Were communities meaningfully consulted before these geothermal projects moved ahead?

In the case of the Globeleq Menengai project, community consultation began with the project’s environmental and social impact assessment and has continued through an ongoing stakeholder- engagement process. The assessment identified the communities directly affected within the project’s area of influence and recorded discussions with them, alongside consultations with other key stakeholders, including public authorities. The ESIA was made public online before financing was approved and was also reviewed as part of the lenders’ environmental and social due diligence. Members of the West Forum are among the communities identified as directly impacted and located within the project’s area of influence. According to the project’s stakeholder engagement plan, these communities continue to be engaged regularly. Finnfund’s view is that meaningful consultation is not a one-off requirement at the approval stage, but a continuing obligation throughout the life of the project, as required by the IFC Performance Standards. During the current construction phase, Globeleq has used Community Engagement Committees, Community Liaison Officers, disclosure meetings and community grievance channels to maintain regular contact with key stakeholders. Finnfund expects this engagement to remain inclusive, accessible and responsive as the project moves into operation and maintenance. At the same time, Finnfund and its independent environmental and social adviser have identified room to strengthen the process, particularly by increasing the frequency and robustness of continued community engagement…

The company's full response is attached above.