Corporate Social Responsibility

Social Infrastructure

The first basic need of a useful member of any society is housing with reliable and safe access, water and power. Oman LNG is a pioneering partner with the government in investing in low-cost housing for the needy. This initiative has moved from pioneer status to a well-established and successful programme touching every corner of Oman. In parallel, we have also been the primary sponsor in delivering water to neighbouring communities in Qalhat and Tiwi and in the containment and collection of waste water and sewage in the more remote hamlets in surrounding areas.

Health

To be economically active, health from an early age is a prerequisite. Oman LNG’s premiere investment in its host communities was the construction and establishment of a US$ 48 million referral hospital to provide care for the entire region. Since then, we have funded pioneering work in gene-testing laboratories in the drive to better understand and reduce hereditary illnesses, the purchase of state-of-the–art cancer treatment equipment, innovative equipment for the treatment and rehabilitation of spinal cord injuries, a regional training facility for specialist training in Ear Nose and Throat (ENT) and dental clinics for the needy, including one mobile clinic to treat the disabled.

Preventative measures are equally important in ensuring good health leading our company to pioneer the fist women-only recreational centre in Sur as a way of encouraging exercise and the pursuit of fitness in an environment that is sensitive to local traditions.

Education

A necessary step towards economic well-being and self-sufficiency is education and we’ve has been in the forefront of championing the “Smart Classroom”, based on leading edge IT-based teaching tools, mobile IT-laboratories that go to remote schools, as well as much needed state-of-the-art laboratories with the latest technology for newly started Technical Colleges.

Employment Skills & Local Enterprise

A champion of modern and innovative methods in secondary and tertiary education, Oman LNG recognises the need for specific skills training for employment. In joint programmes with the government and non-governmental organisations, we have spearheaded training for employment in areas where shortages are most acute including vocations such as fitting and welding, pharmacists’ assistants, tailoring, etc.

We have also encouraged and supported local groups to transform local skills into successful enterprises. Examples include the fabrication of replica dhows, Omani cane sticks with silver embroidery, woven key holders from goats’ wool and embroidered bags inspired by Omani designs and patterns. Remote areas disadvantaged through lack of arable land have been given support through the introduction of sustainable projects, such as local bee-farms for honey and wax.

Traditionally, there is a unique relationship between the Bedouin and their camels. Oman LNG is proud to have funded the establishment of Oman’s first Camel Care Centre, which extends its veterinary services to horses, antelopes and livestock from surrounding areas.

Fishing-rods, not Fish

Fishing, a traditional industry in Oman for centuries, remains the largest source of employment and income for up to 70 per cent of the working men of in Sur. Blessed with rich and fertile fishing grounds, traditional fishing methods have sustained these communities. Today, however, their livelihoods are threatened by more efficient fishing methods and stock depletion due to over-fishing by large trawling vessels. Oman LNG’s first step was to commission a feasibility study to identify sustainable and commercially viable options, This was followed by the introduction of artificial coral reefs in key areas, the upgrading of fishing harbours and facilities to improve safety, access and equipment care and working more closely with the many diverse and very independently minded fishermen to encourage and support cooperation and sustainable enterprise.

Culture & Heritage

Oman LNG recognises the importance of preserving cultural heritage. OLNG has championed the preservation of the ancient monument of Bibi Miriam, at Qalhat, the establishment of a Heritage and Craft Museum, the revival of traditional dhow building and the sponsorship of the traditional boat and dhow race each year in Sur. We are also proud to be regular sponsors of traditional music and folklore.

Sports and Recreation

Sports and recreation are essential for good health and participation is a ‘habit’ that can be best developed whilst still young. For these reasons we are a constant and regular sponsor and champion of sports in our host communities.

Environmental Protection

Our plant delivers world-class performance in minimising environmental impact on air, water and soil quality. We also champion waste management in our community and are the major sponsor for the relocation Sur’s landfill site to a modern and fit location with a waste compaction plant and the restoration of the old site.

Oman hosts the world’s largest breeding beeches for Greenback Turtles with Oman LNG as the leading sponsor of the Turtle Research and Exhibition Centre at Ras Al Jinz. This centre attracts scientists and tourists from all over the world who are carefully guided by trained rangers. We are the Environmental Society of Oman’s (ESO) largest single sponsor. The ESO’s activities range from indigenous species protection to the championing of waste reduction, reuse and recycle programmes. The latest effort being the “Reduce Plastic Bag Campaign” throughout Oman.

Emergency Responsiveness

In June 2007 Cyclone Guno struck Oman with devastating effect, taking lives and destroying homes and infrastructure. In an unparalleled step, Oman LNG suspended non-essential work and mobilised its staff in the provision of basic necessities to affected areas and financial contributions from staff were matched five-fold by company. As a final gesture US$ 13 million was contributed to the Sultan’s Fund to assist those worst affected by the cyclone.

Reserve Fund

Recognising the importance of providing for the future, Oman LNG puts aside some 35 per cent of its total annual SIP allocation into its reserve fund to secure the future viability and sustainability of the programme.