Deal #6346 Version #75575

No appropriate social or environmental impact assessments were done, nor was there census undertaken to identify affected people. Before land clearing there was no proper land survey and villagers were not properly consulted. Part of the land clearing took place nighttime. Villagers from the Xekatam estate (6 villages) understand that agreement signed by provincial governor with Outspan was for 150 ha land concession, and this is the area they agreed to in 2010, but not more. Area of land cleared is much more (831 ha in Xekatam). All land clearing was done during 2010, whereas the Concession Agreement was not signed before Dec 2011. Everything was agreed between the company and the government with no meaningful community engagement.

The relation between the company and communities is extremely bad due to the way the concession has been implemented. Company is open to offer employment and contract farming opportunities but villagers do not trust the company and currently don't want to interact with it.

288 households affected over 7 villages

Villagers’ crops were partly damaged or destroyed during land clearance, including coffee, rice and bamboo. Food security and food sovereignty of villagers has significantly decreased (company provided them with emergency food aid in April 2012. During land clearing sacred forest areas were destroyed. Biodiversity has decreased, risk of soil/water contamination by use of chemicals.

So far, the company have distributed 15 tones of rice to compensate villagers in four villages - Nongmek, Nonghin, Nongtheum, Nongtouang for losing their lands and crops. Three villages of Yaisalasinh, Yaisenoi and Houaykong have not received compensation.

The relation between the company and communities is extremely bad due to the way the concession has been implemented. Company is open to offer employment and contract farming opportunities but villagers do not trust the company and currently don't want to interact with it.