Deal #2375

The consultations are not public and the process was not duly undertaken and the resulting compensations were not negotiated between the affected people and the company.

Conflict over land, false promises and compensation is still ongoing in several of the affected communities.

Affected communities associate GRAS plantations with recent environmental changes they have registered, such as reduction of soil productivity, reduction of rainfall, reduced access to medicinal plants, firewood, water and hunting. oncerns from community members regarding the project's impact on their livelihoods. These concerns include: Loss of land for cultivation and grazing. Restricted access to important resources within the project area, such as holy places, rivers, and areas for collecting firewood and medicinal plants. Potential for population displacement and resulting socio-cultural conflicts. Environmental impacts like water quality deterioration due to pesticide use, reduced water tables, and temperature changes. Preference for native tree species over exotic plantations.

Among the many promises made during consultation, the most significant were access to jobs; improved schools and education; rehabilitation of existing hospitals and schools; promotion of alternative crop production techniques, which would ensure higher yields and require less land. All of these were forgotten once GRAS was in possession of the land, leaving communities frustrated.

Affected communities in collaboration with NGOs these communities have submitted letters, petitions denouncing these issues and demanding GRAS to fulfil all promises or give back their land.