Lessons Learned from Shore Base Project in Thailand: Stakeholder Engagement and Public Participation

Abstract

Abstract Globally, Chevron's vision is to be the energy company most admired for its people, partnership and performance. It has continuously strived to be recognized and admired by industry and local communities for its world-class performance on safety, health, the environment, reliability and efficiency. To contribute to the achievement of this vision and promote responsible operations to protect people and the environment, Chevron performs a risk-based Environmental, Social and Health Impact Assessment (ESHIA) on all major capital projects to identify, analyze and develop measures that enhance benefits and avoid or mitigate potentially harmful effects of new projects. A goal of ESHIA is to establish and maintain dialogue with stakeholders throughout the lifetime of the project, solicit their views on potential benefits and impacts, and consider their ideas in the company's assessments and planning through a participatory approach. This is because Chevron is a firm believer that establishing and maintaining good relationships with communities and other key stakeholders are a significant factor in the foundation of the company's success in securing and maintaining both legal and social licenses to operate, and thus enhancing our presence as a ‘neighbor of choice’. This paper explores the importance of stakeholder engagement to the development of a major capital project in Thailand – Chevron Thailand Shore Base Project – the correlation of the stakeholder engagement process in relation to the Chevron Project Development and Execution Process (CPDEP) and requirements under Thai National Environmental and Health Impact Assessment (EIA/HIA) regulations. Best practices and lessons learned for stakeholder engagement and participation are reviewed. Mechanisms for gaining stakeholders’ understanding and support of the project applicable to both large and small projects are also recommended.