Communities, journalists, trade unions, and civil society organisations must be free to access information, organise, monitor projects, expose wrongdoing, and hold governments and companies accountable.

Human rights and environmental defenders must be able to raise concerns without harassment, intimidation, or retaliation. Participation in formal meetings alone is not enough; civic freedoms must be protected wherever decisions are made and projects are implemented.

Protecting civic space strengthens transparency, public trust, and accountability in natural resource governance.