monitoring will be adapted to include appropriate testing for herbicides and pesticides in use for silvicultural practices and report findings annually in the Annual Monitoring Plan. | 30-Aug-2017 | Completed | Completed | 12/31/2018 |
| The Company will develop and implement a Transportation Safety Plan focusing on community safety which will include mechanisms to monitor transportation contractor compliance. | 30-Apr-2017 | Completed | Completed | 12/31/2018 |
| The Company will integrate community health and safety risks within stakeholder information in the GIS system. Information will be analyzed to identify health and safety risks and impacts to communities. A monitoring mechanism will be established to periodically assess and update the system. | 30-Jun-2017 | Completed | Completed | 12/31/2018 |
| The Company will update its security policy and develop a code of conduct for security personnel guided by the principle of proportionality and good international practices. The Company will develop and implement mechanisms to ensure respect of human rights while protecting its assets and personnel. | 30-Jun-2017 | Completed | Completed | 12/31/2018 |
| The company will develop a Land Acquisition, Compensation and Resettlement Framework outlining general principles to be applied to ensure that the livelihoods of people with no recognizable claim to the land are not negatively affected. | 30-Mar-2017 | In progress | Under discussion with IFC Client | |
| The company will develop management plans and procedures at an appropriate scale for the conservation of natural areas under its management control. These plans and procedures will be included in compartment-level plans. | 30-Sep-2017 | In progress | Under discussion with IFC Client | |
| The Company will include identification of key cultural heritage sites within its land acquisition procedures and establish chance find procedures which will be employed during plantation establishment. | 30-Jul-2017 | In progress | Under discussion with IFC Client | |
Press-Release
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**Information on IFC's Policy and Performance Standards on Environmental and Social Sustainability can be found at www.ifc.org/sustainability
IFC supports its clients in addressing environmental and social issues arising from their business activities by requiring its real sector clients to set up and administer appropriate grievance mechanisms and/or procedures to address complaints from Affected Communities in relation to environmental and social issues arising from IFC's clients' business activities. Since 2012, IFC's Financial Intermediary clients applying the Performance Standards are required to develop External Communications Mechanisms to receive and review inquiries or complaints from any interested party regarding the E&S risks and impacts of their operations.
For IFC projects that are active or under consideration, individual(s), or their authorized representative(s), who allege they have been or will be adversely affected by E&S risks or impacts arising from IFC's clients' business activities, may submit a complaint to IFC directly for consideration. When receiving an E&S complaint, IFC engages with complainants and works with its clients to find solutions to E&S concerns as quickly and efficiently as possible.
Complaints can be submitted to IFC online at www.ifc.org/escomplaints or by email to EScomplaints@ifc.org.
IFC complaint response is separate from and complementary to IFC’s clients’ project level grievance mechanisms and IFC’s Independent Accountability Mechanism (CAO). Lodging a complaint directly with IFC does not, at any time, restrict access to CAO.
Affected communities have unrestricted access to the Compliance Advisor Ombudsman (CAO), the independent accountability mechanism for IFC and MIGA. CAO facilitates the resolution of complaints related to IFC and MIGA projects and sub-projects, undertakes reviews of IFC’s and MIGA’s environmental and social compliance, fosters public accountability for their commitments, and enhances the environmental and social performance of IFC and MIGA.
Independent of IFC and MIGA management and reporting directly to the IFC and MIGA Boards of Executive Directors, CAO helps resolve issues raised about the environmental and social impacts of projects through a neutral, collaborative, problem-solving approach via its Dispute Resolution function. It also reviews IFC’s and MIGA’s compliance with environmental and social policies, assesses related harm, and recommends remedial actions through its Compliance function. Additionally, CAO provides advice to IFC, MIGA, and their Boards to enhance environmental and social sustainability performance and minimize the risk of harm.
Complaints may relate to environmental and social harm regarding any aspect of the planning, implementation, or impact of a project or sub-project, and can be made by any individual, group, community, entity, or other party affected or likely to be affected by the environmental or social impacts of an IFC- or MIGA-financed business activity.
Complaints can be submitted by any of the following methods:
CAO receives and addresses complaints in accordance with the CAO Policy, which can be accessed at: https://www.cao-ombudsman.org/policies-guidelines.
IFC supports its clients in addressing environmental and social issues arising from their business activities by requiring its real sector clients to set up and administer appropriate grievance mechanisms and/or procedures to address complaints from Affected Communities in relation to environmental and social issues arising from IFC's clients' business activities. Since 2012, IFC's Financial Intermediary clients applying the Performance Standards are required to develop External Communications Mechanisms to receive and review inquiries or complaints from any interested party regarding the E&S risks and impacts of their operations.
For IFC projects that are active or under consideration, individual(s), or their authorized representative(s), who allege they have been or will be adversely affected by E&S risks or impacts arising from IFC's clients' business activities, may submit a complaint to IFC directly for consideration. When receiving an E&S complaint, IFC engages with complainants and works with its clients to find solutions to E&S concerns as quickly and efficiently as possible.
Complaints can be submitted to IFC online at www.ifc.org/escomplaints or by email to EScomplaints@ifc.org.
IFC complaint response is separate from and complementary to IFC’s clients’ project level grievance mechanisms and IFC’s Independent Accountability Mechanism (CAO). Lodging a complaint directly with IFC does not, at any time, restrict access to CAO.
Affected communities have unrestricted access to the Compliance Advisor Ombudsman (CAO), the independent accountability mechanism for IFC and MIGA. CAO facilitates the resolution of complaints related to IFC and MIGA projects and sub-projects, undertakes reviews of IFC’s and MIGA’s environmental and social compliance, fosters public accountability for their commitments, and enhances the environmental and social performance of IFC and MIGA.
Independent of IFC and MIGA management and reporting directly to the IFC and MIGA Boards of Executive Directors, CAO helps resolve issues raised about the environmental and social impacts of projects through a neutral, collaborative, problem-solving approach via its Dispute Resolution function. It also reviews IFC’s and MIGA’s compliance with environmental and social policies, assesses related harm, and recommends remedial actions through its Compliance function. Additionally, CAO provides advice to IFC, MIGA, and their Boards to enhance environmental and social sustainability performance and minimize the risk of harm.
Complaints may relate to environmental and social harm regarding any aspect of the planning, implementation, or impact of a project or sub-project, and can be made by any individual, group, community, entity, or other party affected or likely to be affected by the environmental or social impacts of an IFC- or MIGA-financed business activity.
Complaints can be submitted by any of the following methods:
- Online form: available at https://www.cao-ombudsman.org/
- Mail/Hand Delivery to: 2121 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20433, USA
- Voice mail: +1 202 458 1973
- Email: cao@worldbankgroup.org
- SMS, WhatsApp, Telegram, and Signal: +1 202 650 2627
CAO receives and addresses complaints in accordance with the CAO Policy, which can be accessed at: https://www.cao-ombudsman.org/policies-guidelines.
This Environmental and Social Review Summary (ESRS) is prepared by IFC to disclose its findings and recommendations related to environmental and social considerations regarding potential investments. Its purpose is to enhance the transparency of IFC's activities. For any project documentation or data included or attached herein, whether prepared by the project sponsor or otherwise, authorization has been given for public release by the project sponsor. IFC considers that this ESRS is of adequate quality for release to the public, but has not necessarily independently verified all of the project information therein.
It is distributed in advance of IFC Board of Directors' consideration and may be periodically updated thereafter. Board dates are estimates only and this document should not be construed as presuming the outcome of the Board Directors’ decision. The following ESRS is disclosed in accordance with IFC's Access to Information Policy (AIP).
The map is for illustrative purposes and does not imply the expression of any opinion on the part of the World Bank, concerning the legal status of any country or territory or concerning the delimitation of frontiers or boundaries. Country borders or names do not necessarily reflect the World Bank Group's official position. In some cases, available project location information is limited to the country of the project's activities. Locations are approximate.
It is distributed in advance of IFC Board of Directors' consideration and may be periodically updated thereafter. Board dates are estimates only and this document should not be construed as presuming the outcome of the Board Directors’ decision. The following ESRS is disclosed in accordance with IFC's Access to Information Policy (AIP).
The map is for illustrative purposes and does not imply the expression of any opinion on the part of the World Bank, concerning the legal status of any country or territory or concerning the delimitation of frontiers or boundaries. Country borders or names do not necessarily reflect the World Bank Group's official position. In some cases, available project location information is limited to the country of the project's activities. Locations are approximate.