Strategy for Integrated Land Management

Decisive, inclusive, and permanent relationships with the stakeholders: Communities, State, and Organizations of the civil society added to cooperation - allow us to build long-term relationships of trust, agree on shared visions of the territory, build local development agendas, and transform the conflict situation.

This component proposes the strengthening of democratic, participatory, inclusive, proactive, and strategic communication spaces, through social dialogue and access to information in a transparent and timely manner, relying on principles of social innovation and incorporation of technological tools aligned with the company's SosTECnibilidad® Strategy.

This component is also developed from the following sub-components: i) social dialogue and agreement, ii) citizen participation and commitment management, iii) internal coordination, iv) institutional and community strengthening, v) territorial planning, vi) monitoring, analysis and foresight.

Subcomponents

1. Social dialogue and agreement

According to the Integrated Strategy for the Territory, social dialogue is the main tool for promoting relationships of trust, strengthening social fabric, and building shared visions of the territory within a framework of respect and promotion of Human Rights. For the Ecopetrol Group, social dialogue is understood as a concerted, democratic, and inclusive process conducted by Ecopetrol Group companies and social actors in the territory. It is aimed at building trust and managing interests based on common objectives and shared visions of the territory, allowing us to address problems in an assertive and constructive manner and hence contribute to the sustainable development of the territories where it is present.

The social dialogue processes are intended to strengthen the following:

• Trust building: these are spaces for rapprochement, mutual recognition, and exchange of ideas on common interest themes, which may lead to the agreement of a future dialogue agenda.
• Development shared vision: spaces to build consensus around common aspirations and goals for the sustainable development of a territory to align efforts and resources among dialogue participants.
• Conflict transformation: these are spaces that are convened to identify, prevent, resolve, and transform conflicts that may arise between Ecopetrol and the Group companies with the social actors in the territory.

The social dialogue must take place within the framework of respect and promotion of legality and human rights, transparency and good faith, active listening and recognition, reciprocity, solidarity, responsibility in democratic, plural and inclusive spaces.

Social dialogues and agreements fostered by Ecopetrol to build trust relationships

In 2024 specifically, Ecopetrol conducted 26 social dialogue processes seeking to transform the territory by building relationships of trust, strengthening the social fabric, consolidating a culture of legality, respect, and promotion of human rights, coordinating efforts focused on sustainable development and territorial peace. Furthermore, it seeks to strengthen cultural heritage and traditions, promoting sports, recreation, health, and industry formation, energy transition, and regional coordination with the aim of making the company viable in the territory.

The following is a summary by region:

Source: Corporate Vicepresidency of Transformation of the Territory and HSE, Dialogue and Relationships Management

In the 26 social dialogue processes promoted by Ecopetrol, 122 dialogue spaces were held with communities and local institutions, aligned with trust building (35%), shared vision of development (19%), and conflict transformation (46%).

Source: Corporate Vicepresidency of Transformation of the Territory and HSE, Dialogue and Relationships Management

On the other hand, and to promote permanent engagement with stakeholders, in 2024, 99 dialogue and participation initiatives were carried out, of which 83 were regional, 9 of which promoted social dialogue processes and 16 were crosscutting directed from the corporate. This translated into getting to know directly and timely the social, economic, cultural, institutional, political and environmental realities of the territory, promoting participatory, inclusive spaces for rapprochement, guaranteeing transparent and opportune information. It was possible to interact with 84,635 people in 434 spaces, with the community and the local authorities and institutions being the main social actors involved.

Source: Corporate Vicepresidency of Transformation of the Territory and HSE, Dialogue and Relationships Management

2. Citizen participation and commitment management

Citizen participation is a fundamental right underpinning Colombian democracy and one of the purposes of the Government (Articles 2 and 40 of the Political Constitution of Colombia), which grants the possibility for all citizens to participate and actively intervene in the control of public administration. To maintain relationships of trust with the stakeholders, it is necessary for Ecopetrol to identify, recognize, and fulfill the commitments that have been acquired in the regions where it operates. It is, therefore, necessary to manage commitments up to their conclusion.

Commitment management consists in ensuring fulfillment of such commitments, which are derived from the interaction of Ecopetrol with its stakeholders, which implies the registration, monitoring, and closing of the commitments established in the responses given to the Requests, Complaints, Claims, and Suggestions - PQRS, as well as those agreed upon in relationship scenarios. Said management is regulated in the procedure for management of commitments with the stakeholders and is measured with the indicator of fulfillment of commitments with stakeholders, which accumulated results in 2024 reached 99.84%. Its evolution in the past 5 years is the following:

Graph. Management of commitments with stakeholders from 2020 to 2024

Source: Corporate Vicepresidency of Transformation of the Territory and HSE, Dialogue and Relationships Management

3. Internal coordination

To contribute in a coordinated manner to the comprehensive management of the territory, Ecopetrol and its group conduct coordination actions between the Vice Presidency of Territorial Transformation, the transversal areas, and the different businesses and segments, which allow for the construction of joint actions leading to territorial transformation, to a coherent performance in the territories and to strengthen the principle of strategic planning from a multidisciplinary and comprehensive vision taking into account, on the one hand, the particularities and mission objectives of each line of business and, on the other, the contribution to territorial prosperity.

Similarly, Ecopetrol has strengthened its relationship with contractor companies, unions, subsidiaries and partners, implementing alignment spaces for land management, good socio-environmental business practices, and the structuring of joint proposals for preventing and responding to conflicts.

4. Institutional and community strengthening

As mentioned above, Ecopetrol recognizes the determined, inclusive and permanent relationship with the stakeholders: Society, Community, and State, as a strategic component in the comprehensive management of the territory for the construction and consolidation of long-term relationships of trust, the agreement of shared visions of the territory, the construction of local development agendas, and the transformation of conflicts; therefore, partnering with the Mission to Support the Peace Process in Colombia of the Organization of American States (MAPP OAS), it has bet on territorial transformation by strengthening the institutional capacity of local authorities for social dialogue, conflict transformation, and peaceful coexistence.

In 2024, 210 local government officials (53% women and 47% men), belonging to human rights offices, ethnic affairs, citizen participation, secretaries and representatives of governor and major offices, municipal ombudsmen, ombudsman, armed forces, fire departments, chambers of commerce, among other public bodies from 41 municipalities in 12 departments, participated in 7 training workshops carried out in 8 territories. These focused on the planning, promotion, and execution of social dialogue processes and the collaborative approach to conflicts, strengthening knowledge and skills in themes such as dialogue, constructive communication, consensus, tools for analysis, and approaches to conflict transformation.

In addition, the Caribbean, Piedemonte, Central, and Orinoquía regions made an additional effort in this area, for which they allocated spaces and resources for strengthening peace-building skills, joint visions of the territory, project formulation, among others. There was a total of 18 initiatives: 4 initiatives that fostered new skills for institutional strengthening, with participation of 1,186 officials and local businessmen, 3 initiatives aimed at strengthening with an ethnic approach in which 1,213 members of indigenous communities participated, and 11 initiatives were focused on community strengthening with participation of 1,657 people.

5. Territorial planning

The comprehensive management of the territory is based on a rigorous planning process that articulates the themes of relations, social dialogue, social investment and security, all of which are essential components of the vice-presidency's strategy. This process involves the participation of the business and cross-cutting areas based on both operational goals and contributions to sustainable territorial development, and implies permanent coordination with them.

The planning cycle begins with the updating of territorial diagnoses, identifying the actors present, the dynamics and socioeconomic gaps of the territories, the trends in social conflict, the main risks and opportunities and the critical business activities. Based on this information, and in a participatory manner, regional initiatives and objectives to be achieved are prioritized in line with the national development plan, and departmental and municipal plans. With such inputs, the integrated territorial plan is built in a participatory manner, where the relevant milestones and main actions to be performed over the established period can be identified, that is, 2023 to 2026.

In 2024, periodic monitoring was conducted on the 10 comprehensive territorial management plans that were built. These show important results in terms of strengthening trust with stakeholders over the territory, whose indicator “Level of social trust” (taken by Barómetro Petrolero) showed 83% for 2024, growing 9 points as compared to the immediately preceding year. Said indicator reflects the commitment of Ecopetrol with the territories and the social dialogue as a guiding principle for relationships with the communities.

6. Monitoring, analysis, and foresight

To strengthen decision-making tools, based on identification, description, analysis, and foresight, the monitoring, analysis, measurement, and follow-up of critical variables that may impact the territories are performed, as well as of incidents and alarms, to enable the anticipation and knowledge building to thus achieve an informed decision-making. Likewise, a systematic knowledge of the environment is developed from the monitoring and assessment of alarms and incidents, identifying causes, situations and territorial dynamics leading to establishment and orientation of regional and national Setting Situational Analysis Spaces - EASE seeking internal coordination and decision making at regional and national level.

With respect to the analysis and foresight for prevention and anticipation, through the Business Environment Observatory, the description, understanding, reflection, analysis and foresight of the dynamics of the setting in which the Ecopetrol Group operates is performed, thus allowing planning, prevention, informed decision making, and resolution of conflicts that may affect the business activity.

7. Energy equity

In response to the new opportunities in the energy for the transition business, as of September 1, the Corporate Vice Presidency of Territorial Transformation and HSE creates the Territorial and HSE Management of Energy for the Transition, which purpose is to:

• Direct and ensure, within the framework of the Territorial Management Process, the viability of energy projects for the transition, providing guidelines for establishing concepts and deliverables of the maturation phases, inter-dependencies, analysis of socio-environmental conditions, risks and impacts aligned with the Territorial Management Strategies, in coordination with the VTT Management and Head Offices.
• Planning of resources for the structuring and execution of initiatives and projects related to energies for the transition.
• Involvement of Ecopetrol in Energy Communities and Energy Equity.
• Promote knowledge and appropriation of energy transition through the participation of our stakeholders (government, community, civil society and cooperation organizations), promoting an inclusive, collaborative approach.

Energy equity initiatives leverage the Ecopetrol Group's energy transition and are aligned with the organization's strategic objectives of sustainability and social responsibility, leveraging on innovative energy generation technologies, and encouraging community participation. Said initiatives leverage fulfillment of the 2040 strategy goals in four (4) manners:

• They allow for building strong, trust-based relationships with internal and external stakeholders in the territory to socially enable projects (Strategic pillar: Growing with the transition).
• They align and reinforce social investment in issues of access to renewable energies to close the gaps in energy poverty and strengthen the sustainable and comprehensive transformation of territories (Generating value with Sustainability).
• They decarbonize the local economy and thus reduce greenhouse gases to level 3, exceeding the company's objectives, which are at emissions level 1 and 2 (Create value with Sustainability).
• They make it possible to try new technologies and achieve their appropriation. This seeks to validate new business models for subordinates and affiliates of the Ecopetrol Group (Cutting-edge knowledge).

Initiatives seeking to:

• Facilitate energy transition: Promote the implementation of Energy Equity initiatives through the use of FNCER, seeking to contribute to a more sustainable and resilient energy model in Colombia, in line with Ecopetrol's 2040 Strategy "Energy that Transforms".
• Contribute to business sustainability: Build trust relationship with the stakeholders in the territories and in relation to resources execution to generate shared prosperity, contributing to sustainability, inclusion and territorial peace.
• Innovate in technology and business models: Explore and adopt new technologies and business models that can be implemented in the context of energies for the Transition to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and increase acceptance of renewable energies.
• Establish strategic alliances: Promote collaborative scenarios with academic, industrial, governmental, non-governmental entities, international cooperation organizations, and allies, to take advantage of synergies, share knowledge and resources, and co-create energy solutions that benefit communities.
• Promote technical and financial sustainability of the initiatives of Energy for Transition: Comply with all the applicable regulations and norms for implementing the Energy Equity initiatives, ensuring transparency, equity, and respect for the rights of all the stakeholders.

In 2024, the following results were achieved:

To date, nine energy communities have been consolidated, registered by the Ministry of Mines and Energy, of which seven were developed within the framework of the Wildlife Project - PVS (for its initials in Spanish) carried out with the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) and the Fondo Acción, plus two in La Guajira, which include the Manzana Potable Water Collection, Treatment and Distribution Center as the largest Energy Community in the country registered by the Ministry of Mines and Energy.

Listed below are the initiatives:

1. CE Planta de Proceso de Agua Potable Manzana.  (potable water processing plant)

2. CE Institución Etnoeducativa Laachon.  (School)

3. Comunidad Ecoenergética Farallones de Vida – ECOFARAVIDA. (Ecoemergy Community)

4. CE Brisas del Rio Magdalena. (Magdalena River Breeze)

5. Ecoenergías del Carare. (Ecoenergies of Carare)

6. ASOMUCARE Ecoenergético. (Ecoenergetic ASOMUCARE)

7. CE Amigos de la Ciénega de Chucuri. (Friends of the Chucuri Marsh)

8. Ecomacias

9. Ecoenergía Pescomagda (Ecoenergy)

Summary of the nine Energy Communities:

1. The Manzana potable water supply plant.

The Ministry of Mines and Energy has registered, through Resolution 01755 of December 9, 2024, the Win Manzana Energy Users Association Community in the Single Registry of Energy Communities (RUCE for its initial in Spanish). This community is located in the municipality of Manaure, department of La Guajira, and it is legally represented by members of the community.

This new energy community will benefit 13,108 inhabitants of the rural area of ​​Manzana, belonging to 2,763 families from 82 Wayuu indigenous communities. It is worth noting that this is the energy community with the largest number of beneficiaries registered to date and its main objective is to guarantee access to drinking water for these vulnerable populations. The plant was inaugurated in August 2024.

Investment: $ 6,500,000,000

This solution for the supply of drinking water uses non-conventional renewable energy sources (FNCER):

• Isolated photovoltaic system for the operation of the reverse osmosis water treatment plant, with a capacity of 17,400 Wp.
• Reverse osmosis treatment plant with a capacity of 3 liters per second (l/s).
• Isolated photovoltaic system with battery bank for the operation of administrative areas, with 24-hour self-sufficiency and a capacity of 6,200 Wp.
• Administrative offices.
• Elevated tank 6 meters high and 20 m³ capacity.
• Two fiberglass tanks, with capacity of 15 m³ each.

Through a 10,000-liter tanker truck, drinking water is distributed to the six afferent points:

• Jaguapia Community
• Buena Vista Community
• Urikat Community
• Garciamana Community
• Sicrep Community
• Aurora Community

Each of these points operates through an isolated photovoltaic system with a battery bank, thus ensuring self-sufficiency for the operation of the administrative areas.

2. Energy Community and Laachon Mayapo Rural Ethno-Education Institution and Boarding School- Main Venue

The Ministry of Mines and Energy, by means of Resolution 01748 of December 6, 2024, registered in the Sole Register of Energy Communities (RUCE for its initials in Spanish) the LAACHON Ethno-Education Rural and Boarding School - Main Venue.

Status: Underway

Investment: $ 1,542,949,102

Number of beneficiaries that make up the Education Energy Community.

Number of Students: 1,623

Number of administrative staff: 48

Number of Teachers: 133

Total: 1,804

The LAACHON MAYAPO Rural Ethno-Educationl Institution and Boarding School is an official education establishment organized in the municipality of Manaure, La Guajira, through Decree NO. 046 of 2011, signed in Riohacha - Guajira on February 18, 2011.

3. EcoEnergética Farallones de Vida

In the corregimientos of La Leonera and La Elvira, in Cali, Valle del Cauca. Its objective is energy self-sufficiency to improve the provision of tourist services and as economic alternatives around water protection. They operate six photovoltaic solar energy systems and three water heaters, aimed at ensuring the productivity of their economic activities.

19 due diligence reports (Socio-environmental component) were conducted for 5 projects of the following opportunities: Roma (1 project), Génova (1), Dublín (1), Sancho (9) and Jardín (7).

Documents were delivered for the maturity of EDP phases of the following projects:

• Iguana Solar Farm located in the municipality of Yondó.
• quifa Solar Farm, located in the municipality of Puerto Gaitán.
• Casablanca Solar Farm, located in Cartagena.
• GS La Cira, located in the corregimiento of El Centro Municipality of Barrancabermeja.
• Hidrogeno Coral.

4. Brisas del Río Magdalena in San Rafael de Chucurí in Barrancabermeja

The independent photovoltaic system benefits 150 fishermen with solar refrigeration and indirectly the entire community for food preservation.

5. EcoEnergías del Carare in Puerto Parra

Using solar energy, it was possible to optimize the pumping and purification of water, which improved the service provided to approximately 170 users.

6. Asomucare Ecoenergético in Puerto Parra

With the solar photovoltaic energy system, the deficiency of constant electricity supply in restaurant, refrigeration, bakery, crafts, fashion, organic fertilizer production projects was solved, and the production of solid waste in the Carare and Magdalena rivers was reduced.

7. Amigos de la Ciénaga de Chucurí in Puerto Parra

With four community photovoltaic solutions, three solar pumping systems, and electrical material for internal adaptations, the production processes were improved with non-conventional renewable energy. Through environmental incentives, the profitability of restaurants and productive patios have improved.

8. Ecomacias in Puerto Parra

It has an independent photovoltaic system that offers solar cooling for the projects of 40 entrepreneurial women and their families, and indirectly to the entire community for food preservation.

9. Ecoenergía Pescomagda in El Arenal neighborhood in Barrancabermeja

It has an independent photovoltaic system that supplies clean electricity for food preservation for 142 associated fishermen and their families.

The development and growth of Ecopetrol S.A.'s business activity contributes to the generation of social value, which is increased through strategic social investment to promote well-being and territorial transformation. Social investment is planned, structured, and implemented through a portfolio of voluntary and mandatory projects, the promotion of community business models, intersectoral alliances and the management of corporate foundations. Thanks to social investment, in 2024 Ecopetrol generated 13,001 direct and indirect jobs and an estimated impact on GDP of 789 mMCOP.

Ecopetrol S.A.'s social investment projects are grouped into three strategic options: i) Access to public services, ii) Education, and iii) Stimulation of local economies. Through these investment lines, Ecopetrol contributes in a comprehensive way to the agenda and goals of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, with SDG 7 Affordable and Clean Energy, SDG 6 Clean Water and Sanitation, SDG 4 Quality Education, and SDG 10 Reduction of Inequalities having the greatest impact thereon.

Investment lines

Strategic Option: Access to public utilities

Investment in public utilities is intended to improve access and coverage in basic provision of essential public utility services for vulnerable communities in the areas of influence, and is aimed at raising the levels of quality of life and close existing gaps related to unsatisfied basic needs.

Ecopetrol Conecta (Ecopetrol Connects) - Energy and Gas

Ecopetrol contributes to closing gaps in access to public energy and gas services, contributing to the reduction of energy poverty and promoting the energy transition through energy solutions from renewable sources.

Currently, 1.7 million Colombians cook with firewood, so Ecopetrol has set a goal of connecting 300,000 new homes to gas service by 2040, which is equivalent to closing the access gap by 2.3% at the national level.

In 2024, 9,803 homes were connected to gas service, out of a target of 9,648, achieving a fulfillment of 101.6%. The beneficiaries are located in the municipalities of Guamal and Villavicencio (Meta), Arauca and Saravena (Arauca), Yopal (Casanare), Manaure (La Guajira), La Plata, Garzón and Gigante (Huila) and 13 municipalities in the department of Atlántico. On the other hand, the execution of two (2) new projects started: i) Department of Atlántico, connection of 4,000 homes in 13 municipalities, and ii) Department of La Guajira, connection of 3,000 homes in 9 municipalities.

Regarding the public electricity service through networks, two projects continue to be implemented in the corregimiento of El Morro, Yopal (Casanare) that will connect 286 users in 14 rural districts in 2025. In turn, through the Works for Taxes mechanism, three solar photovoltaic solution projects were implemented in 2024 to connect 766 homes, thus increasing service coverage in the rural areas of the municipalities of Valle del Guamuez, San Miguel and Orito (Putumayo).

In this same vein, the Agencia de Renovación del Territorio assigned to Ecopetrol S.A. 14 new projects to finance through the Mechanism and to connect 4,037 new users from 310 villages in the municipalities of Támara (Casanare), Santa Rosa and Mercaderes (Cauca), Curumaní and San Diego (Cesar), Maicao and Riohacha (La Guajira), Chaparral (Tolima), Puerto Asís, San Miguel and Valle del Guamuez (Putumayo), Tierralta (Córdoba), Mallama (Nariño) and Cravo Norte (Arauca).

Access to adequate and quality energy sources improves habitability, making homes more functional and safer. In addition, having them frees up time for education and job placement, promoting gender equality and well-being and contributing to a clean and healthy environment. With these projects, our commitment to closing gaps related to access to essential public services is reaffirmed, generating conditions for access to energy and the universalization of the service.

Ecopetrol Agua y Vida (Ecopetrol Water and Life) - Potable water and basic sanitation

Ecopetrol has set a goal for 2040 to improve access conditions to drinking water for more than 1 million people and contribute to closing the access gap by 2.1% at the national level. Such investments will be used to improve the living conditions of the rural population, reducing the cases of gastrointestinal and epidermal diseases, in addition to implementing alternative supply solutions and nature-based solutions for the proper management of domestic waste water.

In 2024, 246,000 people benefited from access to drinking water and basic sanitation, out of a target of 246,100, achieving a compliance rate of 99.9%. The completion of sub-projects II and III of the Metropolitan Aqueduct of Cúcuta is highlighted, improving the continuity of the service in Los Patios and Villa del Rosario (Norte de Santander). Likewise, the construction and optimization of the Potable Water Treatment Plants (PTAP) in the Altamira area of ​​Puerto Lopez (Meta) was completed; the “Water for Education, Education for Water” program was also implemented in two rural educational institutions in Puerto Wilches (Santander), plus the construction and start-up of the drinking water supply system of Manzana, Mayapo district in Manaure (La Guajira), the latter being established as an Energy Community with the recognition of the Ministry of Mines and Energy by incorporating renewable energies in the water purification processes.

Furthermore, two (2) projects are underway that will benefit more than 180,000 people, of which the optimization of the Barrancabermeja urban aqueduct PTAP (Santander) and the optimization of the Guamal PTAP (Meta) stand out.

On the other hand, with the aim of strengthening the capacity of territorial entities in the formulation and structuring of projects, Ecopetrol completed in 2024 three (3) studies and designs of aqueduct systems to benefit 5,320 people, which will be implemented as of 2025: i) Construction of the aqueduct of the La Chava, Campo Gala, Pénjamo and Rodeo rural districts of the municipality of Barrancabermeja (Santander), ii) New supply line of the Tibú Inter-rural districts aqueduct (Norte de Santander), iii) Pre-feasibility for the construction of the aqueduct system of the La Esmeralda - Acacías rural district (Meta).

Ecopetrol Salud (Ecopetrol Health) - Health

Ecopetrol contributes to the culture of health promotion and prevention, as well as bringing health services closer to the most vulnerable population. In 2024, Ecopetrol benefited 36,901 people, out of a goal of 36,429, reaching a compliance of 101%, where the following interventions stand out:

• Mobile health units: Together with the Petroleum Industry Workers' Union - USO, the implementation of a mobile health unit in the Middle Magdalena continued, benefiting 22,000 people in 2024. This included general medicine, dentistry, sample collection and processing, and vaccination services in the municipalities of Cantagallo (Bolívar), Barrancabermeja, Puerto Wilches, Sabana de Torres, San Vicente de Chucurí and Rionegro (Santander) and Yondó (Antioquia). Additionally, two new units were structured and contracted, which will enter into operation in 2025 in Cartagena (Bolívar) and in Villavicencio, Guamal, Acacías, Castilla La Nueva, Cubarral and El Dorado (Meta). The provision of this service will start in the first quarter of 2025.
• Health Days: The health days supported by Ecopetrol seek to not only complement local health services, but also to raise awareness on the importance of prevention as a strategy to improve people's life.
  • In the Caribbean region and with a differential approach, oral health sessions were held for 420 patients, with priority given to women from the Arhuacas, Wiwas and Koguis communities and students from public educational institutions in Santa Marta, Aracataca, Fundación (Magdalena), Dibulla, Riohacha (La Guajira) and Cartagena (Bolívar). Furthermore, sexual and reproductive health education sessions were implemented with the support of Profamilia, for the benefit of public educational institutions in Cartagena (Bolívar).
  • In Puerto Gaitán, Meta, with the support of the departmental ESE, health days have been held for the rural population of the municipality In 2024, 12,642 patients were treated.

Strategic Option: Education

Ecopetrol Educa (Ecopetrol Educates) - Education and Sports

 Ecopetrol seeks to ensure that, in the medium term, the territories where it operates will have more educated human capital, with greater possibilities for social mobility and lower poverty rates. The company has focused its efforts on promoting school permanence, complemented by actions to improve the quality and coverage of education.

In 2024, Ecopetrol benefited 93,355 children and young people with projects to promote quality, coverage and school permanence, out of a goal of 88,792, achieving 105% compliance. Ecopetrol managed to impact the equivalent of 1.4% of the enrollment of public basic and secondary education institutions in the country in 2024, and 8.6% of the enrollment of these same institutions between 2020 and 2024.

The following programs and projects executed in 2024 must be highlighted:

Longer school permanence: implementation of actions for children to remain in the school system and make good use of their leisure time:

• Supply of school furniture: 147 public educational centers were supplied with school furniture, benefiting 25,997 students in the departments of La Guajira, Bolívar, Cesar, Santander, Antioquia and Meta.
• Supply of school kits: More than 52,514 kits were delivered to students and teachers at public schools in Ecopetrol's area of ​​interest in the departments of Meta, Casanare, Huila, Putumayo, Cundinamarca, Santander, Norte de Santander, Cesar, Antioquia, La Guajira and Bolívar.
• Sports and music schools: As a tool to contribute to the Ministry of National Education's Centers of Interest strategy and to the expansion of the school day, Ecopetrol and partners such as the Fundación Nacional Batuta and the Corporación Futuros Llaneros supported in 2024 music and sports schools that serve approximately 1,681 children and young people in the departments of Cundinamarca, Casanare, Boyacá and Meta.

Better quality of education: through promotion of teacher training, provision of teaching material, and monitoring for the appropriation and sustainability of investment.

• Training for the energy transition: the training strategy for the fair energy transition is being implemented in Cartagena (Bolívar) and Manaure, Riohacha and Uribia (La Guajira). This strategy will continue to be implemented in these and other areas of the country given Ecopetrol's transformation from an oil and gas company to an energy company and in line with the national policy of fair energy transition.
• Comprehensive inclusive training for educational institutions in the department of Meta: Partnering with the Government of Meta and Corpoeducación, 2,454 students from 27 municipalities with exceptional talents were served. Teacher training activities were performed, and educational materials and Braille printers were provided so that educational materials could be produced for children with visual impairment.

Greater coverage of education: expansion of the offer in higher education, and improvement of the educational infrastructure:

• Expanded coverage to higher education:
  • Ecopetrol's High School Graduates Program In 2024, 100 new scholarships were awarded, adding to the 333 students in the current cohorts. Of the total beneficiaries, 58% are men and 42% are women, who were selected through a national public call prioritizing students from rural and urban areas and from public educational institutions. 1,897 applications were received in the call. Since 19889, 1861 scholarships have been granted, including 100 that were granted in 2024.

The program ensures a countywide scope to include students from ethnic groups (Afro-Colombian, black, indigenous, Palenquera and Raizal populations, ROM), LGBTIQ+ communities, students who face greater socioeconomic inclusion barriers, namely people with disabilities, caregivers, women interested in STEAM training areas (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics), victims of the armed conflict, ex-combatants, children of retired or deceased public force personnel, among others.

• Utopia Program of La Salle University: Since the beginning of the program, Ecopetrol has supported 40 students, of which 3 graduated in 2024. This program seeks to train leaders on skills for the transformation of their regions, as the graduation paper of the beneficiaries must materialize in projects that contribute to the rural development of their places of origin.
• Certification by competencies, SENA Barrancabermeja 450 people were certified in the National Center for Construction Techniques Education and Research – NCCER Standard, who are now qualified to safely and knowledgeably provide their services for specialized and high-risk jobs.

• Improvement of the public education infrastructure

Making educational infrastructure safer and more comfortable encourages students' permanence in school. The interventions of Ecopetrol in this area also incorporate items that favor energy transition and promote contracting of local labor. In 2024, 13 projects were completed to improve 25 educational centers benefiting 3,091 students:

Among the projects completed in 2024, the following stand out:

• Improvement of the San Pedro Claver Km 16, El Pedral and Puente Sogamoso schools in Puerto Wilches (Santander), which benefits 1,456 students.
• Improvement of 2 educational institutions in San Vicente de Chucurí and Puerto Parra (Santander) benefiting 576 students.
• Improvement of roof of San Jose School of Italia Rural District of Puerto Wilches, Santander, which benefits 297 students.
• Enhancement of the kitchen and the dining room of Colegio Integrado Sede F of Puerto Wilches, Santander benefiting 36 students.

In addition, 9 projects are underway to improve 9 educational facilities:

• Construction and endowment of technological units facilities in Barrancabermeja in partnership with the Government of Santander.

• Enhancement of Rubiales schools in Puerto Gaitán and Dinamarca en the rural district of Quebraditas de Acacías (Meta).

• Construction of La Esperanza school, in the municipality of Tibú (Norte de Santander).

• Construction of a dormitory for the boarding school in the Cristalina area of ​​the rural district of ​​San Martín (Meta).

• Enhancement of the Dinamarca School, located in the rural district of Acacías (Meta).

• Enhancement of the San Rafael ethno-educational school Comejenes in Manaure (La Guajira), which benefits 52 students.

• Enhancement of the administrative area of the rural school Luis Antonio Robles (main venue) pf Riohacha (La Guajira), which will benefit 972 students.

Of the 93,355 beneficiaries in education, 72% are children and adolescents, 5.2% are in early childhood, 29% come from rural areas, 4.2% belong to indigenous, black and Afro-descendant communities and 6% are students with disabilities, of which the majority (86%) have a cognitive disability.

Strategic option: Access to public utilities

Ecopetrol al Campo (Ecopetrol at the Field) - Inclusive Rural Development

Investment in this line seeks to link rural communities to productive chains, based on taking advantage of market opportunities, strengthening capacities in the territory, plus sustainable use of natural resources. By the end of 2024, 3,142 producers were benefited, out of a target of 2,660, achieving compliance of 118%, thus generating prosperity with strategic, pertinent and impactful social investment.

In 2024, 28 projects were completed, involving 3,142 peasant families in the departments of Arauca, Boyacá, Casanare, Cundinamarca, La Guajira, Magdalena, Meta, Norte de Santander, Putumayo and Santander, with the following projects worth to be highlighted:

• Comercializadora Social del Putumayo, an initiative designed and executed in partnership with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime - UNODC, which supported marketing of small producers, improving competitiveness conditions through market access, income generation, and sustainability of communities in the municipalities of Orito, Valle del Guamuez, Puerto Caicedo, San Miguel and Puerto Asís (Putumayo); the project benefited 250 rural families and 12 producer organizations, which in turn established the Green Commerce cooperative, achieving more than 10 commercial alliances, and developing various products among which a chontaduro-based Bienestarina and an energy bar with chontaduro and sacha inchi stand out.
• Technical Labor Agricultural Training Program in alliance with Fundapanaca, aimed at closing gaps in access to higher agricultural education, creating opportunities to qualify people, and promoting sustainable local development by strengthening the productive vocation of the territories and integrating solutions for the value chains of rural economies. As an outcome of this project, 23 leaders in the localities of Ubalá and Medina (Cundinamarca) were granted this title endorsed by the SENA (National Apprenticeship Service).
• As part of the Comprehensive Agricultural Solutions Program - Agrosol, which is intended to strengthen family farming and food security, 20 projects were completed, aimed at providing technical assistance, training and support to productive systems among 1700 rural families of Meta, Boyacá, Putumayo, Norte Santander, Casanare, Arauca, and Santander. The program has had a positive impact on strengthening of productive vocation, the development of sustainable cattle and poultry farming, added to strengthening of relationships between the company and the communities in the areas of interest.

On the other hand, 17 projects are still underway, involving 9,236 rural families, in partnership with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations – FAO and the Society for International Development Cooperation – SOCODEVI, among other entities, where 41% of the beneficiaries are women and 28% are rural youth, seeking to contribute to close the gaps between commercial opportunities in the territory and the productive capacities of rural families.

Within the framework of the alliance with Socodevi, in 2024, five (5) new cacao processing plants were delivered in El Castillo, Granada, and Acacías (Meta), strengthening the productive and commercial capacities of three (3) producer organizations and more than 521 peasant families.

As regards the establishment of new alliances, the following stand out:

• Sustainable Agribusiness Model (MAS) - University of the Andes: seeks to strengthen innovative alternatives for inter-generational training, support for rural entrepreneurship and the fair energy transition in the municipalities of Acacías, Castilla La Nueva, Cubarral, Cumaral, El Castillo, Guamal, Granada, Lejanías, Restrepo and Villavicencio (Meta). Expecting to benefit more than 1,100 families.
• Food supply model in the department of Casanare - Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations – FAO: The agro-food system in the areas of influence of Ecopetrol in Casanare will be strengthened as an integrating center for territorial rural development with the inclusion of local organizational forms, sustainable production systems and efficient logistics, with an estimated 2,297 families to be supported, in the municipalities of Yopal, Aguazul and Tauramena. This agreement will expand the coverage of the "Food Supply NETWORK" program, which has been implemented successfully in the department of Meta.

In 2024, four (4) producer organizations supported by Ecopetrol received national and international awards for the quality of their products, including the national gold, silver, and bronze cacao awards and first place in the Latin American cacao competition in Peru.

Ecopetrol Emprende (Ecopetrol entrepreneurial) - Entrepreneurship and business development

The investment in this line is intended to develop capacities for entrepreneurship and training of human talent, for contributing to economic diversification, income generation, reduce dependence on oil activities to favor the energy transition, and promote the growth of local productive systems. At the end of 2024, a total of 4,672 entrepreneurs, SMEs and youth were benefited vis-a-vis the target of 1,986. The following projects and programs are to be highlighted:

• Support for entrepreneurs, SMEs, and diversification of the business fabric

In 2024, the Ecopetrol Emprende program was continued, executed in partnership with the CRÉAME Business Incubator, focused on economic reactivation and diversification through specialized business support for entrepreneurs and SMEs to encourage business modernization, adoption of technology and connection with sources of financing and commercial scenarios. This program has affected 52 municipalities, benefiting 2,976 entrepreneurs and MSMEs with ongoing and completed projects, of which 524 benefited in 2024. 55% pf the beneficiaries are women. 21% are youth between 18 and 28 years old, 19% are victims of the conflict, and 7.5% belong to the ethnic population. Furthermore, 40% of them carry out their businesses in rural areas. Some of the achievements that stand out are:

• The entrepreneurs and MSMEs have generated sales amounting to $233 billion pesos.
• Formal employment has increased by 29.5%.
• 20% of entrepreneurship (business ideas) have been formalized.
• 100% have improved their use of social networks and digital skills to connect globally.
• Their sales increased by 37%, which translates into greater income generation.

In 2024, the Ecopetrol Emprende project with the Tejedoras de Mampuján in María La Baja (Bolívar) was completed, a commitment to contribute to the construction of peace and reconciliation, achieving the creation of three (3) ventures (restaurant, craft store, and tourist agency), which support the sustainability of the Mampuján Museum of Art and Memory. The program was also continued in the rural areas of Puerto Triunfo, Rubiales, Santa Helena and the indigenous reservation of Alto Unuma, which are part of the rural area of ​​difficult access of Puerto Gaitán (Meta), benefiting 99 entrepreneurs and MSMEs, of which 19 belong to the indigenous community. Also, the program was completed in Ubalá and Medina (Cundinamarca) benefiting 20 entrepreneurs and MSMs.

In addition, the implementation of the program started in Barrancabermeja (corregimientos of El Centro y Llanito), Rionegro and Sabana de Torres (Santander), which will benefit 116 entrepreneurs and MSMs with the startup of their businesses and advisories.

In addition, the project "Positioning Uribia as the indigenous capital of Colombia" was completed, in partnership with the Magdalena University, which seeks to strengthen the business fabric, and generate income and quality jobs for tourist service providers and craftswomen in Uribia (La Guajira). With this project, 347 artisans and tourism providers were trained in 2024, of which 70% are women and 85% belong to the Wayuu indigenous community, who have received endowments and training on financial, accounting, and better service. These actions demonstrate Ecopetrol's commitment to diversity and inclusion, economic sustainability and diversification of the business fabric in the regions where it operates.

• Strengthening of the mentality and culture of innovation and skills development

This component develops pedagogical processes to strengthen skills such as critical thinking, creativity, communication skills, leadership, and knowledge of the technologies of the Fourth and Fifth Industrial Revolutions, which encourage young people to build a life project based on their interests. In this regard, partnering with the UNLAB 4.0 Innovation Laboratory of the National University of Colombia, the Jóvenes 4.0 Innovando y Transformando Territorios (Youth Innovating and Transforming Territories) program was implemented, which involved 4,148 young people in 2024. Likewise, it should be highlighted that the program was completed in Puerto Wilches (Santander), Tauramena (Casanare) and Villavicencio (Meta), which benefited 3,068 young people in 2024; likewise, the implementation of the program started in Barrancabermeja (Santander), Yondó (Antioquia), and Cantagallo (Bolívar), benefiting 1,080 young people in 2024.

Ecopetrol Construye (Ecopetrol builds) - Public and community infrastructure

Infrastructure is a fundamental pillar for boosting competitiveness, increasing productivity, generating employment, improving social well-being, and reducing gaps among regions. Therefore, investment in this line is intended to improve roads interconnection conditions, facilitating trade, reducing travel times and transportation costs, as well as generating spaces for coexistence, citizen participation, education, sports, recreation and culture.

• Road Infrastructure

By the end of 2024, 65.14 km of a target of 66.14 km had been worked on, which is equivalent to 98% fulfillment. These interventions benefited more than 253,122 people in municipalities such as San Martín (Cesar), Puerto Salgar and Yacopí (Cundinamarca), Villavicencio, Acacías, Castilla la Nueva and Guamal (Meta), Aguazul and Yopal (Casanare), Támara (Arauca). The following projects stand out:

• Rehabilitation of 6.56 km of the La Cecilita - Chichimene - La Unión Acacías neighborhood road (Meta), which benefits 15,000 inhabitants.
• Improvement of 4.56 km of Santa Bárbara road in Guamal (Meta) benefiting 528 people.
• Rehabilitation of 16 km of the El Centro - Caño Grande Bajo - San Lorenzo road in Castilla la Nueva (Meta) that benefits 15,422 inhabitants.
• Improvement of 2.72 km of tertiary roads in the El Charte district, Rincón del Soldado sector, in Yopal (Casanare), which benefits 274 people.
• Improvement of 2.9 km of tertiary road on the Unión Charte – Cupiagua ring road in Aguazul (Casanare), which benefits 870 people.
• Maintenance of 17 km of tertiary roads in the El Morro district, phase 2 in Yopal (Casanare), which benefits 2,463 people.
• Construction of a shallow concrete channel over the Calle stream in the Manoguia area in Aguazul (Casanare) that benefits 2,543 people.

On the other hand, 18 projects are still underway, involving approximately 154 additional km and benefiting more than 346,499 people in rural areas. Worth to highlight:

• Improvement of 8.1 km of the Flor Amarillo – Pueblo Sucio road in Tame (Arauca) – Works for Taxes
• Improvement of 8.5 km of the Yotoco - Buenos Aires - El Dorado road and a section of the Muñecos - Cordobitas road in Yotoco (Valle del Cauca) – Works for Taxes
• Improvement of 15 km of the road rural district El Turuy to bridge of Carambas Creek - San Lorenzo- Pueblo Nuevo in Castilla La Nueva (Meta)
• Improvement with slab tracks of 2.5 km of tertiary roads between the sectors of Tulcán, los Camachos, Caño Tigre and La Cooperativa, of the rural districts of La Tempestuosa and La Vizcaína in San Vicente de Chucurí (Santander).
• Improvement of 32km of the road that connects the Rubiales area from the Neblinas Puerto Gaitán-Meta high point.
• Construction of 11km of slab track in Acacias- Meta.
• Maintenance of 12.87 tertiary roads Asovec
• Construction of 280 meters of pavement slabs in the Refugio Village of the Municipality of San Vicente de Chucurí.

Likewise, the plans for paving of the Alto Neblinas – Rubiales road in Puerto Gaitán stands out, which thanks to the alliance of Ecopetrol with companies in the hydrocarbon sector such as Cepsa, Hocol, Frontera and Tecpetrol, and public institutions such as the Agency for the Infrastructure of Meta, the Government of Meta, the mayor's office of Puerto Gaitán, and the National Roads Institute, will achieve more than 50 km. In 2024, significant progress was made with 33% of works on the first 8 km; the signing of Cooperation Agreement 2, in alliance with the government of Meta and the Agency for the infrastructure of Meta for the paving of an additional 24.6 km, starting at km 16+500; and the signing of Cooperation Agreement 3 in alliance with the mayor's office of Puerto Gaitán (Meta), which projects the paving of 18.8 km starting at km 67+700, thus benefiting more than 46,000 people.

• Community interest public infrastructure

In addition to the foregoing, Ecopetrol's contributions are used to improve spaces for education, sports, recreation and culture, which stimulates meetings for coexistence and citizen participation. In 2024, the construction of 7 new infrastructures was completed, as well as enhancement of 13 structures benefiting 178,622 inhabitants of Ecopetrol's areas of influence.

Spaces for recreation and sports:

9 projects were completed in 2024 for the promotion of healthy lifestyles and sports practice:

• The multifunctional roof in the Buenos Aires neighborhood in Tauramena (Casanare), which benefits 2,045 inhabitants.
• Bio-healthy gym at the Laachon ethno-educational school in the Mayapo corregimiento of Manaure (La Guajira) benefiting 1,641 people.
• Multi-sport court with stands in the El Progreso rural area of ​​Cumaribo (Vichada), which benefits 300 residents.
• Children's and bio-healthy park in the Patevaca area of ​​Yacopí (Cundinamarca) that benefits 360 people.
• Construction of the Los Laureles sports center in the El Centro district of Barrancabermeja, which benefits 2,848 people.
• Improvement of the sports venue in the La Aurora Km 8 district and construction of the bio-healthy park in the San Pedro Claver Km 16 rural, municipality of Puerto Wilches, Santander, which benefits 1,390 inhabitants.
• Construction of a recreational-sports facility in the Santa Teresa district of the municipality of Puerto Wilches, department of Santander, which benefits 400 inhabitants.
• Adaptation and improvement of the sports center in Campo Duro, municipality of Puerto Wilches, department of Santander, which benefits 400 inhabitants.
• Adaptation of Existing Infrastructure and Construction of Roof - El Morro, Yopal, which benefits 1,536 inhabitants.

Spaces to promote culture and community gatherings:

In 2024, 7 projects were completed, benefiting 2,285 people:

• Construction and provision of a community hall in the Tisquirama area, municipality of San Martín, Cesar, which benefits 307 inhabitants.
• Location adjustments for 2 community halls in the Las Brisas and Cedrales area, in the municipalities of Puerto Salgar and Guaduas, Cundinamarca, which benefits 254 inhabitants
• Improvement of a community hall for the corregimiento of Paturia in Puerto Wilches, Santander, which benefits 280 inhabitants
• Improvement of community room in the rural district of El Cerrito in the municipality of Sabana de Torres, which benefits 600 inhabitants
• Improvement of the community infrastructure of the rural district Aguablanca if Tauramena, Casanare, which benefits 844 inhabitants

Additionally, the following projects are underway:

• Improvement of the of the Cultura Llanera Malocas park, partnering with the Meta Tourist Institute, for the benefit of more than 900,000 local and neighboring municipalities people.
• Construction of the U'wa Intercultural Thought Center in Cubará (Boyacá), in partnership with the Governor's Office, which will benefit more than 7,500 members of the U'wa reservation community.

Support to health infrastructure:

In 2024, contributions were made to the health infrastructure through two projects that benefit 162,724 inhabitants.

• Maintenance of the facade and exterior areas, construction of perimeter fencing, and access to the E.S.E. Hospital Regional del Magdalena Medio, in Barrancabermeja, Santander, which benefits 159,882 inhabitants
• Locative improvement of the Samoré Health center in Toledo, Norte de Santander, which benefits 2,842 inhabitants.

Structuring projects and preparing studies and designs:

Lastly, to strengthen the capacity of territorial entities in the formulation and structuring of projects, in 2024, 12 projects of studies and designs were delivered in the feasibility phase to leverage investment for improving 40.7 km of roads, construction of 3 community halls, improvement of 5 educational institutions, and improvement of 3 sports venues.

Works for taxes

Works for taxes is a mechanism created by the Colombian Government in 2017, which allows companies to pay up to 50% of their income and complementary tax through the direct execution of social impact projects in the Areas Most Affected by the Armed Conflict –ZOMAC - which purpose is the construction, improvement, optimization, or expansion of infrastructure and the required endowment for the supply of road infrastructure, drinking water and sewerage, energy, education, and public health services, among other sectors.

In 2024, the Ecopetrol Group continued to lead the implementation of the mechanism in Colombia, obtaining the largest participation in the country with 45.1%, reflected in 41 new projects assigned in this term by the Agencia de Renovacion del Territorio - ART for $387,127 million pesos, which will benefit over 230,428 Colombians. With these projects, the Ecopetrol Group, since the creation of the program, has allocated a total of 132 projects, for a value of $1.1 trillion pesos, that is, 38.7% of the total projects allocated in the country.

During 2024, the Ecopetrol Group completed 21 projects for an amount of 92,452 million, benefiting more than 146,696 inhabitants in 37 municipalities in 9 departments. The works include the improvement of 10.5 km of road in Tame (Arauca), Lérida and Venadillo (Tolima), the delivery of supplies to 837 educational centers in the departments of Antioquia, Bolívar, Cesar, Santander, Tolima and Valle del Cauca; furthermore, the comprehensive endowment of the SENA agro-industrial center in Monterrey, Casanare and the provision of 10 Child Development Centers (CDIS) of the Colombian Institute of Family Welfare (ICBF) in Meta.

Social Investment impact and results

One of the main objectives of social investment is to achieve the revitalization of local economies, promoting economic diversification beyond the supply of the hydrocarbon sector, encouraging the provision of local goods and services and the creation of jobs. In this regard, in 2024, Ecopetrol generated 13,001 jobs derived from the company's social investment, of which 65% were associated with infrastructure and education.

With respect to the sociodemographic characteristics of the social investment beneficiaries, in 2024 an exercise was performed on projects undertaken under agreement, finding that in 77% of the ongoing agreements, 89% of the beneficiaries of the alliances are under 18 years or age, 70% of the beneficiaries report that their last level of education is middle school 93% of the beneficiaries homes correspond to social strata 1 and 2, and 73% of the families belong to the SISBEN A and B system.

On the other hand, in 2024 the first measurement of the impact and results of the strategy for providing school kits to students and teachers in Cartagena (Bolívar) was completed. As a result, parents, mothers and teachers confirmed that access to basic educational materials promotes school attendance and reduces costs for families; therefore, they recognize Ecopetrol as an ally for local development. The students emphasized that all boys and girls had the same initial resources, which promotes equity, reduces conflict, and facilitates the enjoyment of the educational process.

In 2025, the types of projects to which impact and results measurement exercises will be applied will be expanded. It is expected to include: social gas projects, school furniture supply, as well as data collection during performance of flagship projects such as vías Rubiales, among others.

On the other hand, in 2024, a methodology was developed jointly with the Corporate Vice Presidency of Finance and Sustainable Value​ to calculate the contribution to the financial return of social investments in the territories where the company is present, and the contribution to Net Income associated to the reduction of deferred investment due to environmental issues. The methodology assesses three components of social investment: contribution to GDP, contribution to job creation, and value creation, which results are presented based on: 1. Increase in the income of the least advantaged households, and 2. Financial Return for each unit of resources invested based on the social investment line.

Voluntary work

Ecopetrol's corporate volunteering, integrated into its Comprehensive Territory Management Strategy, generates mutual benefits for the company, employees, and communities. This translates into a strengthened corporate reputation and a close connection with stakeholders, while providing employees with opportunities for personal and professional development, improving talent attraction and retention.

To ensure the sustainability of these initiatives, programs are implemented that promote long-term community self-sufficiency. Activities are also aligned with organizational objectives and strategic alliances are established with local entities. Hence, lasting trust relationships are built, facilitating dialogue, collaboration, and contribution to the sustainable development of the territory. Consequently, the living conditions of communities are improved through a comprehensive approach that encompasses economic, social, health, and educational aspects. Thus, the corporate volunteer program is a key component of Ecopetrol's sustainable development and social responsibility strategy. Highlighted below are achievements in 2024:

• 38 volunteer days in the municipalities of Mayapo, Cartagena, Puerto Wilches, Cantagallo, Barrancabermeja, Yondó, Yopal, Aguazul, Villavicencio, Acacías, Guamal, Puerto Gaitán, Yacopí, San Pedro de Jagua, Orito Soacha, and Bogotá.
• 979 employees participated in volunteer activities.
• Employees completed more than 8,721 hours of volunteer work.
•  The main volunteer activities in which employees participated were: embellishment of educational institutions, environmental awareness and education days, community strengthening, optometry and eye health days, tree planting, bicycle distribution, and a Christmas gift donation campaign.
• Various methods were used to identify community needs and ensure the effectiveness of volunteer activities, such as territorial analysis sessions with regional teams, reconnaissance visits to validate needs in the field, and definition of activities aligned with social investment projects in planning and execution.

Foundations in which Ecopetrol has a holding

Ecopetrol, together with strategic allies, participates in the corporate governance of four business foundations established more than 30 years ago in its areas of influence: Fundación Amanecer, Fundación del Alto Magdalena, Fundación para el Desarrollo del Magdalena Medio and Fundación El Alcaraván. These organizations contribute significantly to the country's sustainable development, focusing on areas such as climate change adaptation, business development, social and financial inclusion, strengthening the social fabric, infrastructure, and socio-environmental projects. Through these foundations, Ecopetrol provides strategic direction to contribute to achieving the company's Sustainability goals, generating territorial prosperity in the regions where it operates.

In terms of results for 2024, the cumulative total of what was achieved includes:

• Investment in Socio-environmental Projects: $64,6 billion pesos in resources were managed for the implementation of projects that promote sustainable development and community well-being.
• Community Scope: The socio-environmental projects executed by the foundations had a positive direct impact on 51,665 people, improving their quality of life and promoting sustainable practices.
• Promotion of Financial Inclusion: Through the micro-credit line, a portfolio of $88.483 billion pesos was managed, contributing greatly to financial inclusion in the foundations' operating regions.
• Economic Empowerment: 21,930 people benefited from micro-credit, which facilitated access to opportunities for economic growth and business development.

The Ecopetrol Group has an Enabling Plan to guide physical security actions with a focus on Human Rights - HHRR, complying with the strategy of Integral Territory Management. with the core being the cultural principle of "Life First".

The pillars supporting management of the plan are:

• People protection management: define and implement a physical security model focused on protecting the lives of workers during the performance of their duties.
• Management in the protection of the Nation's critical and strategic infrastructure: define and implement cost-effective solutions and delay barriers to have self-protected assets and thus prevent and/or reduce the setting's security impact on people and the operation. It is worth noting that the management in the protection of the Nation's critical and strategic infrastructure is fundamental, as these assets secure the country's supply, the provision of essential public services for all Colombians, being a fundamental pillar of energy security.
• Management for the viability of the operation: To enable the execution of the company's operations, projects, and new ventures to support the energy transition, the well-being of communities and the provision of an essential public service to all Colombians.

These pillars are managed through the analysis of security risks and identification of possible impacts on human rights, in accordance with the international standard of Voluntary Principles on Human Rights, through the definition of a methodological standard.

Likewise, the physical security and human rights risk analyses are the basis and roadmap for the implementation of action lines enabling management of the identified risks.

Included below are the action lines for security and Human Rights risk management:

• Self-care and self-protection culture:
• Implementation of voluntary principles standards.
• Transparent relationships and security alliances.
• Technological solutions for physical security.
• Operational assurance and control.
• Impact reduction model for third party events.
• Crisis and business continuity system:

Image. Physical Security Management Enabling Plan focused on Human Rights

Source: Physical Security Management