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2013_PolicyBrief1_EN_finalEnvironmental governance of extractive activities in Latin America and the Caribbean: the need to include local communitiesWhile investments in extractive activities in Latin America and the Caribbean(LAC) are booming, there are growing concerns about their social andenvironmental consequences. Extractive activities, which include metalmining, the extraction of fossil fuels, hydroelectricity and biomass, areexpanding and moving into more remote areas that are often inhabited byindigenous and peasant communities. These activities have far-reachingconsequences. On the one hand, they generate economic development, jobs,infrastructure and government revenues that partly pay for social programs.On the other hand, they often bring damage to nature and local livelihoods,require large volumes of energy and water, and produce large amounts ofwaste. Many local communities claim that their needs and their concernsabout these negative effects of extractive activities are being neglected, andresistance is mounting. Existing regulatory and institutional frameworks,including consultation mechanisms, are unable to prevent and solve theseproblems...