Pitfalls and Pipelines - Philippine Indigenous Peoples Links

Chapter 2.1: Local Community Assistance
107
be a useful tool, which will also allow a community to upload
any campaign films. There may be a need for more detailed
materials when seeking to persuade local government politicians
or decision makers. It is particularly important in any
leaflets to outline the rights of communities and the obligations
of mining companies, to empower people. Campaign
materials should list the procedures the company must follow.
It is important to know if companies are legally required to
share information and documents with the communities when
requested, to hold public forums, and what legal obligations
they have with regard to the right to FPIC.
The local media should be utilized as part of any education
drive. If the community can create its own newspaper and/or
website, then it may do so. But do not ignore building up a
relationship with local newspaper(s), community radio and/or
local TV station(s). Prioritize any indigenous local media, but
do not ignore the mainstream media. It is likely the company
will also be courting local media—with a large advertising
budget—but build relationships where possible, doing your
best to produce and widely circulate regular press releases,
interviews or video clips to ensure the message is getting out.
A media plan of action is likely to augment any of the strategies
the community may choose.
Finally, one activity it is worth prioritizing as early as possible
is to create baseline studies in the local environment and
the social situation in the community. This may include ensuring
that land ownership and usufructory rights are clearly
understood and articulated. In the first instance photographs
of the potentially impacted area are really easy and can be
used as evidence where any damage happens later. It is worth
taking water and air samples, which are relatively simple to
do, especially with the support of local educational establishments.
Also list species that could be affected, particularly if
they are culturally or economically important. Participatory
community mapping is an excellent way to record these data.
There are a number of support organizations that conduct
and train communities in community mapping. 10 It is important
to obtain solid proof about what could be lost through any
project, both in environmental and economic terms. The com-