Community Investment Programs in Developing Country Infrastructure Projects
Publication: Journal of Infrastructure Systems
Volume 14, Issue 3
Abstract
Private sector infrastructure companies operating in developing countries can positively affect the social, environmental, and economic fabric of local communities by providing infrastructure services and through community investment programs focused on economic development, poverty reduction, social inequality reduction, and environmental improvements. Community investment programs, as part of the corporate social responsibility concept, can take the form of philanthropy or charitable donations, employee volunteerism, and partnerships. The paper highlights how companies and communities benefit from these programs and presents an approach for designing, implementing, and reporting such programs. Program ideas for infrastructure projects and case studies are presented. Potential challenges, issues, and opportunities for community investment programs in developing countries are discussed. By going beyond the minimal requirement to mitigate project-related negative social and environmental impacts, private sector companies can be models of social responsibility and good corporate citizenship.
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Acknowledgments
The writers would like to express their appreciation to Inter-American Development Bank Private Sector Department, for which Dr. Montgomery served as Head of the Environmental and Social Unit, and where this work was developed. The writers also express their sincere appreciation to the companies involved in the case studies presented (Transportadora del Gas del Sur, Redesur, Geoenergia de Guanacaste, Grupo Guascor, Termobahia, and Campos Novos) and, in particular, for their efforts to provide community social and environmental benefits. Valuable input was provided by Elizabeth Brito, Ernesto Monter, Pablo Cardinale, Felix Filho, and Emily Shelton. Valuable comments were provided by the journal’s editor and an independent reviewer. Editorial assistance was provided by Mary Lareau.
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Information & Authors
Information
Published In
Journal of Infrastructure Systems
Volume 14 • Issue 3 • September 2008
Pages: 241 - 252
Copyright
© 2008 ASCE.
History
Received: Jul 26, 2007
Accepted: Oct 2, 2007
Published online: Sep 1, 2008
Published in print: Sep 2008
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