Environmental & Social Governance
Built in, not bolted on: Environmental & Social Governance (ESG) drives everything we do
Why It Matters
ESG performance is especially important as our projects operate at the intersection of natural resource use, community well-being, and long-term economic development.
In many emerging markets, agriculture drives national food security, employment, and GDP growth. When improperly managed it can accelerate risks such as land degradation, water depletion, increased greenhouse gas emissions, and lead to social conflict. Strong ESG systems therefore ensure that agricultural operations remain sustainable.
Environment
Environmental standards help protect soil fertility, manage scarce water resources, safeguard biodiversity, and strengthen resilience to climate change - critical considerations in regions already vulnerable to extreme weather and shifting climate patterns.
Social
Social safeguards ensure that farming growth supports, rather than displaces, local communities by promoting fair labour practice, food safety, land tenure clarity, and meaningful stakeholder engagement.
Governance
Strong governance requires transparency, accountability, and compliance with national regulations and international standards - factors increasingly demanded by financiers, export markets, and global food buyers. Effective governance builds trust with investors, reduces regulatory and operational risk, and improves the long- term value of agricultural assets.
For emerging markets, where infrastructure, regulation, access to finance, and rural livelihoods are all still developing, ESG is not just a reputational concern. It is a strategic enabler that strengthens productivity, market access, social license to operate, and long-term resilience, making sustainable agriculture both a business advantage and a development necessity.
Our agri-food development strategy directly addresses
12/17 UN Sustainable Development Goals:
Sustainable Development Goals
Clean Water and Sanitation
Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all
Decent Work and Economic Growth
Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all.
Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and foster innovation.
Sustainable Cities & Communities
Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable
Reduced Inequalities
Reduce inequality within and among countries
Responsible Consumption and Production
Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns
Climate Action
Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts
Life on Land
Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss
Partnerships for
the Goals
Strengthen the means of implementation and revitalize the Global Partnership for Sustainable Development
Good Health & Well-Being
Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages
No Poverty
End poverty in all its forms everywhere
Zero Hunger
End hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture
Our Process
We follow a structured approach which guides responsible decision-making throughout the life cycle of each project, ensuring every asset meets international standards, national regulations, and delivers lasting value to both community and environment.
1
Screening
We identify key environmental and social sensitivities across project sites to guide land selection and risk management. Using field assessments, stakeholder consultations, and GIS mapping, we establish an ESG baseline and highlight potential risks and opportunities.
2
Planning
Based on the screening results, we develop a clear roadmap for managing ESG risks through design, construction, and operations. Actions, responsibilities, indicators, and resource needs are defined in alignment with standards and regulations, embedding sustainability into overall project governance.
3
Approvals
Once planning is complete, we undertake a full Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) to evaluate impacts, propose mitigation measures, and secure regulatory approval. Detailed studies and stakeholder engagement ensure compliance, transparency, and responsible project development.
4
Implementation
Implementation ensures all teams and systems are prepared to meet ESG commitments before construction and/or operations begin. We establish management systems, conduct staff training, and deploy monitoring tools to verify sustainability throughout the project lifecycle.
5
Management
A continuous process that is maintained throughout the asset lifecycle, enabling teams to execute implementation plans, meet reporting requirements for regulators and financiers, and adapt to evolving environmental, and community expectations and needs.