This note provides guidance on theoverall approach to consulting, engaging, and partneringwith local communities, to bridge gaps in information andexpectation between communities and investors and create thesocial license to operate. Engaging with local communitiesand other stakeholders is both socially responsible and abusiness imperative; investors that are well integrated withthe local community are more likely to be financiallysuccessful. Effective engagement is necessary across allphases of the investment project, from the initial mapping,consultations withcommunities, and contract negotiations tothe establishment of a grievance mechanism, ongoingcommunity dialogue, and monitoring of both environmental andsocial impacts. Aligning the expectations and understandingof investors and communities creates the necessaryenvironment for mutual benefit.