Grupo Propuesta Ciudadana (GPC) is using RWI support to implement a two-year project to consolidate the Latin American Civil Society Network. The network was established in 2009 to help civil society organizations (CSO) exchange oil, gas and mining industry information and experiences, coordinate advocacy campaigns and develop collaborative research projects. In 2011-12, GPC is strengthening network communication by organizing three international forums for members, donors and experts on relevant topics as well as six regional meetings and virtual forums for members to plan and evaluate their work. GPC is also building members’ capacity by organizing a virtual training program on territorial zoning and planning followed by three virtual forums on a variety of related issues. Each member’s past research efforts are being compiled in a database that is accessible to the entire network.

In 2010-11 GPC organized workshops where members exchanged monitoring and advocacy experiences, conducted research on the social, economic and political impacts of oil, gas and mining activities in network countries, presented research results to relevant stakeholders, and trained members on relevant topics.

The rise in oil, gas and mining activities in Latin America has focused attention on how natural resources are being managed. Most national and sub-national governments have been unable to effectively allocate these revenues, and a number of countries have witnessed growing social resistance and conflict among populations in producing regions. Latin American CSOs share their experiences with each other at the country level but until 2009, no regional network existed to unite diverse institutions from various Latin American countries.

Peru-based GPC promotes transparency and public policy changes in the oil, gas and mining sectors.