Danny ChenPreviously, we talked about several in-built requirements that would safeguard the net positive biodiversity outcome once the project started. Often, many stakeholders do not know that project safeguard mechanism not only apply for biodiversity, but also for the people and the communities. This time, we will talk about how to develop the biodiversity project with stakeholder engagement.
People are the purpose. Before starting projects, developers must identify and address the common 5 categories of project sustainability practice.
#1 Risk Management for Sustainable Development Benefits
Include indigenous peoples and communities’ traditional knowledge and cultural heritage. On top of that, protecting the intellectual property of indigenous peoples and communities with a proposed framework upfront in place.
Ensure the existence of sufficient financial and human resources to deliver sustainable benefits without engaging in any form of corruption.
Give equal and fair work opportunities for local communities and stakeholders, with special attention to vulnerable or marginalized people.
Mitigate human-induced threats such as waste production, energy supply disturbance, and noise production.
#2 Risk Management for Property Rights
Never encroach on private, stakeholder, or government property.
Ensure no involuntary removal or relocation of customary rights holders from their lands or territories with free, prior, and informed consent(FPIC) agreements with stakeholders.
Document ongoing or unresolved conflicts or disputes over rights to lands, territories, and resources for up to 20 years(if records exist) and no less than 10 years.
#3 Engagement Procedures in Project Design, Implementation, and Monitoring
Engage stakeholders via a culturally appropriate manner when undertaking the project development process and communication.
Ensure stakeholders have the opportunity to provide input, evaluate impacts, and raise concerns during project design and implementation.
#4 Human Rights and Equity Protection
Promote the protection of the rights of Indigenous Peoples and local communities in line with applicable international human rights law.
Preserve and protect cultural heritage consistent with Indigenous Peoples and local communities’ practices.
No any form of discrimination, bullying, intimidation, or harassment, including sexual, with special attention to vulnerable or marginalized people, women, and children.
#5 Ecosystem Health
Demonstrate no adverse impact on the project area or adjacent areas of rare, threatened, or endangered species habitats.
No known invasive species are introduced into or allowed to increase in population in any area affected by the project. Invasive species must be identified using local, regional, or global invasive species registries. No introduction of non-native monocultures for restoration
