Use of environmental and social safeguards in the context of mining and protected areas

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A webinar organised by NaturAfrica West Africa regional coordination will address the topic of environmental and social safeguards in the context of mining and protected areas. 

In West Africa, the forests of Sierra Leone, Liberia and Guinea are rich in gold, bauxite, iron, lithium and more. As global demand for minerals increases and countries seize the opportunity to raise revenues, a growing number of mines are opening. However, it is in the same areas that many protected areas rich in unique biodiversity are located, and their integrity is increasingly threatened. 

Mining companies are required to carry out environmental and social safeguarding studies to ensure that their operations will not have a negative impact on the environment and neighbouring populations. If they will, companies must put in place measures to mitigate the negative impacts. As a rule, safeguard studies are highly technical, and conservation NGOs or the authorities responsible for managing protected areas do not have sufficient understanding of the subject matter to intervene if a study is of poor quality. 

This webinar aims to provide a brief introduction to the topic. After an introduction to the concepts of social and environmental safeguards, there will be presentations on responsible mining and on the use of Environmental and Social Impact Assessments (ESIAs) and Strategic Environmental and Social Assessments (SESAs) as decision-making tools.

AGENDA 

Presentations

1. Framing the environmental safeguard tool - Sebabe Agoro, Environmental Safeguard Specialist, IUCN/WACA

2. Case studies in West Africa: the role of the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) and Strategic Environmental and Social Assessment (SESA) in decision-making - Stephen Teeuwen, Senior Advisor Environmental and Social Assessment, Dutch Environmental Assessment Committee

3. Example of responsible mining concession, Kambui Hills, Sierra Leone - Geert Kampshoer, CEO Joining Minds Mining, Sierra Leone

Discussion 

French and English interpretation will be provided. L'invitation en français se trouve en annexe.

Join the webinar via the following Zoom link: 
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88133239557?pwd=9YyYKQiAvKb5bO4jMwwO5DOnsTpW1…;