We could consider developing a communications and consultation strategy. For example, if we have created a
negotiating team to deal with the project proponents and then report back to our community and its leaders, our
strategy should:
•
Regularly share information with and get feedback from community members at different stages of the
project;
•
Seek the input of all members of the community who will be affected — including women, children, elders,
and those who don’t always attend community meetings;
•
Involve other peoples who share our territories, if they will also be affected;
•
Use different strategies like community meetings, house-to-house visits and visual aids, such as maps, videos
or pictures to make sure everyone is included and understands the information;
•
Have private consultations with our community, with no company or government officials present;
•
Especially for complex or large projects, we may need to have the information summarised in short booklets
or briefings. We might also have to ask our experts and advisors to be there to explain these issues to the
community;
•
Include translation. Meaningful participation often depends on good translation. And the technical ideas
that the project proponents use should be explained in a language that make sense to our people. Project
proponents should provide the money for translation, but we should insist on choosing the translators we
will use;
•
Seek independent legal and other expert advice from trusted allies.
Some key things to look for in the information are:
26
•
Does the company really respect our rights, our ownership of the land and the importance of protecting our
way of life and livelihoods?
•
Does the plan fit with our vision for the future?
•
Is a commitment to involving, consulting and seeking agreement with our community clear in all company
documents?
•
How do the actions of officials compare with what they commit to on paper?
•
Are there any impacts that the company is overlooking or ignoring? Do their plans to avoid impacts seem to
be good enough? See the ESIA toolkit for more information;
•
Are the benefits that companies and governments are promising to our community enough? See the IBA
toolkit for more information on benefits; and
•
Do we need more information? If yes, we should take more time. There is a lot at stake!
Free, Prior and Informed Consent