By implementing a transparent consultation process in good faith, developers of energy infrastructure projects (such as hydropower plants) and Indigenous representatives can work together to help to ensure that communities are protected and even benefit from new energy infrastructure.
According to the International Hydropower Association (IHA), these projects can risk harming the rights of Indigenous Peoples, if their culture, identity and relationship with the land and rivers are neglected. To provide guidance to hydropower developers and operators, IHA published a new How-to Guide on Hydropower and Indigenous Peoples that explores how best to engage with communities to ensure that hydropower projects respect members’ dignity and human rights throughout the plants’ operating life.
“As Indigenous Peoples are often among the most marginalized and vulnerable segments of the population, there is increasing recognition that they have special individual and collective rights and interests,” said Eduard Wojczynski, the guide’s author. “For hydropower, this requires developers and operators putting in place processes and implementing measures that respect Indigenous Peoples, their rights and their cultures. I hope the good practices outlined in the guide will help ensure that hydropower can be a resource that protects the rights of Indigenous Peoples, enhancing their economic and social well-being.”
Hydropower projects can provide a number of services to communities, including clean energy generation, flood control and water for irrigation. But, as with any infrastructure development, projects could put rights at risk if land tenure and access to natural resources fail to be recognized. The guide emphasizes the need to involve Indigenous communities as early as possible in a project’s planning and delivery. By doing so, developers can better understand the concerns of those affected and, where necessary, make changes based on community inputs and perspectives.
“In the name of development, we should not destroy Indigenous Peoples’ culture and identity which they received from their ancestors. We should promote culture and identity together in a way that brings happiness and social harmony through development activities,” said Phurpa Tamang, an Indigenous Peoples representative and advocate. “If developers and operators follow the recommendations of this guide, hydropower can be developed, and cultural rights can be preserved without social conflict.”
The guide describes the Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) consultation process as an essential tool to achieve good practice outcomes. FPIC is a principle enshrined in the United Nations Declaration on the rights of Indigenous Peoples.It establishes a universal framework of minimum standards for the well-being of Indigenous Peoples around the world.
Guidelines on how and when to effectively communicate and consult with Indigenous Peoples, to understand their livelihoods, traditions, culture and customs are included in the publication in an effort to help developers and operators achieve FPIC standards.
