Tax Revenues Directly Developing Local Territories

Works for Taxes (WFT) is a program created by the Colombian government that allows GTE to use up to 50% of its income tax contributions to directly develop and implement local projects that improve livelihoods, support economic development and help stabilize territories most affected by poverty and the previous armed conflict. WFT is also an important component of Colombia’s Territorially Focused Development Programs (PDETs) following the 2016 peace agreement signed between the FARC-EP guerrilla movement and the Colombian government. The PDETs are a vital tool for rural development and lasting territorial peace that empowers local communities to decide how funds should be invested in their territories.

GTE’s participation in Colombia’s Works for Taxes program allows income taxes to be invested directly into priority areas to address social inequality—such as food security, health, education, and road enhancements.

Gran Tierra Energy has invested more than USD$21 million in the PDET municipalities of Putumayo, including its 2024 commitment of USD$14.3 million—the largest investment by any private company—to deliver four major infrastructure projects in Putumayo. The projects were chosen by local communities in consultation with GTE employees and are implemented in Mocoa, Puerto Asís, Orito, and Valle del Guamuez municipalities. GTE’s investments include a new aqueduct system to provide a consistent supply of clean water to communities that have long struggled with access to clean potable water. This project will benefit 1,300 residents in rural areas near Puerto Asís. In addition, GTE is undergoing the improvement of rural roads, which in total will benefit ~24,000 area residents.

Another example of a previous Work for Taxes project previously implemented by Gran Tierra Energy included providing cafeteria upgrades to hundreds of local schools. Through this project, GTE provided kitchen equipment including refrigerators, freezers and ovens as well as tables and chairs for 152 school cafeterias through the WFT program. These projects benefited over 12,000 students and teachers, supporting increased food security for local students, as the participating schools now have the ability to store and prepare nutritious food, keeping students in school longer.

Other projects include improving sanitation infrastructure in multiple communities and upgrading roads to connect thousands in the rural communities between Campo Alegre and Puerto Vega-Teteyé.

“As a rural community, Works for Taxes is so important to keep the benefits here, and allows us to focus on improving our transportation infrastructure. The project has had a huge impact, and we are looking forward to extending this collaboration to continue changing the lives of our people and helping them envision a different future.”

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million USD

The total investment for GTE’s WFT projects were over USD 14.3 million in 2024

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people

24,000 people will benefit from GTE’s 2024 Works for Taxes investments

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residents

1,300 residents will have access to potable water, as a result of a newly installed aqueduct system

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