Session Description
The intersection of conservation and extractive project development is at a critical turning point. Rising global demand for critical minerals, expanding infrastructure for the energy transition, and policies that accelerate investment are increasing pressure on protected and conserved areas worldwide. Historically, these areas have been safeguarded through environmental legislation, Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) systems, and international commitments such as the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.
While some countries have strengthened these safeguards through land-use planning, Strategic Environmental Assessment, cumulative impact assessment, and the mitigation hierarchy, others have introduced reforms that simplify regulatory processes and, in some cases, weaken existing protections. These contrasting approaches have intensified debate over their environmental, social, and economic consequences.
This session will bring together perspectives from governments, industry, multilateral organizations, consultancies, academia, and Indigenous representatives to examine the challenges, opportunities, and lessons learned from extractive projects in protected and conserved areas. Topics include governance, Indigenous and community participation, international standards, cumulative impact assessment, Strategic Environmental Assessment, biodiversity offsets, adaptive monitoring, and management of risks such as habitat fragmentation, biodiversity loss, and water pollution.
Drawing on international case studies, the session will identify best practices and policy recommendations to strengthen environmental governance while balancing sustainable development.
Session Summary
Regulatory changes aimed at economic recovery, increasing demand for critical minerals, and the energy transition prioritize the development of extractive projects over protected and conserved areas. This session will examine experiences, governance challenges, socio-environmental risks, good practices, and lessons learned.
Session Chair
Jose Zegarra
Independent
Peru
Session Co-chair
Marco Tello
Asilorza Environmental consultant
Peru