ASI training and workshops: Bridging traditional knowledge and modern standards
ASI’s innovative training programs are empowering Indigenous and Local Communities to actively participate in and influence the aluminium value chain.
30 May 2024
When coupled with capacity building on aluminium value chain operations and ASI Standards and processes, this traditional, cultural and environmental knowledge can help provide communities with a level playing field for more equitable and constructive engagement with aluminium value chain actors. It can also serve to increase the pool of local technical experts, who can sign up to become ASI Registered Specialists.
Registered Specialists receive training on ASI Standards and Processes, and can therefore assist credibly in ASI Audits. They serve a dual purpose because on the one hand, ASI Members can tap into their knowledge and expertise to achieve better operational outcomes as they implement the ASI Standards and prepare for their certification audits. On the other hand, ASI Audit Teams can use them where local knowledge and expertise are required to ensure a more credible audit (see the experiences of two local Registered Specialists who participated in an ASI audit in Guinea).
Building community capacity through ASI workshops
ASI has provided training to IPAF members and their communities through formal (live) online training, support for IPAF member in-country projects that include hands-on practical training, information and capacity building workshops, mentoring and more informal training and information sharing online workshops.
Since 2023, ASI has developed and delivered to IPAF members a series of five training sessions, each of which focuses on a distinct theme: the aluminium value chain, the ASI governance model, the ASI Standards, the ASI assurance framework, and complaints mechanisms.
The trainings aim to provide IPAF members with:
- knowledge and tools to meaningfully engage in ASI discussion fora, such as IPAF meetings, the ASI Standards Committee, Working Groups or standards revision processes
- targeted information about ASI that they can relay to their respective communities
- knowledge and capacity to participate in the ASI Witness Assessment program, which provides insights into and experience with the audit process whilst building relevant expertise and experience
- mandatory level of training that meets the requirements for participation in the ASI Standards Committee and for applying as an ASI Registered Specialist.
Experience to date has shown that the training has been well received by participants, who actively engage during the sessions and, based on their respective experiences with bauxite mining, use the opportunity to provide input and feedback to the ASI Standards and Guidance documents.
Several participants have expressed their desire to share this training more broadly within their communities. One IPAF participant is currently translating the materials into Hindi to deliver to local communities in India. In addition, in-person trainings in remote communities in Australia’s Cape York Peninsula are planned for Q3 2024.
The ASI Secretariat will continue to deliver and refine the training on an ongoing basis.
Train the trainer model extends reach in local communities
Also within the broader scope of building capacity for IPAF and local communities affected by the aluminium value chain’s operations, the ASI Secretariat has trained local trainers in Australia and Guinea to deliver workshops in villages about bauxite exploration and mining. This model will be replicated in other countries in the near future.
Taking stock of the results
These capacity building initiatives are building momentum with, for example, increased participation and input to the work of the ASI Standards Committee and ASI Working Groups, participation in audits, use of the ASI complaints mechanism, and increased engagement and negotiation with ASI Members.
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