A geocybernetic analysis of the principles of the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI)

Abstract

Evaluations concerning the EITI's strategic contribution to sustainable development are extremely sparse to say the least. When such evaluations do occur, they use qualitative frameworks in determining sustainability outcomes. This has led to the use of reductionist and/or anthropocentric perspectives, such as the Brundtland Commission's definition of sustainable development. This fundamentally contradicts developments in sustainability science, which have strongly advocated the management of the coupled dynamic environment–human relationship at all spatial–temporal scales. Therefore, a quantitative-based evaluation of the EITI's contribution towards sustainable development, using a consistent holistic approach, represents a fundamental knowledge gap within the current literature. In order to address this knowledge gap, this paper conducts such an evaluation by using a new sustainability assessment tool called the Geocybernetic Assessment Matrix (GAM). The GAM applies the fundamental and complex paradigms found within geocybernetic theory through a semi-quantitative matrix approach. The GAM evaluates the 12 principles of the EITI framework in order to determine their contribution towards sustainable development. The results indicate that the EITI is strongly anthropocentric in nature, and does not significantly contribute towards sustainable development of national resource wealth. Furthermore, they indicate that the EITI is flawed in conception and implementation concerning how it contributes towards sustainable development. This is demonstrated by the EITI having no clear statement or commitment as to the need to maintain environmental resources or services for present or future generations. Therefore, there are legimate questions as to the actual value and capabilities of the EITI – both as a tool for the transparent and accountable management of national resource wealth, and as a means of contributing towards sustainable development.