LIMA, PERU--(Marketwire - Nov. 24, 2011) - On Wednesday, November 16, Talisman signed initial community investment agreements with nine indigenous organizations whose members live adjacent to the Morona River. Talisman will provide over $3 million in 2012 to fund local community initiatives identified by the participating organizations. Funding will support health, education, access to electricity, capacity building, job opportunities and environmental monitoring programs.
"Engagement and support of the communities where we operate is essential to maintain our license to operate", said Alan Murray, General Manager of Talisman Peru. "We are grateful to the members of the indigenous communities for attending these meetings and working with Talisman. Ongoing dialogue is important to ensure that communities understand and support our activities and that we, in return, provide mutual benefits. The initiatives for 2012 were chosen by the federations and reflect the needs of their communities."
These agreements are the result of an ongoing discussion process between the company and the indigenous federations over the last 12 months. The purpose of multi-federation meetings is to provide an opportunity for Talisman to meet with the federations to discuss operations, listen to concerns and to set priorities for the coming months.
Multi-federation meetings are attended by government officials and civil society organizations to act as observers of the dialogue process. Eleven indigenous organizations from Talisman Peru's area of â¬9â¬9influence participate in these multi-federation meetings: FESHAM, FECONASHAM, FAWABAM, FENADEM, Nuevo OSHAM, ORCHASIM, FASAM, OSHDEM, Agricultural Producers Association of Morona - APAM, Fernando Rosas community and Puerto America town. To date, nine of the 11 federations have signed initial agreements. Talisman will continue dialogue with the remaining federations hoping to reach an agreement soon.
"The multi-federation meetings are an important space for dialogue and exchange of information that is helping to build links and trust between the company and native communities in their area of â¬9â¬9influence", said César Bedoya from Prodiálogo NGO, who has participated as an observer in two multi federation meetings.
The Mayor of the Municipality of the Morona District, Peas Kaiser, told federation leaders: "I congratulate you for demonstrating trust and maintaining an on-going dialogue with Talisman."
The meetings also offer indigenous leaders training in various topics such as human rights, and how to design social projects. Most recently, leaders participated in 21 day training on community management, led by the Institute of Cultural Affairs (ICA). Angel Taish, president of the Nuevo OSHAM federation, said at the last meeting: "We are now better informed than before. We want to continue this training process so that everyone can be aware and say: Yes, we can make decisions without any obligation. We can reach a final, unanimous decision in the best interest of the development of the Morona Basin and of Peru".
Talisman Energy Inc. is a global, diversified, upstream oil and gas company, headquartered in Canada. Talisman's three main operating areas are North America, the North Sea and Southeast Asia. The Company also has a portfolio of international exploration opportunities. Talisman is committed to conducting business safely, in a socially and environmentally responsible manner, and is included in the Dow Jones Sustainability (North America) Index. Talisman is listed on the Toronto and New York Stock Exchanges under the symbol TLM. Please visit our website at www.talisman-energy.com
Forward-Looking Information
This news release contains information that constitutes "forward-looking information" or "forward-looking statements" (collectively "forward-looking information") within the meaning of applicable securities legislation. The Company assumes no obligation to update forward-looking information should circumstances or management's estimates or opinions change, except as required by law.