The Technical Assistance Partnership – Expert Deployment Mechanism (TAP-EDM) is collaborating with the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) of the Government of the Philippines to enhance their ability to support Indigenous Cultural Communities/Indigenous Peoples (ICCs/IPs) in understanding the impact of large-scale mining projects.
Mining plays a significant role in the Philippines’ economy, but ICCs/IPs are often disproportionately affected. The initiative will support training and capacity building of NCIP staff on Environmental and Social Impact Assessments (ESIA) and other tools to assess mining impacts better, advocate for Indigenous rights, and secure tangible benefits from mining activities. The goal is to protect livelihoods, uphold human rights, and mitigate environmental damage.
A Canadian TAP-EDM expert will support the initiative by conducting a gap analysis, designing capacity-building activities, and developing ESIA tools incorporating Indigenous Knowledge Systems and Practices. The expert will also deliver Training of Trainers modules and community engagement protocols for ICCs/IPs. In addition, a technical visit to Canada will be organized for NCIP staff to learn about best practices and challenges related to Indigenous participation in mining activities within ancestral domains.