Advancing the social pillar of sustainability: Insights from the natural resources sector

How are local communities able to influence decisions about the development of natural resources? Which role do they play in arising conflicts of use? Using the recent “North Dakota Access Pipeline” - conflict as an example, Dr. Nikolakis will talk about how to involve local communities into decision making processes. We are inviting all interested to join the lecture!

Dr. Nikolakis from the University of British Columbia, Vancouver, will speak about "Advancing the social pillar of sustainability: Insights from the natural resources sector". The lecture will take place on November 17th as part of the LTS-LunchTimeSeries at the University of Life Sciences Vienna. Drawing on practical and empirical work, Dr. Nikolakis will explore mechanisms to better involve local communities in natural resources development. As demonstrated in the recent North Dakota Access Pipeline conflict, treating Indigenous Peoples as passive actors in land use decisions leads to conflict, litigation and project delays. New approaches are required, including Free Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC), which has been shown to foster better communication and relationship building between firms and Indigenous Peoples. The lecture will be followed by an open discussion. In Anglo-American tradition, catering will be provided during the lecture. The event is open for everyone and participation is free of charge. Please register until November 14th via law@boku.ac.at. Further information about Dr. Nikolakis and his lecture is available here: "Advancing the social pillar of sustainability". The LunchTimeSeries on Law, Technology & Society (LTS) is organized by Univ.-Prof. Dr. Iris Eisenberger, in collaboration with Priv. Doz. Dr. Konrad Lachmayer. The program for the winter term is available here: Law – Technology – Society.

07.11.2016