|
Disgruntled communities can stop a project in its tracks. How can companies create
more positive dynamics?
In recent years, local opposition has held up the development of a growing number of
extractive projects, from Alaska to Bangladesh, France to Peru. Existing oil, gas and mining
operations are also often targeted by protests and disruption. There are basic approaches
in this area that companies need to get right (and often don’t): for example, consulting at an
early stage with communities, avoiding negative environmental impacts and meeting core
international (e.g. IFC) standards. But even with such approaches in place, local dynamics
can take a negative turn.
This note highlights just a few patterns to watch out for and additional strategies that may
be helpful. It draws from our experience advising clients (using the LicenseSecure Navigate
service and our database of 100+ projects). The list below is broad-brush, in contrast to the
detailed strategies we develop for clients, and is intended simply to provide some food for
thought.
|
