IDRC to fund research in Latin America

Ottawa-based International Development Research Centre (IDRC) plans to spend $1 million per year on research into environmental protection in the mining industries of Central and South America.

Entitled the Mining Policy Research Initiative, the program will focus on the economic, social and environmental impacts of mining in small, indigenous communities. Emphasis will be placed on negotiation strategies among communities, mining companies and government, and on sustainability of ecosystems.

“The goal of this initiative is to contribute to public and private sector policy on mining while protecting community interests and limiting ecosystem damage,” says Carlos Ser, IDRC’s regional director for Latin America.

The initiative will solicit comment from mining companies, environmental groups and scientists.

“Everyone from community groups to mining companies want to ensure that mining contributes to sustainable development,” Ser says. “All stakeholders agree that the community disruptions and environmental degradation that previously characterized mining operations are no longer acceptable.”