Local, regional, or international Civil Society Organizations (CSOs)/Nongovernmental Organizations (NGOs) based in BRI host countries, as well as international CSOs/NGOs with global reach, can facilitate stakeholder engagement and support environmental and social assessment and management (ESAM) for BRI projects. Different types of CSOs/NGOs include but are not limited to activist groups, aid associations and agencies, charities and foundations, commerce and trade organizations, community development organizations, cultural organizations, educational organizations, environmental protection organizations, health and safety (H&S) organizations, human rights organizations, Indigenous peoples’ organizations, labor unions and organizations, minorities’ organizations, religious groups, political groups, public advocacy organizations, women’s organizations, and youth organizations.
Possible Roles and Responsibilities of CSOs/NGOs:
- Conduct field research within the project area of influence.
- Monitor BRI-related policy developments in China, the host country, and other countries around the world.
- Publish reports and articles on the status of projects, activities, laws, regulations, and guidelines related to the BRI.
- Develop policy recommendations for financiers, developers, contractors, subcontractors, the Chinese Government, the host country government, and other stakeholders.
- Inform local communities of proposed projects through in-person engagement, email, phone, fax, or social media.
- Provide services, strategies, or resources to directly assist local communities, including Indigenous peoples, minorities, women, the elderly, youth, people with disabilities, and other vulnerable groups.
- Advocate for the needs and interests of local communities, particularly vulnerable groups.
- Safeguard the cultural, economic, political, and social rights of local communities.
- Coordinate capacity-building activities for affected people.
- Participate in community coordination committee meetings and/or collaborative monitoring councils.
- Support monitoring activities and share data on each project’s environmental and social impacts.
- Alternatively, validate the results of periodic monitoring reports produced by researchers/experts or subcontractors, contractors, and developers.