Mainstreaming free, prior and informed consent in the context of forest governance

There are numerous legal measures in place, and tools available to support the investors. One of the most prominent is Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC). FPIC is increasingly being recognized as not just an obligation on, for example, REDD+ project proponents, but also an effective way to safeguard investments. There is, however, a significant need to develop capacity among relevant stakeholders to understand the complex art of negotiating community consent, and to cultivate the necessary skills for effective FPIC implementation.

This course targets company, government and civil society staff working with communities so they can have a stronger grasp of how to incorporate FPIC in their projects, as well as supporting communities in safeguarding their rights under FPIC. In addition to covering the theoretical principles and values that support FPIC, participants can explore practical examples of its implementation during a field trip to an appropriate site in Thailand. Participants will be provided with the opportunity to apply their learning from in-class sessions as they interact with key actors in a natural resource context in Thailand.

Course objectives

• At the end of the course, participants will be able to:
• Explain the key principles and supporting values of FPIC and its importance in forestry related initiatives
• Appreciate the need for FPIC in the design and implementation of all forestry related projects and link this to their own current work contexts
• Identify initial design steps in respecting local communities’ rights when seeking FPIC
• Develop action points for interventions to address potential issues and concerns for applying FPIC in their own work contexts

Who should join?

This training is aimed at:

• Private sector staff responsible for stakeholder management
• Policy makers at the national level and field coordinators who would apply FPIC in the field
• Civil society representatives working on safeguarding the rights of forest communities

Course Content

The course will draw on the shared experience of trainers and participants covering the following topics:

• What is FPIC?
• FPIC for what and for whom?
• Why FPIC in forestry related initiatives?
• FPIC and the development of international standards, including in certification, and REDD+
• Supporting values related to respecting the right to FPIC
• Integration of FPIC in the design and implementation of various forestry related initiatives