The Dow Aratu Site is located in the District of Candeias in the State of Bahia. The District has a population of 80,000 inhabitants, mainly comprised of destitute people with limited access to information, whose incomes are based on trade. People from this community have limited skills and few educational resources — and a strong expectation from the companies located in the District to absorb their workforce.

Although Dow is one of the major companies in the region, as a chemical company with a small, yet highly qualified workforce, it and cannot directly meet their needs. Conscious of this situation, and based on the Responsible Care® principles and surveys made within the community, Dow has been developing community programs/projects, mainly driven in the areas of Health, Education and Environment.

The programs help community members learn job skills so that they can support their families. This not only strengthens the community, it contributes to the Sustainable Development of the region as well.

Among the main projects developed was the "Oyster Farm" — Oyster cultivation in captivity, which provided an alternative source of income for 24 families. This project has shown outstanding results for the Caboto's village in terms of social-economic aspects, environmental protection and the education of citizens. This year the Dow Aratu Site conducted a follow-up of the Project through evaluation meetings with Cooperative members. We will continue to provide support for the Project until they are fully prepared to go ahead on their own.

The "Computer User Guide Braile" project was developed and distributed within Brazil and abroad for blind individuals to prepare them to become Internet users. Dow was recognized as the winner of "ECO Education Award" by the American Chamber of Commerce (AMCHAM). This year, in partnership with Senai (Industrial Learning National Service), was dedicated to preparing and producing the second version of the Manual.

Our commitment and performance in Environment, Health & Safety (EH&S) is recognized by the local community, by our employees, environmental agencies and within Dow. Our site is certified in ISO 14001 and our injury/illness incident rate (total workforce) since 2000 is below 0.24, which is our Corporate goal for 2005.

Our performance is a result of our continuous investment in updating our Technology, Plant Health and in developing the skills and knowledge of our people.

Dagoberto Rodrigues
Site Leader/Latin America Operations Director
Dow Aratu Site