Environmentally critical projects such as mining remain a controversial and divisive issue in mineral-rich communities. Arguably, mining projects bring jobs, revenues to local governments, cash income, and various development projects, such as electrification, paved roads, schools with free or subsidized education, chapels, water system, and other livelihood programs. In many instances, these benefits are very enticing and attractive to locals. However, scientific studies and objective data on mining operations in various communities have found out that mining also brings adverse effects and negative impacts on locals and the environment, such as displacement from homes and traditional livelihoods, dependence on cash income and incursion into their value system leading to consumerism, health problems caused by exposure to toxic materials, siltation of waterways, deforestation, loss of productive land, and pollution of marine environments (Coumans, 1999; Florentino-Hofileña, 1996; McAndrew, 1983; Regis, 2001; Tujan & Guzman, 1998). Environmental advocacy campaigns of both pro- and anti-mining communicate these mining benefits and costs to the locals to convince them either to accept the mining project or join the struggle against the mining project. Given these two scenarios, how do locals decide when a mining project is presented in their community? How do they participate in the decision-making that impact on their economic, political and socio-cultural standing? What influences their participation in decision-making and their decision?
The locals of Rapu-Rapu Island were in that situation in 2001 when a mining project was seeking social acceptability from the local communities. This study revisited their decision and explained why they decided that way. It also took into account the crucial contexts of the decision-making of the locals.
Table of Contents
- Undermining the Power of Communities
- Environmental Decisions, Human Ecology, and Values
- Decisions of the locals
- Human ecology
- Values
- Family, Kinship, Compadrazgo, and Patron-client Relationship
- Rapu-Rapu in Focus
- Geography and location
- Historical background
- Population
- Livelihood and sources of income
- Facilities
- Rapu-Rapu Island and Barangay Malobago
- Mining Experiences and the Perceived Benefits and Costs of Mining
- Rapu-Rapu's Mining History
- Lafeyette Philippines Inc. (LPI) and its Rapu-Rapu Polymetallic Project (RRPP)
- Memories of Mining and Island Life
- Actual and Perceived Costs and Benefits of Mining
- Politics, Economics and Other Contexts of Mining and Decision of Local Community
- Physical
- Political
- Economic
- Sociocultural
- Looking Back and Forward
Objectives and Key Themes
This study revisits the decision-making process of the local communities of Rapu-Rapu Island in 2001 regarding a proposed mining project. The aim is to understand the factors influencing their decision, considering the economic, political, and socio-cultural contexts. The study analyzes how locals weighed the perceived benefits and costs of the project and how their participation in the decision-making process shaped their ultimate choice. * The interplay between environmental decisions and local values. * The impact of mining on the livelihoods and socio-cultural fabric of the community. * The role of political and economic factors in shaping community decisions. * The perceived benefits and costs of mining projects on island communities. * Analysis of community participation in decision-making processes concerning resource extraction.Chapter Summaries
Undermining the Power of Communities: This introductory chapter sets the stage by highlighting the inherent controversies surrounding mining projects in resource-rich communities. It emphasizes the often-conflicting narratives of economic benefits (jobs, revenue, infrastructure development) versus the documented environmental and social costs (displacement, health problems, environmental degradation). The chapter introduces the central question of how local communities navigate these competing interests when faced with the decision of whether to accept or reject a mining proposal. The study focuses on the case of Rapu-Rapu Island in 2001, aiming to understand their decision-making process within its specific context. Environmental Decisions, Human Ecology, and Values: This chapter delves into the environmental, ecological, and value systems that shaped the perspectives of Rapu-Rapu Island's residents. It examines the human ecology of the island, exploring how the local population interacts with their environment, the importance of traditional livelihoods, and the role of kinship and social structures. The chapter lays the groundwork for understanding the complex web of factors influencing community perceptions of environmental risks and benefits, linking these directly to the subsequent decision-making process. The significance of their values and relationships within the community framework is extensively discussed. Rapu-Rapu in Focus: This chapter provides a detailed profile of Rapu-Rapu Island, outlining its geography, history, population demographics, and economic activities. It paints a picture of the island's pre-mining state, offering vital context for understanding the potential impact of the proposed mining project. By presenting a rich description of the island's characteristics, this chapter effectively highlights the stakes involved in the decision-making process – the potential disruption to established ways of life. The chapter also provides a detailed description of the island's infrastructure and resources before the project's commencement. Mining Experiences and the Perceived Benefits and Costs of Mining: This chapter explores the history of mining on Rapu-Rapu Island and the specific proposal of Lafayette Philippines Inc. (LPI) and its Rapu-Rapu Polymetallic Project (RRPP). It examines the memories and experiences of the local community regarding past mining activities, both positive and negative. The chapter then moves to discuss the actual and perceived costs and benefits of the LPI project, meticulously analyzing how these factors weighed on the decision-making process within the context of the existing economic conditions and social structures. A detailed comparison of perceived versus actual impacts is thoroughly discussed. Politics, Economics and Other Contexts of Mining and Decision of Local Community: This chapter provides a multi-faceted analysis of the political, economic, and sociocultural contexts surrounding the decision-making process. It dissects the island’s political structures, the influence of political leaders, and the strategies employed in advocacy campaigns. Further, it explores the economic realities facing the community, including the existing sources of income and the potential economic consequences of the mining project. The chapter also investigates the sociocultural values associated with both the environment and interactions with others, explaining how these values played a role in community decisions. This offers a comprehensive understanding of the various factors that contributed to the locals' final decision, connecting them back to the main themes of the study.Keywords
Mining, community, Philippines, Rapu-Rapu Island, environmental impact, socio-economic impact, decision-making, political influence, local values, advocacy, resource extraction, community participation.
Frequently Asked Questions: A Study of Rapu-Rapu Island's Mining Decision in 2001
What is this study about?
This study analyzes the decision-making process of the local communities on Rapu-Rapu Island in 2001 regarding a proposed mining project. It examines the factors influencing their decision, including economic, political, and socio-cultural contexts, and how they weighed the perceived benefits and costs of the project.
What are the key themes explored in this study?
Key themes include the interplay between environmental decisions and local values; the impact of mining on livelihoods and socio-cultural fabric; the role of political and economic factors in shaping community decisions; the perceived benefits and costs of mining projects on island communities; and analysis of community participation in decision-making processes concerning resource extraction.
What is the structure of the study?
The study is structured into several chapters. It begins with an introduction that highlights controversies surrounding mining projects. Subsequent chapters delve into the environmental decisions and values of the community, provide a detailed profile of Rapu-Rapu Island, explore the history and perceived costs and benefits of the proposed mining project, and analyze the political, economic, and sociocultural contexts influencing the decision. The study concludes with a summary and reflection.
What specific aspects of Rapu-Rapu Island are examined?
The study examines the island's geography, history, population, livelihoods, facilities, and the specific proposal by Lafayette Philippines Inc. (LPI) and its Rapu-Rapu Polymetallic Project (RRPP). It also details the island's pre-mining state to highlight the potential disruption to established ways of life.
How does the study analyze the perceived benefits and costs of mining?
The study meticulously analyzes both the actual and perceived costs and benefits of the LPI project, considering the existing economic conditions and social structures. It compares perceived versus actual impacts to understand how these factors influenced the community's decision.
What role did political and economic factors play in the decision-making process?
The study dissects the island's political structures, the influence of political leaders, and the strategies employed in advocacy campaigns. It explores the economic realities facing the community, including existing income sources and potential economic consequences of the mining project.
What is the significance of local values and sociocultural context?
The study emphasizes the importance of local values and social structures (family, kinship, etc.) in shaping community perceptions of environmental risks and benefits and influencing their decision-making process.
What keywords best describe this study?
Mining, community, Philippines, Rapu-Rapu Island, environmental impact, socio-economic impact, decision-making, political influence, local values, advocacy, resource extraction, community participation.
What was the ultimate aim of the study?
The ultimate aim is to understand the factors influencing the local communities' decision regarding the proposed mining project, considering the economic, political, and socio-cultural contexts. It aims to show how locals weighed perceived benefits and costs and how their participation shaped their choice.
Where can I find more detailed information about each chapter?
The provided document includes chapter summaries that offer a detailed overview of the content of each chapter, providing insights into the specific topics covered in each section of the study.
- Quote paper
- Menandro Abanes (Author), 2006, Under-Mining the Power of Communities, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/161234
