Pitfalls and Pipelines - Philippine Indigenous Peoples Links

Chapter 2.1: Local Community Assistance
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2.1.2 Networking
Alliance building is essential for success. Potential allies
can include neighboring communities (indigenous and nonindigenous),
environmental, religious and non-governmental
organizations, local governments, regional and national
politicians.
The 2009 Manila Conference particularly emphasized
the importance of exchanges with other indigenous and nonindigenous
communities. 19 These neighbors are likely to share
many of the concerns of more directly affected communities.
In fact, communities who are downstream or downwind of any
project may find they get more of the risks of pollution with
less of the benefits from the companies (as they may well be
considered outside of the immediate affected communities).
Indigenous communities who may still be affected, especially
with regard to their usufructory rights, should consider lobbying
to be included in any FPIC process.
If extractive projects are relatively new to the community,
it is especially useful to make links to communities who have
already been affected by the same type of project. Invite representatives
to speak at local events, sharing their experiences,
and where possible, do exchange visits. If possible, also bring
in or visit people with indigenous communities or groups that
have successfully resisted or negotiated over such projects.
Alliances can also be made with local farmers or fisherman,
who stand to lose out over water contamination or shortages.
Likewise, government departments with concerns over water
of agriculture may also be critical of company plans. The same
goes for other livelihoods and government departments that
focus on natural resources, including forestry, tourism and
wildlife conservation.
Another aspect that was raised in the conference was the
importance of an alliance or mutual understanding between
the community and mineworkers, if there is already mining
nearby and if production starts. Sometimes alliances can be
forged with mineworkers. Although they may often initially be