ID: 1693
Presenting Author: Pedro Villela Capanema Garcia
Session: 558 - Justice in the Chain: Human Rights and Engagement in Energy Transition
Status: pending
This presentation explores how integrating Human Rights Due Diligence with environmental licensing, as advanced in Axia’s ESG Roadmap, strengthens inclusive engagement, transparency and sustainability
The energy transition demands that renewable energy companies embed human rights principles throughout their value chains, fostering inclusive communication, access to information, and meaningful participation in impact assessments and mitigation. Axia (Eletrobras) Human Rights Roadmap exemplifies this approach, with strategic projects focused on strengthening Human Rights management, applying social impact measurement methodologies (SROI), integrating community engagement programs and implementing robust systems for ongoing stakeholder dialogue. In Brazil, environmental licensing is governed by comprehensive regulations, yet there remains a critical gap in its convergence with Human Rights Due Diligence (HRDD) mechanisms. Landmark cases such as the Belo Monte Hydroelectric Power Plant reveal that valid environmental licenses alone do not guarantee the protection of affected populations’ rights. Effective implementation of Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) and continuous monitoring of social and cultural impacts are essential. This presentation will explore innovative practices and dilemmas in integrating environmental licensing and HRDD, emphasizing participatory mechanisms, transparency, comprehensive remediation and responsible governance. The discussion aims to reinforce the social legitimacy of renewable energy projects, mitigate risks, and create shared value for communities, investors, and companies. The goal is to promote a transversal approach that anticipates regulatory trends and consolidates corporate sustainability with respect for Human Rights.
Head of Social Responsibility at Axia (Eletrobras), sociologist, two master’s degrees (UERJ, EHESS/France, Linköping/Sweden), PhD candidate (PUC-PR & Sorbonne), Private Sector VP at ABAI (IAIA Brazil)