May 4, 2010

 

 

During 2008 and 2009, Talisman Energy engaged in dialogue with socially responsible investors Bâtirente and Regroupement pour la Responsabilité Sociale des Enterprises (RRSE) related to indigenous rights and the concept of Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC). In response to this dialogue, Talisman commissioned the Corporate Social Responsibility practice group of Foley Hoag LLP, a Washington-based law firm, to prepare a report (the “Report”) on the benefits and challenges related to the adoption and implementation of a corporate policy on FPIC.  Talisman, Bâtirente and RRSE also invited the World Resources Institute (WRI), an environmental think tank with FPIC expertise, to provide a third party commentary on the Report.

 

The Report, entitled “Implementing a Corporate Free, Prior, And Informed Consent Policy: Benefits and Challenges”, reflects discussions which have taken place within the international community interested in this issue. It includes the opinions of a body of experts on indigenous rights from governments, companies and civil society organizations. Talisman extends its thanks to all those who have contributed to the engagement process and the report, including the responsible investors and WRI.

 

The Report focuses not only on the advantages that may be associated with the adoption of an FPIC policy, but also the significant challenges of implementing an FPIC approach, particularly where governments are not supportive, or where promoting a consent process may conflict with sovereign constitutional frameworks, regulations and remedies for addressing indigenous issues, land rights and development.

 

While the Report’s recommendations reference a number of practices that we believe are already a part of the Talisman approach to working with communities, the Report will be used to assess our global community relations policies and procedures and to inform our engagement approach in future projects.

 

“We are very pleased to have worked over the past year with Bâtirente, RRSE and WRI on this ground-breaking report from Foley-Hoag”, said Reg Manhas, Vice President, Corporate Affairs. “The frank and open exchange of ideas and challenges has already contributed to our greater understanding of the complex issue of FPIC. We intend to continue our dialogue as we take time to absorb the Report’s recommendations and consider their implications for our global approach to community and indigenous relations.”