Annual IPAF meeting in Suriname
The 2018 ASI Indigenous Peoples Advisory Forum (IPAF) was held over March 21-24, in Suriname.
30 July 2019
The 2018 ASI Indigenous Peoples Advisory Forum (IPAF) was held over March 21-24, in Suriname. More than 20 participants from Australia, Brazil, Cambodia, Germany, India, Philippines, Suriname and the UK joined together to share experiences and increase awareness of and engagement in ASI’s work in the aluminium value chain.
The group held discussions over 3 days on the history, function and progress of IPAF, current ASI activities, and future workplans, with ASI represented by the CEO. The meeting had strong participation from Surinamese Indigenous communities and organisations who warmly welcomed the international IPAF attendees. A German International Development Agency (GIZ)-funded report on Indigenous participation in certification schemes was tabled for discussion, and GIZ also presented on their broader extractives for development program. New participants from the Para state in Brazil presented their experiences.
The group agreed their representation in ASI Working Groups, the Standards Committee and developed plans with ASI for additional collaborations in the areas of training, auditing, translations and capacity building. An additional day was allocated for a site visit to the Wane area in district Marowijne, East Suriname, where nearly 100 years of bauxite mining activities ended in 2015.
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