In 2009, BIC conducted a survey of civil society organizations involved in the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative, a coalition that works with the World Bank Group to promote transparency in extractives. The survey looked into the effectiveness of CSO participation and the role of the World Bank in the process.

The World Bank Group plays a significant role in shaping the development of the extractive industries around the world.  It is estimated that over 100 countries have reformed their mining and hydrocarbon laws over the last two decades under the guidance of World Bank reform programs.  Moreover, the World Bank and International Finance Corporation (IFC) on average provide more than a billion dollars in funding to the extractive sectors annually through direct project investments and other forms of assistance.

Through civil society advocacy, the World Bank has come to recognize the importance of transparency and civil society engagement in the development of the extractive industries (EI).  A recent assessment by the Bank Information Center (BIC) and Global Witness (2008) found that the World Bank Group is involved in promoting EI transparency in one form or another in over 65% of resource-rich countries where the Bank is engaged.  Much of this Bank-supported transparency is through the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI).   An important part of the EITI process is its support and requirement of civil society participation throughout the process of EI revenue disclosure. 

However, the same assessment also found that the World Bank does not appear to be assessing the adequacy of civil society engagement incorporated by governments or private sector projects receiving World Bank assistance. Moreover, sessions focusing on civil society participation at the World Bank's May 2009 EITI week, demonstrated that many questions exist surrounding the extent, quality, and funding of civil society participation in the EITI process, and specifically, the role of the World Bank.  

In hopes of shedding more light and attention on this issue, in 2009 BIC conducted a survey of civil society participation in the EITI.  The survey included contributions from civil society organizations (CSOs) and other individuals involved in the process in EITI candidate countries. The survey questions were intended to address important aspects of CSO participation, including:  inclusiveness, transparency, independence, and accountability.   As such, the survey was divided into four main sections - 1. scope of CSO involvement, 2. independence of CSO participation, 3. quality of CSO participation , and 4. role of the World Bank.  The survey was distributed in English, Russian, French, Spanish, and Arabic through the Publish What You Pay (PWYP) network mainly to PWYP members, but also to a few groups and individuals outside of the coalition.  A copy of the original survey questions is attached at the end of the document. 

*  The full report can be accessed at: http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11792.aspx