Trust & Community Engagement in Raw Materials Sector

On April 11, 2025, partners of the Interreg Europe project RAW4RES came together for a meaningful online session to discuss the Social License to Operate (SLO) — a critical factor for the success and acceptance of raw materials extraction projects. This session was organized by the Region of Central Greece.

The discussion highlighted an important truth: legal approval alone is not enough. What is truly needed is the trust, acceptance, and ongoing support of local communities. These are built through dialogue, transparency, and genuine involvement.

During the session, several important points were discussed:

▪️ The need for active participation of local communities from the very beginning of projects.
▪️ Clear and transparent communication, free from technical jargon, to ensure that everyone understands the process.
▪️ A strong commitment to environmental responsibility and continuous monitoring of impacts.
▪️ Ensuring fair distribution of economic benefits to strengthen the local economy.
▪️ The understanding that SLO is an ongoing, evolving process, not a one-time achievement.

The experience revealed that local communities often carry historical concerns, expectations, and hopes. Therefore, any new project must be grounded in genuine consultation, long-term vision, and a focus on local well-being.

It was proposed that, in collaboration with local stakeholders, move forward with the creation of regional dialogue platforms and implement awareness-raising and educational initiatives centered around sustainable raw materials management.

With respect for local voices and a commitment to shared value, we are moving toward a more responsible and socially accepted approach to natural resource governance.

Stay tuned for more updates!