Dinant statement on illegal invasion and occupation of Sombra Verde plantation

20 August, 2018

Earlier today, approximately 35 members of “Unidos Para Futuro” (or “United for the Future”) illegally entered part of a 24-hectare lot within Dinant’s Sombra Verde African Palm plantation in the Lean Valley. This is the latest in a long list of invasions and occupations that put lives at risk and hurt the financial prospects of Dinant staff and the local economy. So far, there are no reports of casualties, and the invaders are not believed to be carrying firearms. The invaded lot has been categorized by Honduran law as a “mitigation area” – an area of land set aside for conservation of the natural environment. The invaded area has also been designated as having High Conservation Value (HCV) given its proximity to the Sambuco Reserve. Dinant has begun its standard internal investigation and reporting process to gather the facts. However, we can confirm that all security and human rights procedures were followed, and Dinant security guards have withdrawn from the occupied lot. Any removal of the invaders will be undertaken exclusively by Government security forces acting in accordance with Honduran trespassing laws or under direct instruction from the Honduran courts. About Corporación Dinant Dinant is a family-owned consumer products manufacturer founded in Honduras in 1960. Its products are sold across Central America and the Dominican Republic, and exported to global markets. The companyemploys 7,200 people, supports a further 22,000 livelihoods, generates millions of US dollars in exports for Honduras, and contributes significantly to the economies of all countries in which it operates. Dinant rigorously benchmarks its operations against stringent international standards regarding economic, environmental and social impacts. Dinant has sold 3,962.5 hectares of land containing plantations at below-market prices back to peasant organizations in an effort to provide land to those that want it.

Dinant statement on illegal invasion and occupation of Sombra Verde plantation

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