Resource information
Launched in September 2002, EITI brings together representatives from governments, oil, gas, and mining companies, and civil society to address the paradox that has come to be known as the "resource curse" in which two-thirds of the world’s poorest people inhabit countries rich in natural resources. This report presents their insights into the realities of EITI implementation in specific countries and presents recommendations on what is needed to ensure success.In the four years since its launch, EITI has recorded some notable achievements. Twenty-one governments of resource-rich countries in Africa, Asia, Latin America, and Central Asia have endorsed the initiative and the International Advisory Group (IAG) has developed many of the necessary guidelines, criteria, and governance structures. However, as this report demonstrates, there is great room for improvement. Of the 21 endorsing countries: two have published fully audited and reconciled EITI reportseight have yet to take even the initial step of appointing an individual to lead the EITI processten have not yet formed the required multi-stakeholder committeeeleven do not have a drafted and approved work plan.In order that further progress is made in improving financial transparency in the extractive industries and ensuring this translates into improved accountability and use of revenues, the report offers a number of recommendations. They include:Protect the credibility of EITI by ensuring that rhetorical commitments are matched by concrete actions within meaningful timeframesin each country, appoint a leader with the time, bureaucratic skill, and political influence to drive EITI implementationrecognise that genuine civil society participation is a requirement of EITI and support its active engagement in each critical step of the EITI processensure that no civil society campaigner is harassed or intimidated for their work to promote transparencyensure that civil society representatives are genuinely from that sector and not from those representing the interests of others such as political parties or companiesincrease financial and technical support to build civil society’s capacity to participate in EITI.[adapted from author]
