The Church on mining: Respect human dignity, local consent – aleteia.org

Report on the Catholic Church’s Framework for Addressing Mining Sector Impacts in Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

This report outlines the Catholic Church’s strategic framework, articulated by Caritas, for addressing the adverse impacts of the mineral exploitation industry. The approach is analyzed through the lens of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), highlighting the alignment between Catholic social teaching and the global agenda for sustainable development.

1.0 Rationale for Engagement: A Crisis of Environment and Human Dignity

The engagement of Caritas and the wider Catholic Church in the mining sector stems from the recognition that irresponsible mineral exploitation transcends economic activity, precipitating a profound environmental and spiritual crisis. This crisis directly undermines several key SDGs.

1.1 Environmental and Social Impacts vs. SDGs

• Violation of SDG 15 (Life on Land) and SDG 13 (Climate Action): Non-compliant mining operations lead to the destruction of entire ecosystems, contributing to biodiversity loss and environmental degradation.
• Undermining SDG 1 (No Poverty) and SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth): The displacement of communities and the destruction of traditional livelihoods and cultural roots lead to increased poverty and social instability, negating the potential for inclusive economic growth.
• Threats to SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions): The documented outcomes of pollution and violence in impoverished communities represent a failure of justice and institutional oversight.

The Church frames this as the “cry of the poor and the cry of the Earth,” a concept that aligns with the integrated nature of the SDGs, which posits that environmental health, social equity, and economic stability are inextricably linked.

2.0 A Framework for Action: Promoting Justice and Partnership

The Church’s “Framework for Action” is a strategic document designed to guide pastoral and structural responses that safeguard both people and the planet. It is intended for a broad audience within the Church, including episcopal conferences, Caritas agencies, religious congregations, and lay movements, to be adapted to local contexts.

2.1 Implementation Through Partnership (SDG 17)

The framework is a living instrument for discernment, encouraging local action plans and resource teams. This model of implementation is a direct reflection of SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).

1. Colombia: Diocesan Caritas offices have established environmental ministries to monitor mining projects and provide legal and pastoral support to affected families.
2. Philippines: The bishops’ Eco-Convergence network fosters collaboration between Church institutions, academics, and indigenous communities to promote sustainable alternatives, directly contributing to SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities).

2.2 The “See-Judge-Act” Methodology

The framework is rooted in a practical methodology for achieving sustainable development outcomes:

• See: Gather facts and understand the reality of mining’s impact through direct engagement with affected communities. This aligns with the SDG principle of leaving no one behind.
• Judge: Analyze these realities through the principles of Catholic social teaching, such as human dignity and solidarity, which are foundational to the human rights-based approach of the SDGs.
• Act: Respond with concrete initiatives that restore justice and promote integral human development, contributing to goals such as SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities) and SDG 16.

3.0 Addressing Systemic Inequalities and Strengthening Institutions (SDG 10 & SDG 16)

A central focus of the framework is to address the significant power imbalances between multinational corporations and local communities, a core target of SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities).

3.1 Strategies for Empowerment

The Church’s influence is leveraged not through financial power but through moral authority and solidarity to achieve the following:

• Building Alliances (SDG 17): Linking local communities to national and international advocacy networks to ensure abuses are not hidden.
• Capacity Building: Supporting education in legal rights, environmental monitoring, and communication skills to empower communities to advocate for themselves.
• Amplifying Voices: The Church acts as a bridge, amplifying the voices of the poor to ensure their right to participate in decisions, a key component of building effective and inclusive institutions under SDG 16.

3.2 Upholding the Right to Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC)

The framework insists on the genuine application of FPIC, a critical mechanism for protecting the rights of indigenous peoples and local communities and a cornerstone of just governance (SDG 16).

1. Ensuring Access to Information: Caritas supports communities by translating technical assessments and funding independent studies to counter biased corporate reports.
2. Providing Safe Spaces: Parishes offer secure environments for community dialogue and discernment, free from intimidation.
3. Protecting Human Rights Defenders: The Church utilizes its global network to provide visibility and protection for land defenders who are threatened, directly addressing a key target of SDG 16 concerning the protection of fundamental freedoms.

4.0 Conclusion: A Call for Justice and Recognition of “Ecological Martyrdom”

The framework concludes by highlighting the ultimate human cost of environmental conflict: the killing of activists. The proposal to consider a form of “ecological martyrdom” underscores the severity of the threats faced by environmental defenders. This call for recognition, remembrance, and protection is a powerful appeal to strengthen justice systems, fight impunity, and protect human rights defenders, which are essential targets for achieving SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions.

Analysis of Sustainable Development Goals in the Article

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

1. SDG 1: No Poverty

   • The article connects mining to poverty by highlighting how non-compliant operations bring “displacement, pollution, and violence to some of the poorest communities.” It also mentions that people’s “livelihoods and cultural roots are vanishing,” which directly impacts their economic well-being and pushes them further into poverty.

2. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

   • This goal is addressed through the criticism of mining operations that “do not comply with… labour and human rights standards.” This implies a focus on ensuring that any economic activity, like mining, must provide safe working conditions and protect the rights of workers.

3. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities

   • The article heavily focuses on the “immense” power imbalance between multinational corporations and local communities. Caritas’s work to “amplify the voice of the poor” and defend their right to “participate fully in decisions that affect their lives” is a direct effort to reduce these inequalities.

4. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production

   • The core issue of “destructive extraction” versus the promotion of “sustainable alternatives” aligns with this goal. The article critiques the unsustainable practices of the mining industry and advocates for a model that respects both people and the planet, which is central to sustainable production patterns.

5. SDG 15: Life on Land

   • This is a central theme, as the article explicitly states that due to irresponsible mining, “Entire ecosystems are being destroyed.” The work of Caritas in helping communities “document environmental damage” and conducting “independent environmental assessments” directly relates to protecting terrestrial ecosystems.

6. SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

   • This goal is extensively covered. The article discusses “violence” in communities, the need to fight “impunity and corruption,” and the importance of legal rights. The emphasis on ensuring “free, prior and informed consent (FPIC)” is a call for inclusive and participatory decision-making. Furthermore, the protection of activists (“defenders of the land”) who are “threatened or attacked” is a key component of ensuring peace and justice.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

• Under SDG 1 (No Poverty):

  • Target 1.4: By 2030, ensure that all men and women, in particular the poor and the vulnerable, have equal rights to economic resources, as well as access to… ownership and control over land. The article’s focus on displacement and the loss of livelihoods from mining directly relates to protecting communities’ control over their land and resources.

• Under SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth):

  • Target 8.8: Protect labour rights and promote safe and secure working environments for all workers. This is relevant to the article’s mention of mining operations that fail to comply with “labour and human rights standards.”

• Under SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities):

  • Target 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic and political inclusion of all. The work of Caritas to “amplify the voice of the poor” and ensure they can “participate fully in decisions” directly supports this target.

• Under SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production):

  • Target 12.2: By 2030, achieve the sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources. The article’s critique of “destructive extraction” and the call for “sustainable alternatives” aligns with this target.

• Under SDG 15 (Life on Land):

  • Target 15.5: Take urgent and significant action to reduce the degradation of natural habitats, halt the loss of biodiversity and, by 2020, protect and prevent the extinction of threatened species. The statement that “Entire ecosystems are being destroyed” makes this target highly relevant.

• Under SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions):

  • Target 16.1: Significantly reduce all forms of violence and related death rates everywhere. This is connected to the mention of “violence” in communities and activists being “threatened or attacked.”
  • Target 16.3: Promote the rule of law at the national and international levels and ensure equal access to justice for all. Caritas’s support through “legal counsel” and the fight against “impunity” directly addresses this.
  • Target 16.7: Ensure responsive, inclusive, participatory and representative decision-making at all levels. The principle of “free, prior and informed consent (FPIC)” is a direct application of this target.
  • Target 16.10: Ensure public access to information and protect fundamental freedoms. This is reflected in the efforts to provide communities with “clear, independent, and understandable information” and to protect land defenders.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

• Yes, the article implies several practical indicators that can be used to measure progress:

• Indicators for Environmental Protection (SDG 12, SDG 15):

  • The number of documented cases of environmental damage. The article mentions pastoral teams “helping them document environmental damage.”
  • The number of independent environmental assessments conducted. Caritas teams in the DRC train local leaders to “conduct independent environmental assessments.”

• Indicators for Justice and Institutional Strength (SDG 16):

  • The number of communities that have access to and receive legal counsel. Caritas “provides access to legal counsel.”
  • The number of mining projects where a genuine “free, prior and informed consent (FPIC)” process is implemented and respected.
  • The number of attacks against environmental activists (“defenders of the land”) that are investigated and prosecuted, measuring the fight against impunity.

• Indicators for Community Empowerment (SDG 10, SDG 16):

  • The number of local leaders and community members trained in legal rights and environmental monitoring. Caritas supports “education in legal rights, environmental monitoring, and communication skills.”
  • The number of local action plans and partnerships created between local churches, universities, and civil society to address mining issues.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: aleteia.org