According to IFC, different planning instruments are used to achieve the objectives for the OP 4.12 Involuntary Resettlement policy, by type of project: (part 2)

Abbreviated Resettlement Plan

An abbreviated plan shall include the following minimum elements:

1. Census of displaced individuals and valuation of assets
2. Description of compensation and assistance for the resettlement.
3. Inquiries with the displaced individuals about acceptable alternatives.
4. Institutional responsibility for the application and procedures for redress of grievances.
5. Provisions for follow-up and application of the Plan.
6. Calendar and budget.

Resettlement Policy Framework

The Resettlement Policy Framework shall include the following elements:

1. Brief description of the project and components for which the procurement of lands and resettlement are required.
2. Principles and objectives governing the preparation and execution of the resettlement.
3. Description of the process for elaboration and approval of resettlement plans.
4. Estimated population to be displaced and likely categories of displaced individuals.
5. Eligibility criteria to define various categories of displaced individuals.
6. Legal framework to examine compatibility between borrowers’ laws and regulations and Bank policy requirements, and measures proposed to reduce the gap between them.
7. Methods for valuation of the goods affected.
8. Institutional procedures for the definition of rights, among them, for projects involving intermediaries from the private sector, responsibilities of financial intermediaries, the government, etc.
9. Description of the implementation process, including execution of the resettlement and civil works.
10. Description of complaint mechanisms.
11. Description of provisions for resettlement funding.
12. Description of mechanisms of consultation and participation for displaced individuals.
13. Provisions for supervision by the executing agency and, if necessary, by independent observers.

Process Framework

The process framework describes the participation processes by which the following activities shall be performed:

1. Project components that shall be prepared and executed. The document shall briefly describe the project and the components and activities that may imply new restrictions or strengthen some existing ones. The processes by which the persons potentially displaced participate in the project design shall also be described.
2. Criteria for eligibility of the individuals affected shall be determined. Establishing that communities potentially affected shall be involved in the identification of the adverse impacts, evaluation of significance of such impacts, and establishment of the eligibility criteria and all the necessary measures for mitigation or compensation.
3. Measures to help the individuals affected in their efforts to improve their means of support or to reestablish them. Methods and procedures by which the communities shall identify and choose potential measures for mitigation or compensation, and decision procedures available to the community.
4. Potential conflicts or complaints within or between the affected communities must be resolved. Description of the process to resolve possible conflicts.
5. Administrative and legal procedures. Revision of agreements regarding the resettlement process with the administrative jurisdictions and competent ministries, including a clear delimitation of administrative and financial responsibilities according to the project framework.
6. Control mechanisms The document shall review the mechanisms for participatory monitoring of project activities in relation to impacts on individuals and for following-up the effectiveness of measures adopted to restore and/or improve the income and standards of living of the people to be resettled.

By Katia Madrid , Project Manager

According to International Finance Corporation ( IFC ), different planning instruments are used to achieve the objectives for the OP 4.12 Involuntary Resettlement policy, by type of project: LIRE LA SUITE

Practices for integrating social responsibility throughout an organization

Once the core subjects as well as their issues have been analyzed, the actions identified should be integrated and put into practice in a holistic way throughout the organization. In most cases, organizations can start with the systems, policies, structures and networks of the current organization, though usually some activities are developed in new ways, with other considerations and broader scopes.

To integrate social responsibility you should consider:

1. The relationship between an organization’s characteristics and social responsibility, that is, the type and nature of the organization, its mission, vision, values, principles, code of conduct, internal and external stakeholders, value chain, among others.

2. Understanding the organization’s social responsibility, that is, how it manages accountability, determining the relevance and meaning of core subjects and issues for the organization, recognizing the organization’s sphere of influence and establishing priorities to address each subject.

3. Implementing practices to integrate social responsibility throughout the organization, in other words, how to raise awareness and develop competences in the subjects of social responsibility, determining the direction of the organization regarding SR, establishing priorities to approach each subject, building SR in the governance, systems and procedures of the organization.

4. Communicating social responsibility as to (i) the role of communication in social responsibility, (ii) The characteristics of the information: complete, understandable, responsible, accurate, balanced, timely and accessible, and (iii) The types of communication.

5. Enhancing credibility regarding social responsibility by implementing methods to improve credibility, improving credibility of reports and complaints, solving conflicts, claims and disagreements between the organization and its stakeholders.

6. Reviewing and improving practices related to social responsibility with regard to monitoring activities related to social responsibility, reviewing progress and performance, improving the credibility of the data and the gathering and management of information, improving performance.

7. Implementing voluntary initiatives for social responsibility.

Katia Madrid, Project Manager

What ISO 26000 is ?

ISO 26000 is a guide that sets out an outline on Social Responsibility (SR), established by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). This is a type of “standard guide” essentially different from ISO standards since it contains no requirements and therefore cannot be basis for certification, measurement or conformity assessment.

ISO 26000 is voluntary in use. This is a guidance document that offers suggestions, advice, proposals and recommendations.

The document is considered an international “standard” as it was published by ISO and its member bodies. In other words, the publication format is an international standard, but with regard to its content, it is a guidance document. LIRE LA SUITE

Today’s businesses use several types of information systems to manage their operations as efficiently as possible. This means that a huge amount of information is being generated and the increased popularity of smart phones over the past few years has only amplified this trend. This begs the question: How can we take advantage of all the information that has been generated over time? Here is a new concept I’m launching to help you take advantage of this goldmine of information and discover the technological components associated with it. LIRE LA SUITE

Deploying an iPad in the field can be seen by some as hip, but a tablet clearly demonstrates its business value on the ground in the extractive industry. The benefit is derived not only from its portability or because it boots up in a second, but also because the iPad replaces the laptop, the 3G network modem, the camera, and the GPS in your bag. LIRE LA SUITE

Resettlement Action Plan (RAP)

The resettlement planning is reflected in an Action Plan for the Resettlement (RAP) , a document usually prepared by the extractive company or other parties responsible for the resettlement (as government agencies, for instance), which specifies the procedures and measures to be applied in order to duly resettle and compensate the affected individuals and communities.

The RAP must: (i) identify all individuals affected by the project and (ii) justify the resettlement after having examined all the alternatives that may reduce the resettlement to the minimum or avoid it at all. The RAP outlines the eligibility criteria for the affected parties; it establishes the compensation rates for lost assets or restrictions on their use, and it describes the support levels for moving and repairing the affected households.

Elements of a RAP

These are the main elements of a RAP:

1. Introduction

Brief description of the project and its components.

2. Reduction of the resettlement to the minimum

Description of the efforts made and the mechanisms used to reduce resettlements to the minimum.

3. Effects of the project and definition of affected population

The effects of the project and the affected populations must be determined following a series of steps:

• Mapping to identify the characteristics of populations and communities, such as assets with a cultural value, housing, infrastructure, use of soil, water resources, etc.
• Census of the affected people and their location.  The census usually serves as the basis to establish a deadline or cut-off date to be eligible to receive the benefits from the resettlement.
• Inventory of goods to be replaced, organized by households, companies, and communities;
• Surveys and socio-economic studies of all affected individuals;
• Analysis of surveys and studies to establish compensation parameters, plan initiatives appropriate for sustainable development and to reestablish the livelihood, and identify follow-up indicators. The following must also be taken into account:
  • Preservation of cultural assets – The PAR must document all activities that may be necessary to protect, transport and reestablish the cultural assets of the affected populations.
  • Special assistance for women and vulnerable groupsConsultations with the affected populations regarding the mitigation of the effects and development opportunities

4. Definition and explanation of the legal framework to acquire land and get the compensation

5. Framework for the compensation. The type and amount of the compensation, the eligibility and the persons responsible for making payments, as well as the payment dates, must be defined.

6. Description of the support for resettlement and the reestablishment of productive activities.

• Selection and preparation of the place where the populations will be resettled.
• Preparation and proceedings to move the resettled individuals.
• Relocation schedule and definition of assistance to be supplied
• Replacement of services
• Reestablishment of the livelihood
• Preservation of cultural assets
• Special assistance for women and vulnerable groups

7. Itemized budget

8. Performance schedule

9. Description of the responsibilities of all stakeholders

10. A structure to consult the communities and participation of the communities in the development planning

11. Description of the means to deal with grievances and complaints

12.  A framework for follow-up, evaluation and reporting activities

Follow-up of results, the effects of the resettlement, and audit at the end of the RAP.

When a project contemplates an involuntary resettlement, the RAP becomes an essential component to evaluate the environmental and social effects of the project and the plan of action. As noted, all components are closely related.

IFC specialists require that the mining, oil or gas company following and complying with a series of measures to meet the applicable environmental and social protection policies, both before and after the approval of the project.

Given that these are complex processes that entail a lot of information, it is important to systematize the processes, the information and the access to it, as well as the reports to be delivered. An information management system is a very useful tool for management and to have updated information. This is very useful to face the concerns of the affected population, improve transparency and have auditable processes.

Katia Madrid

What is the involuntary resettlement by the IFC?

A resettlement is involuntary when it is performed without the grounded consent of the displaced individuals or if such individuals give their consent without having the possibility of refusing to be resettled. Involuntary resettlement may involve (i) physical displacement of people or communities, or (ii) a change in their means of subsistence.  The IFC’s policy applies to both situations. LIRE LA SUITE

Who are indigenous peoples?

Indigenous peoples are social groups with identities that are unlike the dominant groups in national societies. In many cases they are among the most marginalized and/or vulnerable sectors of the population. LIRE LA SUITE

It is good practice to establish a social baseline in a systematic way, with quality controls and the implementation of a Social Information Management System (IMS).

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