Block V and the Virunga National Park

Accountability

As a reputable, publicly listed organisation we are identifiable and accountable.

The aerial survey is being governed and monitored under the terms of the Environmental Acceptability Certificate which was issued by the DRC's Ministry of the Environment, Nature Conservation and Tourism.

The terms of the Environmental Acceptability Certificate include:

• That SOCO fulfil the environmental and social commitments set out in the Mitigation and Rehabilitation Plan;
• A close collaboration between SOCO, the Congo Environmental Studies Group (‘GEEC’) and the Congolese Institute for Nature Conservation (‘ICCN’);
• The  work programme agreed with GEEC and ICCN includes environmental baseline studies (e.g. an inventory of hippopotami and fish and mollusc studies on Lake Edward);
• The establishment of an Environmental Monitoring Committee to oversee activities. The ECM comprises a delegate from the Cabinet of the Ministry of the Environment, Nature Conservation, and Tourism, and two delegates from the Congo Environmental Studies Group (‘GEEC’), and two delegates from Congolese Institute for Nature Conservation (‘ICCN’).

Code of Business Conduct

SOCO is committed to abiding by both international and national laws of the host country. We are committed to conducting our business in an honest and ethical manner and ensuring that the health and safety of people and the protection of the environment remains a business priority. We do not permit the giving or receiving of bribes or political donations.

See our Code of Business Conduct and Ethics.

Engagement, Consultation and Partnership

SOCO is committed to engaging with stakeholders. We have engaged directly with a wide number of NGO’s concerning our presence in Eastern DRC.

We are working closely with the Congolese Institute for Nature Conservation (‘ICCN’) and the Congo Environmental Studies Group (‘GEEC’).