On June 2, the Mesa de Sociedad Civil para la Transparencia en las Industrias Extractivas held a workshop in Montelíbano, Córdoba, on the progress of the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative in Colombia, better known as EITI, in order to learn about citizens’ perceptions and generate discussions on the regional dynamics of mining and oil extraction.
During the meeting, the purpose, formation and agenda of the Civil Society Roundtable, weaknesses in the extractive sector, EITI and access to environmental information were explained. In addition, it was indicated that the Civil Society Roundtable is a body created to ensure the availability of information, spaces for citizen participation and accountability in the extractive sector.
The workshop attendees expressed their interest in conducting a pilot exercise to access environmental information on extractive industries. The community also raised the need to involve public officials so that they understand the environmental impacts on the communities and do not issue licenses without knowing the problems that may arise.
The Civil Society Roundtable will follow up on citizens’ proposals and maintain contact with the convened leaders through the CSIR Córdoba, a member of the Civil Society Roundtable for Transparency in the Extractive Industries.
Transparencia por Colombia is the Technical Secretariat of the Mesa de Sociedad Civil para la Transparencia en las Industrias Extractivas.01
