Community First
Strong community partnerships ensure long-term project success, creating shared value through local employment, revenue-sharing, and sustainable land stewardship.
Community engagement model
Land tenure agreements
All land-use agreements are established through documented Free Prior Informed Consent (FPIC) processes with community leaders and local government. No planting begins without formal community validation, a non-negotiable principle.
Revenue sharing
A minimum of 5% of annual VCU sales revenue is reinvested in the 25 partner localities, funding water access, health infrastructure and food security programmes. This commitment is written into the project's legal structure.
Employment & Training
Local permanent and seasonal jobs are created for surrounding communities, complemented by annual agroforestry training programs that build lasting skills and strengthen long-term economic resilience beyond the project.
Free Prior Informed Consent, not a formality, a foundation
FPIC is the cornerstone of the EWOOD PGM community model. Before any activity begins on a new parcel, we conduct documented consultations with community leaders, women's groups and youth representatives, ensuring every voice is heard and every agreement is free from coercion or economic pressure.
- Documented consultation records available to Verra auditors
- Multi-stakeholder assemblies, leaders, women, youth
- Right to withdraw consent upheld at any project stage
- Agreements reviewed annually with community representatives
