Session I - Dates: September 17th - 28th, 2012
Natural Resource Extraction: Fueling Conflict
Session II - Dates: October 22nd - November 2nd, 2012
Natural Resource Extraction: Risks to Environment and Health
Session I - Dates: September 17-28, 2012
Natural Resource Extraction: Fueling Conflict (What’s my cell phone and car got to do with it?)
Paradoxically, having natural resources can be a curse for a developing country. Not only can the desire to control these resources give rise to conflict and corruption; when poorly managed, the extraction of natural resources such as minerals and oil can exacerbate and prolong armed conflicts already in place and actually slow development. In the age of globalization, the extraction business can become entwined with violence and human rights abuses. Sadly, the answer to the question of what a cell phone and a car has to do with conflict is then — a lot. Essential components of our consumer electronics and fuel for cars are derived often from lands suffering violence.
Session #1 will draw on CRS’s programming in Nigeria and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, both rich in natural resources and experiencing ongoing violent conflict. This session will consider: links between natural resources and governance in these countries; how revenue from extraction is used; what initiatives are being undertaken to increase transparency and address corruption; and how civil society is being mobilized to hold these sectors accountable. In particular, what is our role as American consumers, shareholders, advocates, and environmental stewards?
Session II - Dates: October 22 - November 2, 2012
Natural Resource Extraction: Risks to Environment and Health
We are familiar with the ways the extractive industry in a developing country can enrich elites and even fuel armed conflict. Less well known, however, is how extraction can alter a local economy and environment, thereby contributing to poverty, health problems, and environmental degradation in the communities closest to the source. What are the specific health and environmental risks to the people who work and live in the affected communities? Who is regulating the impact of extraction on the local communities? Increasingly, corporations, governments, civil society, the churches, and consumers are being called on to take responsibility for the local impacts of extraction and to take steps to protect if not enhance the lives of affected populations. What are the steps and who is leading the efforts?
This session will look closely at CRS’s work with local partners concerning a smelter in La Oroya, Peru whose emissions have left the vast majority of children in the nearby community with high levels of lead in their blood. The case examines efforts to increase peace and security by building relationships among key stakeholders – a multinational corporation, the local community, and the government. Using lessons learned from CRS’s work, students will explore strategies for supporting the local source communities; working with corporations to monitor impact and promote corporate social responsibility; and conducting advocacy for improved data collection, governance, and monitoring. Throughout, students will be asked to consider their own relationship to source communities and corporations in the U.S and abroad. How can we become more socially responsible consumers, shareholders, advocates, and environmental stewards?
PRIMARY CRS RESOURCE
The primary CRS resource for both sessions is a substantive new publication called
Promoting equity has been a pillar of CRS’ Justice and Peacebuilding strategy. This is because sustainable peace requires a foundation of justice. Working on conflicts associated with extractive industries has become a priority. The challenges related to oil, gas, smelting and mining operations are critical and growing ever more complex. This publication provides an overview of extractive industries and CRS’ involvement with this issue. It discusses common economic, governance, environmental and public health impacts of poorly managed extractive industries at the local and national levels as well as their links with conflict. The case studies describe the programmatic responses by CRS, the Church and other partners to address these factors and improve equity in Peru, Angola and Nigeria.
The CRS Global Solidarity Network is a web-based "participatory learning community" that connects students and faculty in the U.S. to Catholic Relief Services (CRS) policy experts and field staff. 
