Building partnerships for sustainable development is part of our company's corporate philosophy. Over the years, Total, has seen itself as part of the people and environment in which it operates by identifying positively with their aspirations economically, socially and culturally. We are committed to adding to the solid base that we have built in Nigeria.

Today, Total Upstream's reputation as a responsible and reputable technical organisation well-integrated in the community has been soundly established. With effective communication and commitment to long-lasting development projects, we have been able to build up the harmonious relations that characterise our association with host communities.

Ensuring the basics

We provide basic social infrastructure - water supply, electricity, health services, roads, jetties, community halls and markets - which we see as basic necessity, not luxury. In selecting the projects based on consensus with the people through consultative committees, the company ensures that they are tangible, durable and economically beneficial to the communities.

Supporting education at every level

Our policy of reaching out to maintain good relations has led us to initiate scholarship schemes at all levels of education, as well as providing educational infrastructure, computer equipment, and donations to endowment funds in universities and colleges. Our company's direct involvement with relevant departments in such institutions stands us in good stead for later recruiting of local talent. Currently, a programme called Development of the Potentials of Proven Talents is being run in partnership with the French embassy, to identify young talents in Nigeria and expose these future professionals to modern laboratories, methods and techniques in French Universities, up to Ph.D level. Recently the company established an Institute of Petroleum Studies (IPS) at the University of Port Harcourt in conjunction with the French Petroleum Institute (IFP) in Paris. The objective is to provide high level training for Nigerians in Petroleum Engineering and Management related studies.

Change for the better

EPNL has also influenced positive change in the host communities through a deliberate policy which guarantees the award of contracts to skilled and qualified contractors and the employment of indigenes. To this end, all contracts for community projects are reserved exclusively for qualified community contractors. To enhance local content, the company assists the community contractors with up to 50% advance payment. Similarly, when vacancies exist in the company, deliberate efforts are made to advertise such vacant positions within the communities. The company's current community development strategies are aimed at economic empowerment of the people and creating conditions that would enable them achieve sustainable development.

Recognition from Nigeria for our contributions

Total in Nigeria has received awards and commendation from various recognised bodies. In 1995 and 2003, the Rivers State Council of the NUJ, honoured the company for its notable contribution to the growth and development of the journalism profession as well as for its dynamic policy on community development. In 1996, the Rivers State Government recognised the company for its pace-setting record in sports development in the state while in 2000, the Petroleum Training Institute (PTI), Effurun near Warri, honoured the company for its remarkable investments in education. Professional associations such as the NMGS, NSE, SPE and NAPE have also consistently honoured our company for our pursuit of excellence in various endeavours.

Upcoming actions:

• Further clarifying our position in Nigeria

Our Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) rating within the country is above average. We shall maintain this position and attempt to improve further by showing more vividly our full support for. The Extractive Industry Transparency Initiative (EITI). Related national and industry initiatives will equally be supported. As national CSR performance indicators do not exist, Total Upstream will collaborate with necessary organisations for their establishment and has recently registered with the Business Council for Sustainable Development, Nigeria (BCSDN), to achieve this goal.

• Further support for our employees