Enhancing citizen engagement in natural resource governance: Scope, content and input in the operation of the extractive industries transparency initiative

This opinion piece (discussion paper) examines citizen engagement in natural resource governance under the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI). Building on earlier discussions of citizen engagement, it examines how the EITI can engender the interest and hence involvement of citizens in resource governance. While acknowledging the significance of reforms in the 2016 standard, this discussion seeks to provoke thought and discussion on the participation of citizens in the operation of the governance mechanism, with respect to the scope of EITI reporting, content of reports and input from citizens. The paper aims to point to possible areas for further research into the operation of the EITI and its significance for natural resource governance.