Petrobras and its Norwegian counterpart, Statoil, which already act in conjunction in petroleum production in Brazil, are extending their partnership to the social sphere.
The companies plan to invest a joint total of US$ 359,000 this year on the creation of Water Schools ("Escolas das íguas") in the municipalities of Igrapiúna and Camamu, in the state of Bahia. Both are municipalities with low Human Development Index (HDI) scores.
According to a note issued by Petrobras, the purpose of the agreement is to train local families in techniques for processing oysters and fish bred in captivity.
The project will indirectly benefit 700 people in the two communities and should serve to strengthen regional fishing communities.
For Petrobras’ manager of Social Responsibility, Luis Fernando Nery, the Water Schools project has a special symbolic significance, insofar as it is the first project to expand the alliance between economic partners to the social sphere.
"The project inaugurates a model that can show the way to ample social investment opportunities."
ABr