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Local development: a priority for Eni

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Our approach to local development

We promote Development Programmes and access to energy initiatives for the communities in the areas that host our activities. Ensuring access to energy means addressing the basic needs of communities and supporting global human development by promoting the wider enjoyment of rights such as the right to food, health, water and education, as well as supporting local businesses and creating employment opportunities.

We also support initiatives to diversify economies, protect the environment and provide vocational training to create new job opportunities. Our distinctive 'Dual Flag' approach is based on respecting the individual, understanding local needs and forging lasting partnerships with national and international bodies, resulting in the Alliances for Development.

Initiatives to prevent and combat gender-based violence

We support community-based initiatives to prevent gender-based violence, create income opportunities, access to educational and productive activities by supporting women's economic independence.

Since 2020, Eni has been a member of the United Nations campaign against violence against women and girls "16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence". In line with the theme "Investing in Prevention", we carry out initiatives for the prevention of violence against women in local communities.

We invest in empowering women to initiate their own projects and benefit from income opportunities, starting with agriculture and fishing, as economic dependency is closely linked to gender-based violence.

For example, through crop diversification, the introduction of new inputs and technologies, and the training of women and young people, the Green River Project in Nigeria has increased agricultural productivity, created employment opportunities in new cooperatives, and increased per capita income.  

We promote access to education by removing barriers to girls' and young women's participation. These efforts are crucial to prevent gender-based violence, as:

  • lack of access to education for girls and young women can be both a cause and a consequence of early exposure to forms of gender-based violence, including forced marriage and early pregnancy, depending on the context
  • education is an essential tool for achieving economic independence. In Egypt, for example, the “Applied Technology School in Port Said” project, which aims to strengthen the technical education system and improve young people's access to employment opportunities, has promoted significant female participation in a predominantly male educational sector such as vocational schools. This initiative provides girls with safeguards such as a grievance mechanism that tracks and addresses complaints or grievances related to accidents or other environmental or social impacts, whether real or perceived, resulting from the activities of Eni or its contractors or suppliers.
  • schools are privileged environments where girls and boys can be educated about gender-based violence, helping to challenge and overcome socio-cultural norms and stereotypes that hinder women's emancipation.

By focusing on access to menstrual health, not only we prevent forms of gender-based violence that spread due to the inaccessibility and/or affordability of sanitation products, but we also act on a critical barrier to school attendance. For instance, the project on access to education in Ghana, in addition to the renovation of school environments and toilets and the training of teaching staff, has included awareness-raising activities on gender-based violence and the distribution of menstrual hygiene products.

Through our water access and clean cooking projects, we contribute to the prevention of violence against women: it is widely documented that collecting water and wood-an activity in most cases delegated to women-exposes them to an increased risk of experiencing gender-based violence, as it takes place in remote and poorly lit areas. In addition, these projects reduce the time spent in the procurement of wood and water, freeing up time that women can devote to other productive or educational activities, thereby supporting their economic independence.

Our local development projects around the world

Through local development projects, we want to contribute to the socioeconomic growth of the communities in which we are present. By involving people, we seek to generate positive and lasting change within communities. Our projects are designed and implemented using a participatory approach that integrates relevant cross-cutting issues, such as gender, using tools and methodologies that meet international standards.

In 2024, we signed 5 new socio-economic agreements, adding to the 75 active cooperation agreements in 2023 (including 16 socio-economic and 12 health-focused agreements).

 Of these, 25 collaboration agreements involve multisectoral initiatives that were either active or signed in 2023.

Our collaborations by area of intervention

Our initiatives protect the right to health, promote social and health development, and strengthen health systems in host countries. In 2023, collaborations with local authorities, civil society organisations, hospitals and leading scientific partners focused on primary health care, maternal and child health and infectious and non-communicable diseases.

Some of our main activities focus on:

  • training of health personnel
  • health infrastructure interventions
  • awareness campaigns for populations and extraordinary support in the event of emergencies, disasters or pandemics.

In 2023, we signed a total of 12 new agreements with:

  • local institutions, such as the Ministry of Health of the State of Tabasco in Mexico, to improve the nutrition and health of mothers and children in the municipality of Cardenas
  • civil society organisations, such as Doctors with Africa Cuamm (university college of aspiring missionary medical doctors) and the International Rescue Committee in Côte d'Ivoire, which focuses on strengthening primary health care services, and Operation Smile in Vietnam, which focused on treating cleft lip and palate in children
  • hospitals, such as the IRCCS Policlinico San Donato, for the construction of a medical training centre in Port Said, Egypt.

In Italy, we signed an agreement with the Romagna Local Health Unit for an experimental project in Marina di Ravenna to improve primary care and chronic disease management through the use of family and community nurses.

Our aim is to ensure that people in the communities where we operate have access to quality, effective, inclusive and long-term education. Some of our main initiatives, implemented in partnership with local authorities, international organisations and with the involvement of civil society groups, include:

  • the renovation or construction of school buildings
  • the handing out of school supplies and student kits
  • awareness campaigns to encourage school attendance
  • supporting educational programmes for young students, including workshops, scholarships, courses and vocational training programmes aimed at developing skills and knowledge in the energy and natural resources sector.

In 2023, there were 13 active education agreements, 5 of which were newly signed with the United Nations Educational Organization (UNESCO), the Association of Volunteers in International Service (AVSI), the International Voluntary Service for Development (VIS), the International Rescue Committee (IRC) and the Ministry of Education of Côte d'Ivoire.

Our aim is to help local communities access clean and safe water and sanitation services to improve living conditions and public health, particularly in areas where access to clean water is limited or unavailable.

Activities in this area may include:

  • drilling wells
  • installing water treatment systems
  • upgrading water networks and improving distribution
  • providing sanitation facilities
  • implementing hygiene education programmes and initiatives in schools and communities.

In 2023, a new agreement on access to water was signed with the OIKOS Institute, a civil society organization (CSO) operating in Mozambique.  In addition to this new agreement, another partnership with UniLúrio, the University of Lúrio, has been active in the country since 2021.

We contribute to the conservation and protection of the local natural heritage by supporting ecosystem restoration projects and the conservation and rehabilitation of aquatic ecosystems.

 

The initiatives also include activities such as:

  • waste management support for communities
  • waste disposal site rehabilitation
  • remediation to restore native vegetation
  • tree replanting
  • biodiversity conservation
  • awareness-raising campaigns on the risks of oil spill pollution and the importance of biodiversity protection.

In this context, in 2023 Eni signed an agreement with UNESCO in Mexico to carry out a technical and socio-cultural feasibility study of the Water Security Plan for the Mezcalapa-Samaria sub-basin in the state of Tabasco.

Projects in this area aim to achieve food security, business development, agriculture and fishing, infrastructure development, the creation of new job opportunities, the empowerment of women and young people, and economic promotion and growth. 

Examples of these initiatives include:

  • micro-entrepreneurship and job placement projects
  • projects for employment and self-support, such as sustainable agriculture, responsible tourism, local handicrafts, production of goods and services
  • entrepreneurship training programmes
  • mentoring and consultancy for small businesses and start-ups
  • vocational training on renewable energy
  • environmental management.

In 2023, Eni had 11 active partnerships, including 5 new agreements signed with the:

  • Ethical Fashion Initiative in Côte d'Ivoire, a programme of the International Trade Centre (ITC) - a joint United Nations and World Trade Organization (WTO) agency
  • Banco Alimentare, Ajuda de Desenvolvimento de Povo para Povo (ADPP) and Technoserve.

Activities in this area aim to provide access to energy to communities and areas where it is currently limited or non-existent. Some projects focus on reducing the use of non-renewable energy sources, mitigating the effects of climate change, and providing energy for agriculture, the production of local goods and services and the development of small businesses.

Some of our main activities involve:

  • developing small-scale energy distribution systems in rural areas
  • supply and installation of electrical components
  • construction of transmission lines and connection to the national grid
  • support in accessing improved, certified and quality cooking systems
  • awareness-raising activities in local communities on energy efficiency, energy saving and renewable energy sources
  • installation of photovoltaic panels
  • installation of more efficient energy systems.

As part of its renewable energy initiatives, Eni has launched a project with AVSI in Kenya.

Our collaborations by area of intervention

Our initiatives protect the right to health, promote social and health development, and strengthen health systems in host countries. In 2023, collaborations with local authorities, civil society organisations, hospitals and leading scientific partners focused on primary health care, maternal and child health and infectious and non-communicable diseases.

Some of our main activities focus on:

  • training of health personnel
  • health infrastructure interventions
  • awareness campaigns for populations and extraordinary support in the event of emergencies, disasters or pandemics.

In 2023, we signed a total of 12 new agreements with:

  • local institutions, such as the Ministry of Health of the State of Tabasco in Mexico, to improve the nutrition and health of mothers and children in the municipality of Cardenas
  • civil society organisations, such as Doctors with Africa Cuamm (university college of aspiring missionary medical doctors) and the International Rescue Committee in Côte d'Ivoire, which focuses on strengthening primary health care services, and Operation Smile in Vietnam, which focused on treating cleft lip and palate in children
  • hospitals, such as the IRCCS Policlinico San Donato, for the construction of a medical training centre in Port Said, Egypt.

In Italy, we signed an agreement with the Romagna Local Health Unit for an experimental project in Marina di Ravenna to improve primary care and chronic disease management through the use of family and community nurses.

Our aim is to ensure that people in the communities where we operate have access to quality, effective, inclusive and long-term education. Some of our main initiatives, implemented in partnership with local authorities, international organisations and with the involvement of civil society groups, include:

  • the renovation or construction of school buildings
  • the handing out of school supplies and student kits
  • awareness campaigns to encourage school attendance
  • supporting educational programmes for young students, including workshops, scholarships, courses and vocational training programmes aimed at developing skills and knowledge in the energy and natural resources sector.

In 2023, there were 13 active education agreements, 5 of which were newly signed with the United Nations Educational Organization (UNESCO), the Association of Volunteers in International Service (AVSI), the International Voluntary Service for Development (VIS), the International Rescue Committee (IRC) and the Ministry of Education of Côte d'Ivoire.

Our aim is to help local communities access clean and safe water and sanitation services to improve living conditions and public health, particularly in areas where access to clean water is limited or unavailable.

Activities in this area may include:

  • drilling wells
  • installing water treatment systems
  • upgrading water networks and improving distribution
  • providing sanitation facilities
  • implementing hygiene education programmes and initiatives in schools and communities.

In 2023, a new agreement on access to water was signed with the OIKOS Institute, a civil society organization (CSO) operating in Mozambique.  In addition to this new agreement, another partnership with UniLúrio, the University of Lúrio, has been active in the country since 2021.

We contribute to the conservation and protection of the local natural heritage by supporting ecosystem restoration projects and the conservation and rehabilitation of aquatic ecosystems.

 

The initiatives also include activities such as:

  • waste management support for communities
  • waste disposal site rehabilitation
  • remediation to restore native vegetation
  • tree replanting
  • biodiversity conservation
  • awareness-raising campaigns on the risks of oil spill pollution and the importance of biodiversity protection.

In this context, in 2023 Eni signed an agreement with UNESCO in Mexico to carry out a technical and socio-cultural feasibility study of the Water Security Plan for the Mezcalapa-Samaria sub-basin in the state of Tabasco.

Projects in this area aim to achieve food security, business development, agriculture and fishing, infrastructure development, the creation of new job opportunities, the empowerment of women and young people, and economic promotion and growth. 

Examples of these initiatives include:

  • micro-entrepreneurship and job placement projects
  • projects for employment and self-support, such as sustainable agriculture, responsible tourism, local handicrafts, production of goods and services
  • entrepreneurship training programmes
  • mentoring and consultancy for small businesses and start-ups
  • vocational training on renewable energy
  • environmental management.

In 2023, Eni had 11 active partnerships, including 5 new agreements signed with the:

  • Ethical Fashion Initiative in Côte d'Ivoire, a programme of the International Trade Centre (ITC) - a joint United Nations and World Trade Organization (WTO) agency
  • Banco Alimentare, Ajuda de Desenvolvimento de Povo para Povo (ADPP) and Technoserve.

Activities in this area aim to provide access to energy to communities and areas where it is currently limited or non-existent. Some projects focus on reducing the use of non-renewable energy sources, mitigating the effects of climate change, and providing energy for agriculture, the production of local goods and services and the development of small businesses.

Some of our main activities involve:

  • developing small-scale energy distribution systems in rural areas
  • supply and installation of electrical components
  • construction of transmission lines and connection to the national grid
  • support in accessing improved, certified and quality cooking systems
  • awareness-raising activities in local communities on energy efficiency, energy saving and renewable energy sources
  • installation of photovoltaic panels
  • installation of more efficient energy systems.

As part of its renewable energy initiatives, Eni has launched a project with AVSI in Kenya.

Local Development Programmes in Cooperation with Countries

Together with governments, we define Local Development Programmes in line with the UN 2030 Agenda and Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) based on five lines of action.

Business-integrated sustainability

We adopt tools in line with the main international standards, set by the International Petroleum Industry Environmental Conservation Association, the World Business Council for Sustainable Development, the United Nations and the World Bank.

Knowledge of the country's socio-economic, environmental and cultural contexts through the application of internationally recognised tools, also applied at sub-national level, such as the Global Multidimensional Poverty Index (Global MPI - Multidimensional Poverty Index) or the Country profiles on Sustainable Development Goals (defined by SDSN). We are committed to ensuring that our activities do not have a negative impact on the lives of the people affected by our operations, through a risk-based model that classifies business projects and by conducting environmental, social and health impact assessments in accordance with international standards, incorporating local standards where necessary.

The continuous and two-way relationship, with those directly or indirectly involved, means we can analyse their requests (and/or possible complaints), understand local needs and consolidate mutual trust.

 

The monitoring of activities to identify critical issues, opportunities and risks from a socio-economic and environmental perspective, including the respect and promotion of human rights, through the application of standardised impact assessment tools (ESHIA) for all contexts where we are present, in compliance with international standards and supplementing local standards where necessary.

The analysis of local needs, the definition and implementation of local development programmes (LDPs) consistent with Country Development Plans, local needs analysis, Agenda 2030 and Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).

 

We manage the evaluation and measurement of local development through the use of tools and methodologies:

  • which are our own, and are developed in cooperation with academic institutes such as the Eni Local Content Evaluation (ELCE)
  • which are shared internationally and adopted by Eni, such as the Logical Framework Approach (LFA), the results-based management approach and project cycle management.

In addition, we have adopted the Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning management tool to monitor, evaluate and, if necessary, redesign   projects, risks or other aspects in order to maximise benefits for communities.

The numerous collaborations with institutions, cooperation agencies and local stakeholders enable a useful approach, to identify key interventions to be implemented in the area.

The Mattei Formula, development starts with cooperation

The strategy developed by Enrico Mattei promotes collaboration with the territories in which we operate to foster sustainable development and meet the needs of communities.

Accessible energy

We support a transition that gives everyone access to reliable and sustainable energy through secure supplies of sources and the use of technologies that support the decarbonization process.

Woman looking at the horizon with sunlight in her hands

Local development projects

  • (1) Source: Eni for 2023 - A Just Transition

Partnerships in Mozambico

Through the signing of agreements with institutions and organisations, many initiatives have been launched to contribute to the socio-economic development of communities.

In 2023, five new agreements will be added to the seven partnerships already active in the country:

  • two with ADPP and OIKOS
  • three, for the health of communities, with Helpcode, AISPO (Italian Association for Solidarity among Peoples) and the Comunità di Sant'Egidio ACAP.

In addition, a new cooperation agreement was signed with the Ministry of the Environment in the first half of 2024.

National Cooperative Business Association Clusa international (NCBA CLUSA)

As part of our activities to promote economic diversification, an agricultural campaign is active in the province of Manica to improve food security and develop agricultural value chains. The activity involves the implementation of demonstration fields, training farmers in improved agricultural techniques, distributing coffee seedlings, carrying out monitoring visits and providing technical assistance and marketing support.

Italian Association for Solidarity Among People (AISPO)

As part of our community health activities, we are also helping to improve emergency services at Pemba Provincial Hospital.

 This includes supplying medical equipment, renovating the intensive care and radiology wards, training personnel and strengthening maintenance management skills to improve the sustainability of the facility. The radiology ward is planning to install a Computerised Axial Tomography (CT) machine, while in the intensive care unit a new room equipped with beds according to international standards will be built.

Universidade Lùrio (UniLùrio)

Efforts to promote area protection through the PRORES project in Cabo Delgado include building the resilience of local communities and restoring the mangrove ecosystem through sustainable economic activities such as beekeeping. This includes restoring 6 hectares of mangroves, distributing plant nursery materials, placing beehives for beekeeping, starting aquaculture and conducting educational and awareness-raising activities on sustainable environmental management. The PRORES project also aims to ensure equitable access to drinking water by increasing the coverage of rural water supply services for communities. In addition, awareness-raising activities on good sanitation practices were implemented, including training on the maintenance and management of the implemented water systems.

Ajuda de Desenvolvimento de Povo para Povo (People's Development Aid for the People - ADPP)

As part of our education access and literacy support activities, in the Paquitequete Community we help to ensure equitable and quality access to primary education. The initiative includes providing meals to primary school students and kindergarten children, supplying additional teaching materials and equipment to schools in Paquitequete, Kuparata and Kamilamba, as well as training teachers and educators, school leaders and creating school councils at schools and kindergartens.

National Cooperative Business Association Clusa international (NCBA CLUSA)

As part of our activities to promote economic diversification, an agricultural campaign is active in the province of Manica to improve food security and develop agricultural value chains. The activity involves the implementation of demonstration fields, training farmers in improved agricultural techniques, distributing coffee seedlings, carrying out monitoring visits and providing technical assistance and marketing support.

Italian Association for Solidarity Among People (AISPO)

As part of our community health activities, we are also helping to improve emergency services at Pemba Provincial Hospital.

 This includes supplying medical equipment, renovating the intensive care and radiology wards, training personnel and strengthening maintenance management skills to improve the sustainability of the facility. The radiology ward is planning to install a Computerised Axial Tomography (CT) machine, while in the intensive care unit a new room equipped with beds according to international standards will be built.

Universidade Lùrio (UniLùrio)

Efforts to promote area protection through the PRORES project in Cabo Delgado include building the resilience of local communities and restoring the mangrove ecosystem through sustainable economic activities such as beekeeping. This includes restoring 6 hectares of mangroves, distributing plant nursery materials, placing beehives for beekeeping, starting aquaculture and conducting educational and awareness-raising activities on sustainable environmental management. The PRORES project also aims to ensure equitable access to drinking water by increasing the coverage of rural water supply services for communities. In addition, awareness-raising activities on good sanitation practices were implemented, including training on the maintenance and management of the implemented water systems.

Ajuda de Desenvolvimento de Povo para Povo (People's Development Aid for the People - ADPP)

As part of our education access and literacy support activities, in the Paquitequete Community we help to ensure equitable and quality access to primary education. The initiative includes providing meals to primary school students and kindergarten children, supplying additional teaching materials and equipment to schools in Paquitequete, Kuparata and Kamilamba, as well as training teachers and educators, school leaders and creating school councils at schools and kindergartens.

Eni for 2023. Browse the interactive feature

Discover the sustainability report that brings together our goals, commitments and achievements for a socially just energy transition.

eni for just transition

All data on our sustainability performance

The results we obtain in the areas of sustainability available in the form of graphs and tables.

Two female colleagues in the office look at monitor data


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