Socio-environmental impact of the actions of oil palm companies in the canton of la Concordia

Abstract

The study investigated the socio-environmental impact of oil palm extracting companies in the canton of La Concordia, province of Santo Domingo de los Tsáchilas, Ecuador. The research was motivated by the environmental and social problems derived from extractive activity, and aimed to evaluate these impacts and the relationship between corporate social responsibility and the sustainability of these companies. A qualitative-quantitative methodology was used with emphasis on qualitative, using a non-experimental design of a transversal exploratory and descriptive type. Surveys were applied to 17 palm extraction companies. A survey was also designed for residents of the canton to evaluate community satisfaction regarding business activity. The results highlighted that companies generate discontent in the community due to deforestation, land dispossession and water pollution. Only 40% of the managers surveyed claimed to have specific budgets to mitigate environmental impacts, and the majority considered the process to obtain environmental certifications to be bureaucratic. The findings highlighted the urgent need to integrate effective corporate social responsibility practices to improve working conditions, protect natural resources and promote sustainability. It was recommended to develop compensation and ecological restoration programs, and promote transparency and dialogue with affected communities to build trust and cooperation.

Keywords: Company action, Oil palm, Harmful actions, Natural resources, Socio-environmental effects.