Boskalis CSR report 2017

CSR 2017 – BOSKALIS 21

“BECAUSE OUR COLLABORATIVE APPROACH TURNED OUT TO BE SO SUCCESSFUL, OTHER PARTIES WERE QUICKLY INTERESTED TO LEARN AND SHARE”

subsequently initiated, enabled us to use our leverage to get other parties to address environmental and social challenges. In this way, we managed to convince the client to put a far more effective approach in place on masterplan level. However, willingness of the client to engage with us on these matters is conditional to the success of our approach.” The following lessons were learnt in the start-up of the project: ‚ ‚ Awareness and knowledge of the local context is the basis of finding shared interests with the client and other relevant stakeholders. These shared interests can prove to be extremely useful in drafting a project approach and execution plan that not only addresses potential social risks in a far more efficient way, but also uncovers opportunities for joint value creation. ‚ ‚ Creating support reduces risk and failure costs. Addressing social aspects of the project in collaboration with the client at an early stage has substantial benefits, provided there is clarity in roles and responsibilities right from the start. ‚ ‚ A stakeholder management approach on project level is a valuable method to effectively embed social risks and opportunities in the implementation phase of the project. Such a stakeholder management plan must be based on an assessment of stakeholder interests, stakeholder relevance and the socio-economic local situation. “In order to further develop our Social Impact Program, we must identify and address both the positive and potential negative impacts that occur, resulting from our activities throughout the project. The international frameworks that we use, such as the IFC Performance Standards and the OECD Guidelines, tend to focus on the risks and the potentially adverse impacts. However, this gives a one-sided view of our activities. Our projects ultimately have a positive impact on local communities, their local economy and welfare of the people. The infrastructure that we design and build creates jobs and stimulates the (local) economy. In fact, by also focusing on the opportunities- side, CSR can be a catalyst for a mutually beneficial collaboration with our clients and partners. Importantly, our client in Duqm labelled our Social Impact Program as best practice, in which partners were eager to participate.”