Oman Fisheries Company (OFC) stands apart in the business world not only as the largest fishing company in Oman, but also as a company with a solid and proactive corporate social responsibility agenda. Moving further, the company now looks to model its CSR programme on ISO 26000, defined by core elements of accountability, transparency, ethics, stakeholder interest, rule of law, international behavioural norms and human rights.
With a network of processing and cold storage facilities across the sultanate, the company has been closely working with local fishermen since its formation in 1989, supporting the communities in a big way. An OFC official involved with the CSR project said that there is a misguided notion that CSR begins and ends with financial support. It actually spans a broad spectrum, including environment, human resources, ethics, human rights and a lot more.
The company has a vigorous Omansiation policy giving educated youth scope for employment, supported by a host of skill development programmes. OFC has achieved several milestones - old blast freezers are being replaced with freezers using ozone friendly refrigerants. Planting trees on the premises of processing plants, use of energy efficient lightings systems and process optimisation.
Supply chain emission controls through reduced transportation miles and logistics is also high on the agenda, which can be achieved through establishment of new processing units near landing centres, the official added. Other major initiatives are promoting sustainable fishing practices to boost biodiversity, and supporting initiatives to protect endangered species like lobsters.
A main feature is encouraging fresh fish sales in local markets, which goes in tandem with the government's food security initiatives, and also cuts down energy used for freezers. Donations and charities, waste control and innovative packaging materials are all being pursued within its CSR framework. On the consumer side, ensuring safety of fish products features high on OFC's priority list.
© Muscat Daily 2013
