The growth of wind energy globally is essential in the transition to net zero but the ‘green rush’ for financing and approving new projects means that the risk of serious human rights violations of local communities is stark.

To date, however, consultation by energy companies and investors with locally affected communities, whose livelihoods may be harmed if not destroyed by new wind installations, is largely inadequate (as underscored by the work of the Renewable Energy and Human Rights Benchmark). 

 

First Nations have lived for thousands of years without fossil fuels. It is appropriate that they lead the way out of dependency and addiction to fossil fuels and to rely on the power of the elements, the sun, the wind and the sea, once again.

Chief Gordon Planes. T'Sou-ke First Nation

 

If we are to avoid the situation that arose with local communities being marginalised and excluded from the benefits of locally sourced fossil fuels, we must ensure a just transition into the low carbon economy. This means giving agency to local and indigenous communities - both through Free, Prior and Informed Consent, and through financial equity and partnership - on renewable energy projects in and around their land and homes.

The Ocean and Human Rights Platform is a place to foster dialogue with energy producers, financial institutions, leaders of indigenous communities and government representatives to raise awareness of issues around community equity, moving from a victim-compensation model to one of long-term dialogue and partnership. 

Here we spotlight indigenous and local community partnerships in renewable energy in nine countries (Canada, Chile, Colombia, Honduras, Mexico, Norway, Scotland, Sweden, US).

Regional partner CREER will lead on the 'Fair Wind' project on responsible wind energy with Wayuu communities in La Guajira, Colombia. 

The Danish Insitute for Human Rights has also published a case study of the Isla Huapi electrification project in Chile as an example of good practice of collaboration between state, company and Indigenous community (external link). 

Past events

On June 28th 2022, the founding partners of the Ocean and Human Rights Platform, IHRB and the Rafto Foundation, convened a roundtable on 'Harnessing Coastal Wind Energy Responsibly: Community Equity and Rights' as part of the UN Ocean Conference in Lisbon. Read the meeting report.