Vision
We envision a world where natural resources are developed sustainably and generate lasting and inclusive benefits for women, men and children in developing countries.
Mission
To exchange knowledge and expertise with developing countries that enables leading-practice natural resource governance, environmental stewardship, gender equality and ultimately, poverty reduction.
Values
Respect and Inclusiveness
We embrace inclusiveness and integrate local cultures and knowledge in all our work. We design and deliver our programs in close cooperation with our in- country partners so our projects address the priorities and needs of developing country governments and communities. We work with all stakeholders in a respectful, impartial manner to build sustainable approaches to resource development.
Environmental Sustainability
The quest of sustainable development guides all our operations. CIRDI’s programs are designed to foster social, economic and environmental sustainability. Central to our work is building capacity to reduce the environmental impact of natural resource development and to respect and protect the essential environmental services provided by ecosystems. We recognize the global threat of climate change and work with our partners to reduce its impact through adaptation, mitigation and enabling the transition to a low-carbon economy.
Empowering Women and Girls
We recognize that women often bear disproportionate risks related to resource development. We promote women’s leadership in environmental stewardship and natural resource governance to enhance their decision-making role and ensure more equitable benefit sharing. Principles of gender equality that address women’s safety, health, economic interests and needs are integral to our work.
Rights of Indigenous Peoples and Universal Human Rights
CIRDI recognizes and promotes Indigenous Peoples’ rights and universal human rights in all our work. We believe that Indigenous Peoples should fully enjoy the rights enshrined in the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. We seek to learn from the knowledge and experience of Indigenous Peoples based on the principles of mutual respect, equality and partnership.
Integrity and Transparency
We demonstrate integrity and openness in all our work. We are accountable to our partners and funders and we take responsibility for our performance in all decisions and actions. We freely share information about our work and welcome dialogue and discussion.
Independence
Our academic and operational independence enables us to act as a neutral convener in complex, multi-stakeholder environments. Guided by principles of academic freedom, our advice, research and programming are grounded in critical thinking and meet the highest standards of professional integrity.