Copyright (c) 2020 Desbordes
Approaches to communication between the community of El Morro, Yopal and the oil company Equión Energía
The oil industry in Colombia is going through decisive moments, given the social conflict that surrounds it, evidenced in various questions about its social and environmental impacts and, sometimes, due to blocks or unlawful conducts. Casanare, a department recognized as the second oil producer in the country –because it contributes 19% of total national production, according to the National Hydrocarbons Agency – ANH (2017) –, is not alien to this context, which is relevant both for companies as well as for the communities of the hydrocarbon producing areas. This department, where two of the largest oil fields in the history of the country have been found, bears witness to the social and economic dynamics generated by the industry, and can also attest to how necessary it is for companies and neighbouring communities to achieve the better understanding of the environment, keep a constant relationship and enjoy good communication.
Here is a picture of the communication between the community of the El Morro district, Yopal municipality, where Campo Floreña is located, and the hydrocarbon exploration and production company Equión Energía Limited, which served as its operator until February 2020. That picture is built from the testimonies of the parties to identify how the communication was and its process, what was the basis for their messages, and what perception they had of the way they communicated. All this had the objective of going beyond the collective characterization that existed of it: a communication that was nourished by demands and seen as conflictive. The social and economic news of Casanare evidence the need for communities and companies to be aware of their interaction and coexistence; the need for them to evolve, adopt a communication aimed at change, recognition and respect for the other and joint work hand in hand with the State and other productive sectors and labor unions. In this sense, the community of El Morro and Equión stated that they had reached agreements in favor of their understanding, prioritizing respectful dialogue despite differences, establishing participatory conversation settings and various direct communication channels to expand the scope of their communication and to be able to follow up the commitments and the live agenda of their topics of interest.
Copyright (c) 2020 Desbordes
