Côte d'Ivoire: Eni publishes its first sustainable development report on Baleine

Eni recently announced the publication of its first local sustainability report in Côte d'Ivoire, marking an important milestone in its commitment to local communities and environmental sustainability. At the launch ceremony, which was attended by representatives of institutions, non-governmental organisations, suppliers and partners, Eni presented its achievements and future objectives, aligned with the country's National Development Plans and the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals.

Luca Faccenda, Managing Director of Eni Côte d'Ivoire, pointed out that since the discovery of the Baleine field in 2021, the largest deposit ever discovered in Côte d'Ivoire, the company has launched a series of sustainable development initiatives. These projects aim to combine economic growth with social responsibility, while investing in decarbonisation, economic diversification, education and health initiatives. "These projects are an essential part of the legacy we intend to leave. By opening up a portfolio of opportunities for shared and equitable growth, we are promoting a sustainable future for Côte d'Ivoire", he emphasised.

Among Eni's flagship initiatives is the adoption of best available technologies to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions associated with the Whale project, the first project in Africa to target "Net Zero Upstream" development (Scope 1 and 2). A key initiative has been the distribution of locally produced improved cookstoves to replace traditional cooking methods. To date, over 100,000 stoves have been distributed, with the aim of reaching 500,000 units by 2030. This programme has already improved the quality of life of over 500,000 people in more than 1,000 villages, and aims to reach over 2 million, thereby contributing to a significant reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.

At the same time, Eni has launched feasibility studies for a major conservation and reforestation project covering 155,000 hectares in 14 of the country's classified forests, in collaboration with the Ministries of Water and Forests and the Environment. The project aims to protect the country's forest heritage, restore degraded areas and promote the sustainable management of natural resources, while directly involving local communities through training and awareness-raising activities.

Eni is also contributing to Côte d'Ivoire's economic diversification through the production of vegetable oil from forestry residues for biorefining. This project, carried out in collaboration with the Federation of Hevea Producers (FPH), involves thousands of farmers in the collection of residual seeds from more than 50,000 hectares, thus offering a new source of income while integrating the country into the biofuel value chain.

In 2023, Eni called on a number of Ivorian suppliers in the logistics, maintenance and technical services sectors, reinforcing their expertise in the areas of health, safety and the environment. In addition, the company has provided more than 7,000 hours of training to around 135 employees, promoting the adoption of safe and sustainable practices in the workplace.

In the field of education, Eni has renovated 20 primary schools and 2 secondary schools in Port-Bouët and the Sud-Comoé region, providing modern infrastructure and teaching materials for more than 13,000 pupils. These projects, developed in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, guarantee a safe and functional learning environment for pupils and staff.

On the health front, Eni has rehabilitated several health centres across the country. These renovated facilities, which will be inaugurated in 2024, will benefit more than 230,000 people and 500 health professionals. The projects include the supply of ambulances, medical equipment and awareness campaigns to improve public health in Côte d'Ivoire.

Through its sustainable development projects, Eni Côte d'Ivoire is committed to promoting sustainable economic, social and environmental development in Côte d'Ivoire. By placing decarbonisation, local content and improving people's living conditions at the heart of its actions, Eni is helping to build a prosperous and sustainable future for the country. These initiatives aim to have a positive impact on hundreds of thousands of people, while creating synergies between environmental protection and social development.