Advancing a feminist approach to natural resources

Global Affairs Canada works globally so women, girls and marginalized groups can take part in decision making on how natural resources are managed.

We advocate for a sustainable approach to natural resource governance to address both current and future needs.

We support developing countries in strengthening institutions, laws and policies to manage natural resources in a sustainable, inclusive and responsible way.

We promote the human rights of women, girls and marginalized groups by improving their:

access to resources
participation in decision making
economic and social empowerment

Canada is also working to improve protections for human rights defenders.

Advancing international standards and guidelines

Canada is also working on international standards and platforms to advocate for best practices in natural resource governance. Examples follow.

Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative: A multi-stakeholder initiative to increase transparency in the mining, oil and gas sectors.
Intergovernmental Forum on Mining, Minerals, Metals and Sustainable Development: A global multilateral forum helping countries leverage mining for sustainable development. It provides guidance documents and technical assistance to member countries.
Voluntary Principles on Security and Human Rights: A framework providing guidance to natural resource companies and governments on reducing risks related to the security of company operations.
Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development's Due Diligence Guidance for Responsible Supply Chains of Minerals from Conflict-Affected and High-Risk Areas: Guidance that helps companies respect human rights and avoid contributing to conflict through their mineral-purchasing decisions and practices.
Kimberley Process Certification Scheme: An international mechanism to prevent conflict by identifying and removing conflict diamonds from the global supply chain.
Women's Rights and Mining Working Group: A collaborative effort by governments, civil society and researchers to advance gender equality in the mining sector.

Projects around the globe

Global Affairs Canada funds international development projects related to natural resource governance around the world. Examples follow.

Regional projects

West Africa Governance and Economic Sustainability in Extractive Areas

Supports inclusive sustainable economic development and poverty reduction in 3 mining regions—1 each in Burkina Faso, Ghana and Guinea.

Building Responsible Mineral Supply Chains for Development in Africa

Increase the capacity of governments and artisanal and small-scale miners in the Great Lakes Region to implement and comply with regional and global standards.

Gender Equality in Artisanal Mining

Supports women in tackling barriers they face in achieving gender equality in artisanal and small-scale mining in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda and Zimbabwe.

Ethiopia

Supporting the Ministry of Mines to Strengthen Governance and Management of the Mining Sector

Provides expert services to improve mineral licensing, gender-sensitive professional development and enhanced geoscience coverage.

Kenya

Equitable Prosperity through Private Sector Development in Kenya

Increase the competitiveness and sustainability of entrepreneurs and small enterprises, encourage them to use environmentally friendly technologies, and improved gender practices.

Tanzania

Strengthening Small Business Value Chains

Improve access to and the quality of business development services in Tanzania.

Colombia

Building Extractive Sector Governance

Provides technical assistance to enable natural resource sectors to contribute to more environmentally sustainable and equitable economic growth in Colombia.

Peru

Improving Environmental Management of Mining and Energy Activities in Peru

Helps the Peruvian government streamline environmental impact assessments while strengthening the rigour and analysis of the assessments.

Indonesia

Sustainable Development of Artisanal and Small-Scale Gold Mining in Indonesia

Improve the incomes and health of vulnerable and marginalized men and women dependent on artisanal and small-scale gold mining, as well as improving the environment.

Mongolia

Enhancing Resource Management Through Institutional Transformation in Mongolia

Stimulates sustainable economic and social development in Mongolia by strengthening the capacity of public institutions and local communities to manage the extractive sector.

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