ESG commitment

Reference framework

International standards as a minimum requirement

Zeideal Farm SA inscribes its project in a structured ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) approach compliant with the most demanding international standards. All environmental, social and governance dimensions are addressed in a corpus of twelve ESMP manuals (Environmental and Social Management Plans) covering the entire operating cycle.

This approach exceeds Cameroonian regulatory requirements to align with the standards of international institutional lenders: IFC/SFI Performance Standards 1 to 8, Equator Principles 4, OECD guidelines for multinational enterprises.

IFC PS 1-8 Equator Principles 4 ASC 2030 (target)

Three pillars, a coherent approach

ESG at the heart of the operating model

Environment

Preservation of the Nyong ecosystem

Density limited to 30 kg/m³ — 1/3 of intensive standards
Continuous water quality monitoring (pH, O₂, T°, NH₃, NO₂, NO₃)
Zero chemical discharge — no preventive antibiotics
Organic waste valorisation through local composting
Reduced carbon footprint: -4.2 kg CO₂/kg produced vs imports
Quarterly biological monitoring with IRD-Cameroon + UY1 partnership
Annual stoichiometric balance published

Governance

Institutional transparency

Annual financial audit by Big 4 firm or equivalent
SYSCOHADA + IFC PS reference frameworks compliance
Quarterly ESG reporting to lenders (BCPME, AFG)
Active Audit Committee + ESG Committee
Independent ESG director on the Board
Accessible and anonymous grievance mechanism (ESMP-10)
Binding code of conduct — annual training

Environmental and Social Management Plan

The twelve ESMP manuals

The ESMP derives from the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) filed with MINEPDED in compliance with decree no. 2013/0171/PM. Each manual formalises operational procedures, monitoring indicators, and the designated responsible.

Ref.	Theme	Status
ESMP-01	Water quality management and physico-chemical monitoring	Critical closing
ESMP-02	Organic and solid waste management	Standard
ESMP-03	Energy management and carbon footprint	Critical closing
ESMP-04	Industrial risks and internal emergency plan	Standard
ESMP-05	Aquatic biodiversity preservation	Critical closing
ESMP-06	Operator hygiene, health and safety (HSE)	Critical closing
ESMP-07	Veterinary product and antibiotic management	Standard
ESMP-08	Noise and ambient air quality control	Standard
ESMP-09	Accidental pollution risk management	Standard
ESMP-10	Riverside community relations and grievance mechanism	Critical closing
ESMP-11	Climate risks and adaptation to climate change	Critical closing
ESMP-12	Business continuity and operational resilience	Critical closing

Applicable regulatory framework

Compliance with Cameroonian and OHADA law

Law 96/12 of 5 August 1996	Framework law on environmental management
Law 98/005 of 14 April 1998	Water regime
Law 94/01 of 20 January 1994	Forest, wildlife and fisheries regime
Law 2013/004 amended 2017/015	Investment Code — incentives for private investment
Decree 2013/0171/PM	ESIA implementation modalities
OHADA AUSGIE	Revised uniform act on commercial companies
SYSCOHADA	Accounting uniform act applicable since 2018

Grievance mechanism

An accessible and anonymous channel

In compliance with ESMP-10 and the IFC PS1 standard, Zeideal Farm SA implements from the start of the construction site a grievance mechanism accessible to all stakeholders — riverside communities, employees, partners, authorities. Every admissible complaint receives a response within 72 hours.

Three operational channels

Dedicated email: grievance@zeidealfarm.com
Secure online form on this website
Postal mail to registered office or physical drop at Mbalmayo–Olama site

Anonymity preserved. Quarterly reporting to the ESG Committee. No sanction or discrimination against the author of a good-faith complaint.