which in turn could lead to an increased risk of injury to the crew. Prior to beginning the survey, Kosmos worked to model the force of the currents on our equipment and carefully delineate the seismic zone to ensure safe operations. We also conducted a large-scale emergency preparedness exercise with the seismic contractor and local government response agencies. The survey was completed without incident. During the seismic operation, Kosmos hired fisheries liaison officers (FLO) from among the local population who sailed on the two seismic vessels to serve as familiar primary points of contact for artisanal fishermen and commercial fleets. We also deployed a Passive Acoustic Monitoring system and used Marine Mammal Observers on the seismic vessels to record sightings and behavior of marine species to ensure that operations did not harm marine mammals or turtles. Our standard operating procedures require operations to be shut-down if mammals are sighted within 500 meters of the seismic energy source. ENGAGEMENT AND LISTENING Kosmos’ stakeholder engagement in Suriname has largely centered on promoting transparency, supporting local communities, and preparing for operations through Environmental and Social Impact Assessments (ESIA). The ESIA process includes public consultation meetings where Kosmos informs stakeholders of planned operations including potential environmental and social impacts and the mitigation measures planned to minimize or eliminate such impacts. Suriname is in the process of becoming an Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) candidate country and has set up a Multi-Stakeholder Group (MSG). Kosmos was nominated to represent the oil and gas sector by serving as an Alternate on the MSG. In 2016, Kosmos sponsored a delegation from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Ministry of Finance to attend the EITI Global Conference in Lima, Peru. Kosmos continues to be a vocal supporter of the EITI in Suriname and is encouraged that the Surinamese government has announced its intention to move towards EITI candidacy. Regarding Environmental and Social Impact Assessments, Kosmos has held multiple community and stakeholder meetings as part of our ESIA process in advance of seismic and exploration drilling activities. During these meetings, community members, non- governmental organizations, and other interested parties have the chance to learn about our planned operations, ask questions, and raise any concerns. We also take the opportunity to provide information on our local grievance mechanism, so that external stakeholders are able to contact the company and know how to register any complaints should an issue arise. POSITIVE IMPACTS Our social investment projects in Suriname have been designed in close collaboration with Maatschappij Suriname N.V. (Staatsolie), the national oil company, to ensure alignment with government priorities and community needs. In 2016, we continued supporting projects in our focus areas of STEM education and the coastal environment. For more on our safety culture project with technical schools in Suriname, see the case study on page 45. Preserving coastal life Mangroves grow abundantly along Suriname’s coastline and prevent coastal erosion. The area of Weg naar Zee, north of Paramaribo, has in recent years experienced frequent flooding and erosion due to the loss of mangrove forests. The flooding and rising sea levels have affected nearly 3,000 local community members, including artisanal fishermen, local farmers, and bee keepers. In addition, erosion has threatened to destroy two important cultural and religious sites. 43 Kosmos employee Sharan Tjon Kwie Sem visits with a student at the MylTyl School, where Kosmos donated specialized IT equipment and software for children with disabilities.