Standards

Standards

The Diamond Route Pledge

We will show the good that diamonds do by:

Living the Diamond Route Values and Standards Building and supporting the shared Diamond Route brand on and beyond our site Promoting biodiversity, cultural and heritage conservation practices Facilitating scientific research Developing employee and community training and education opportunities Engaging in environmental awareness and involvement amongst employees and communities Applying sound environmental, safety and health management practices Promoting the contribution of The Diamond Route through effective communication and tourism

The Diamond Route Standards

Building and supporting the shared Diamond Route brand on and beyond our site

The Diamond Route brand is visibly supported and promoted by signage, communication and promotional material. All site staff are well-informed about the Diamond Route and can communicate thereon. All communication about the Diamond Route highlights the link between De Beers, Oppenheimers, diamonds and conservation. All sites promote and market the other Diamond Route sites.

Promoting biodiversity, cultural and heritage conservation practices

On site biodiversity, cultural and heritage aspects are responsibly managed and conserved. Management plans cover all aspects of resource management and include, but not be limited to, rehabilitation, soil erosion, alien species control, wildlife resources and maps and areas of cultural significance.

Facilitating scientific research

The site’s research portfolio is primarily based on meaningful applied research, done in an ethical manner, that contributes to biodiversity, cultural and/or heritage conservation of the site or beyond. Proposed research projects are appropriately evaluated using the De Beers Family of Companies Research Guidelines and approved by the Diamond Route Research Committee. Research project deliverables and outcomes are shared amongst Diamond Route sites to stimulate research synergies. All research material is maintained in a Diamond Route database.

Developing employee and community training and education opportunities

Diamond Route sites provide training opportunities and ensure training is appropriate and conducted by skilled, experienced and accredited service providers. Opportunities for using local knowledge and training local guides are taken. Diamond Route Sites with stronger skill bases assist those in more developmental stages.

Engaging in environmental awareness and involvement amongst employees and communities

Local, regional, national and / or international environmental initiatives are celebrated and on-site activities undertaken for these. Employees and communities are supported to be personally involved in sustainability activities that demonstrate comparable commitments to those of the site.

Applying sound environmental, safety and health management practices

The hierarchy of “avoid, minimise and mitigate” pollution or ecological disturbance is used. Use of water and energy is measured, tracked and minimised to ensure eco-efficiency. Non-hazardous or lower hazard alternatives to all high risk hazardous substances are used. Effluents, wastes, emissions and hazardous substances are managed to prevent pollution and recycling done, wherever possible. Safety and health of employees, visitors and assets is protected through appropriate training, information and signage and an aspiration of zero harm.

Promoting the contribution of the Diamond Route through effective communication and tourism

Real-time information on site activities is shared with peers within the Diamond Route for use in external and internal communication of site activities through a quarterly DR newsletter as well as ad hoc reports. An annual report to stakeholders is compiled to provide information and insight on the overall commitment to meeting the DR Pledge and hence advancing the DR brand. Publicity is actively sought in press of noteworthy events on the site. Tourism opportunities are realized to promote direct engagement with the public and showcase the conservation activities within the Diamond Route . Tourism experiences are enriching, demonstrate the commitment to conservation and build the link between diamonds and conservation. Marketing material is up to date, relevant and factually correct.