Pitfalls and Pipelines - Philippine Indigenous Peoples Links

210 Pitfalls and Pipelines: Indigenous Peoples and Extractive Industries
the general methods for certification of mining is the Genevabased
International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO). It
covers the like of “internal quality management” (ISO 9000)
and there is even a standard for social responsibility (ISO
26000), partly thanks to the work of Professor Ruggie, the
UN Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Business
and Human Rights. The ISO however are keen to point out
it is guidance and not a requirement. 15 The Initiative for
Responsible Mining Assurance is looking at FPIC as one of the
themes for which it is aiming to produce a voluntary compliance
system. 16 That is an admirable initiative, but it is asking a
great deal when what is primarily required for FPIC to work is
a sizable change of attitude and understanding within companies.
That may well come over time as a result of enlightened
materials and training, but it is difficult to underestimate the
task in overcoming vast gaps in cultural understanding. 17
Over the years there have been a number of academic and
activist books and guidelines on good practice. One of the leading
attempts to summarize the different frameworks, at least in
regard to the mining industry, was the 2005 “Framework for
Responsible Mining.” 18 It covered a whole range of concerns,
including a chapter on making sure that benefits accrue to
communities and workers. It is a good starting point, although
it is in need of an update, given the fast-moving evolution of
this area.
One of the more useful handbooks is the World Resources
Institute’s “Breaking Ground: Engaging Communities in
Extractive and Infrastructure Projects.” 19 It provides practical
advice, and sound arguments for companies to ensure they
engage properly with communities. Kirk Herbertson of WRI
was able to address the 2009 Manila Conference as the publication
was being finalized. He emphasised the report’s findings
around the seven key Principles for Effective Community
Engagement for companies.
These principles were:
1. Prepare communities before engaging (this may involved
site visits to similar projects, training on community
engagement, participatory mapping and/or
access to legal and technical advisers);