By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

• Define the concept of Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC) and understand its significance.
• Identify the legal and regulatory frameworks supporting FPIC at international and national levels.
• Understand the steps and best practices for implementing FPIC in development projects.
• Engage effectively with indigenous peoples and local communities to ensure their rights are respected.
• Develop strategies for integrating FPIC into organizational policies and project management practices.

Introduction to FPIC

• Definition and importance of FPIC
• Historical context and development of FPIC
• Key principles: Free, Prior, and Informed Consent

Legal and Regulatory Frameworks

• International instruments supporting FPIC
• National laws and policies related to FPIC
• Case studies of FPIC implementation in different countries

Steps to Implement FPIC

• Identifying and mapping stakeholders
• Ensuring culturally appropriate communication and consultation
• Negotiation and decision-making processes
• Documentation and verification of consent

Best Practices for FPIC Implementation

• Building trust and maintaining open communication
• Addressing power imbalances and ensuring inclusivity
• Monitoring and evaluation of FPIC processes
• Case studies of successful FPIC practices

Challenges and Solutions

• Common challenges in implementing FPIC
• Strategies to overcome these challenges
• Lessons learned from real-world applications

FPIC in Project Management

• Integrating FPIC into project planning and design
• Ensuring FPIC throughout the project lifecycle
• Role of FPIC in risk management and conflict resolution

Stakeholder Engagement and Communication

• Techniques for effective stakeholder engagement
• Methods for fostering meaningful participation
• Managing and resolving conflicts through dialogue

Monitoring, Evaluation, and Continuous Improvement

• Developing indicators for monitoring FPIC implementation
• Conducting evaluations to assess the effectiveness of FPIC processes
• Using feedback for continuous improvement and adaptive management

This course is suitable for a wide range of professionals, including the following:

• Environmental consultants and practitioners
• Project managers and planners
• Environmental and social specialists
• Government officials and regulators
• NGO staff
• Community leaders
• Corporate social responsibility (CSR) professionals
• Students and researchers in environmental sciences and related fields

The Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC) training course is delivered by our seasoned trainers who have vast experience as expert professionals in their respective fields of practice. The course employs a mix of methodologies including presentations, group exercises, case studies, and much more. Group work is an essential component of the course. The course is designed to be primarily workshop-based, in which participants can work through tasks and problems that mimic their daily activities. Instructors are there to facilitate the group work, addressing real-world concerns.

At Virgon Africa, we believe in experiential learning. We value active participation in our courses through sharing experiences, ideas and practices.