Community Protocols Toolbox

Indigenous peoples and local communities around the world are dealing with threats and opportunities resulting from industrial investment projects such as extractive industries or infrastructure built to transport natural resource commodities.

Very often, these projects take place in, or otherwise affect, the customary territories and natural resources of communities. How can they respond to these threats and opportunities? One way is through the development of community protocols, which provide a framework for communities to collectively document their identity, link customary laws with national and international law, and engage effectively with external parties.

The purpose of this toolbox is to serve as a first stop for facilitators who are interested in helping a community to develop a community protocol. It is designed to provide facilitators with a broad overview of the elements they should consider before engaging in a protocol process. It also contains practical guidance on methods for developing community protocols. Overall, the toolbox is for NGOs, civil society groups, community based organizations, and others interested in supporting local communities who are facing challenges from the extraction of natural resources, although its application is not limited to those situations.

The toolbox is divided into seven different booklets:

1. Introduction
2. Considerations for Facilitators
3. Participatory Methodologies and Tools
4. Developing and Using Community Protocols
5. Community Protocols and Extractive Industries
6. Legal Elements of the Community Protocol
7. Useful Resources and Further Reading