Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
least equipped to benei t from the mining project. Accepted resettlement policies specify
that these and other vulnerable groups merit special attention in resettlement. Vulnerable
groups include but are not restricted to Indigenous Peoples, ethnic minorities, households
headed by women and the poorest without legal entitlement to assets or resources.
Magnitude of Tangible Resettlement Losses
Tangible resettlement losses include loss of land, structures, crops, trees, or any clearly
dei ned assets. Tangible resettlement losses are relatively easy to identify and to quantify. As
an example, tailings ponds have well-dei ned footprints, and a detailed census of affected
peoples' assets will help to establish an accurate inventory of lost resources. Of course, oppor-
tunists often attempt to inl ate the value of lost resources. Barren land is suddenly cultivated,
crops are planted, or shelters and fences are built in the expectation that a disproportionate
increase in compensation can be achieved. There have also been cases of unscrupulous land-
owners collecting land compensation while at the same time selling the land to a third party.
Magnitude of Intangible Resettlement Losses
Intangible resettlement losses are more difi cult to identify, and even more so to quantify.
Dei ning intangible resettlement losses and related compensation entitlements commonly
requires extensive investigations. Examples of intangible losses include user rights to access
land, loss of employment opportunities, loss of cultural assets or spiritual places, or loss of
traditional hunting grounds. Such losses may be intangible, but affected people have to be
eligible for appropriate compensation to ensure successful resettlement programmes.
Intangible resettlement losses
are more diffi cult to identify, and
even more so to quantify.
Community Participation and Integration with Host
Communities
Socially responsible resettlement is guided by a partnership approach, and by trans-
parency. Lack of participation and transparency are likely to lead to failure ( Box 14.1 ).
Communication with all stakeholders is central to implementing a successful resettlement
strategy. Prior capacity building for displaced and host communities may be required to
allow affected people to actively participate in the planning and execution of resettlement.
In particular, Indigenous Peoples often lack legal recognition and formal representation;
they may also lack the capacity to cope with a mining project and its implications if left
alone and unsupported.
Socially responsible resettlement
is guided by a partnership
approach, and by transparency.
Attention to Livelihood Restoration
Resettlement is not only about the cash compensation of resettlement losses, but it is also
about social and economic development to re-establish the livelihoods of affected people.
Successful resettlement programmes take advantage of opportunities to enhance the eco-
nomic and social conditions of vulnerable groups. Cash compensation brings only tempo-
rary relief, if at all, to affected people. Even for the most experienced resettlement specialist
 
Search WWH ::




Custom Search