FPIC-360° Tool
The FPIC-360° Tool, developed by Equitable Origin, is a digital platform designed to facilitate and monitor Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC) processes. It helps developers and investors manage Indigenous rights-based engagement and mitigate social risks in energy and infrastructure projects.
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OVERVIEW
The FPIC-360° Tool is a digital resource designed to facilitate rights-based engagement between developers and Indigenous communities. It focuses on the operationalisation of Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC), a principle that ensures communities can give or withhold consent for projects affecting their lands and resources. For finance professionals, this tool provides a framework to assess the quality of community engagement and mitigate social and legal risks associated with infrastructure, energy, and extractive projects.
Organisation behind the tool
The tool was developed and is maintained by Equitable Origin, a non-profit organisation that focuses on social and environmental certification and standards for the energy sector.
What the tool does
The tool provides a structured approach to managing and monitoring the FPIC process through several key functions:
- Offers a digital framework for rights-based engagement and due diligence.
- Allows users to track engagement activities and documentation in real-time.
- Provides guidance on international standards and best practices for Indigenous rights.
- Facilitates transparent communication and record-keeping between project developers and community stakeholders.
Target audience
The primary users include project developers, Indigenous community leaders, and sustainability practitioners. It is also relevant for government bodies and financial institutions monitoring project compliance.
Relevance to finance professionals
Finance professionals can utilise the tool for:
- Risk assessment – Identifying potential social conflicts or legal challenges related to land rights and community opposition.
- ESG analysis – Evaluating the ‘Social’ component of ESG metrics by verifying if project developers are adhering to international human rights standards.
- Investment context – Ensuring that long-term assets, particularly in the energy and infrastructure sectors, maintain their social licence to operate.
- Reporting – Providing a verifiable data source for sustainability disclosures regarding Indigenous relations and community impact.