Community Engagement & Investments - Goodhope Asia Holdings Ltd

Our commitment to local communities is rooted in the recognition of their rights and the importance of collaborating with them. Through meaningful dialogue, we identify and safeguard the resources that hold significant value to these communities. Our community engagement programs are designed to empower and promote sustainable social and economic growth, contributing to the overall well-being of the people we serve. We extend our involvement to local infrastructure, health, education, and livelihood initiatives, benefiting individuals, families, and groups residing in the vicinity of our operations. Inclusivity is at the core of our approach, ensuring that all members of the community have the opportunity to participate actively in these programs.

Land Tenure Rights and FPIC

We adhere to RSPO standards and respect the rights of local communities and indigenous peoples to grant or deny Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC) for land use. Our approach is guided by fairness, transparency, and active participation, with a focus on:

Understanding Indigenous Groups: We take the time to learn about the local indigenous communities, their rights, and their thoughts on plans for oil palm plantations.
Providing Clear Information: We make sure everyone involved has accurate and reliable information, so they can make fair decisions without being misled.
Listening to Communities: We talk to local communities to understand their needs and wishes, and we consider their aspirations.
Managing Negotiations: We keep track of discussions and agreements, and address any issues or concerns that come up promptly.
Training our Staff: Our team members who work with the community receive appropriate training to be respectful and effective in their roles.

These principles underscore our commitment to responsible and sustainable land use practices.

Protection of Community Resources

We value the cultural and social significance of certain areas, as identified through community input and categorized as High Conservation Values (HCV5 and HCV6). These places are preserved as community-use zones, where access to critical resources, such as food sources, is maintained. Our commitment extends to ensuring that the quality of these resources does not deteriorate or degrade over time. In instances where non-compliant land conversion threatens to diminish the social or cultural significance of these areas within our operations, Goodhope is dedicated to either restoring these values or providing appropriate compensation for any losses incurred.

Food Security

Food security is a fundamental concern for us, and we take active measures to ensure that local communities have access to sufficient, safe, and nutritious food that aligns with their needs and preferences for a healthy and active life. Our approach to food security includes:

Identifying and maintaining community food resources
Supporting local farming by providing agricultural training and materials and promoting sustainable food production
Providing emergency food packages to local communities in times of need, reinforcing our commitment to their well-being and resilience,

Health

We recognize the vital importance of community health. By collaborating with local health centers, we support initiatives designed to monitor and enhance the well-being of the community. These efforts encompass free medical checkups, family planning services, and vaccination programs. Particular emphasis is placed on the health of young children, where we have established long-term programs to provide essential nutrients to those under the age of five. Currently, our presence spans 17 clinics and involves 49 dedicated medical practitioners to address the health and medical needs of the community.

Education

Our vision for education goes beyond standard subjects; it fosters critical thinking and problem-solving skills in the next generation. Our education programs are tailored to equip students with the knowledge and competencies necessary for their future careers and pursuits. The Agro Harapan Foundation, founded in 2008, is at the heart of these efforts, delivering quality education not only through our schools but also by supporting existing public schools within the community. We are dedicated to the concept of “educating for sustainability”, collaborating closely with educators and relevant organizations to weave sustainability into the curriculum and champion sustainability initiatives within schools.

Livelihood Opportunities

Goodhope is committed to helping local communities diversify their income sources and reduce dependence on oil palm cultivation. We forge partnerships to provide comprehensive training and learning opportunities. These encompass activities that can potentially bolster livelihoods, including farming, small business development, financial management, and administrative skills. By empowering individuals with diverse income-generating options, we contribute to a more sustainable and economically viable future for communities.

Smallholder

Support

Smallholders, defined as farmers who own less than 20 hectares of planted oil palm, play a significant role in the global production of palm oil, contributing up to 40% of the total output. However, these smallholders often face challenges related to resource limitations and a lack of knowledge on sustainable oil palm cultivation.

In Indonesia, oil palm smallholders are classified under two categories:

This initiative by the Indonesian government aims to bolster the development of smallholder plantations with the support and assistance of plantation companies. Under this scheme, cooperatives are established, and smallholders receive training focused on self-management, financial awareness, and financial planning. These skills empower members to effectively manage the income generated from their share of profit. The program also encourages entrepreneurship and strives for long-term enhancements for the well-being of local communities.

Independent smallholders are not linked to any company and are self-financed and self-managed. To support these independent smallholders, efforts are made to integrate them into the supply chain while promoting practices that enhance productivity, profitability, and sustainability. The goal is to help these smallholders become more economically resilient and environmentally responsible.

To facilitate the adoption of sustainable land management practices and enhance livelihoods, we implement comprehensive smallholder engagement programs. Such as the Farmer Field School, which has been facilitated by partners Daemeter Consulting and Widya Erti Indonesia. This program is a platform for smallholder farmers to improve their crop productivity and adopt good agricultural practices. By building capacity and providing necessary training, these initiatives contribute to the long-term sustainability of smallholder oil palm cultivation and benefit both farmers and the environment.