Navigating Extractivism and Socio-Environmental Conflict in Peru and Latin America

The extractive model of development has long defined Latin America’s economic trajectory, transcending political and ideological divides to prioritise resource extraction as a key driver of growth. However, this model has also sparked widespread socio-environmental conflict, particularly in Peru, where tensions between large-scale extractivist projects and the rights of indigenous and Afro-descendant communities have reached critical levels. These conflicts often revolve around questions of cultural preservation, land rights, and distributive justice, with local resistance frequently met by repression and violence.

Latin America is now recognised as one of the deadliest regions for environmental defenders. This public panel will examine the multifaceted challenges of extractivism and governance in the region, with a focus on the role of mediation and the experience of Peru’s Defensoría del Pueblo (The Ombudsman Office) in addressing these issues. Beatriz Merino, former Ombudsman of Peru (2005–2011) and former President of the Council of Ministers (2003), will offer unique insights into the Defensoría’s work and her robust commitment to human rights. She will be joined by Carlos Alza, former Deputy Ombudsman of Peru and public policy expert.

Panellists:

• Beatriz Merino, former Ombudsman of Peru
• Carlos Alza, former Deputy Ombudsman of Peru (respondent)

Chair:

• Professor Tom Pegram, UCL Department of Political Science.

Speaker Biographies:

Beatriz Merino is a leading figure in governance, human rights, and institutional reform in Latin America. As Peru’s Ombudsman (Defensora del Pueblo) from 2005 to 2011, she played a pivotal role in mediating socio-environmental conflicts, including the 2009 Bagua political crisis, advocating for indigenous and Afro-descendant rights, as well as strengthening mechanisms for democratic accountability. She also made history as Peru’s first female President of the Council of Ministers (2003), leading key legal and policy reforms. With extensive experience in both public administration and academia, Beatriz Merino has advised international organisations on governance and the rule of law. A qualified lawyer, she holds an LLM from Harvard University. Her work continues to influence debates on state modernisation, human rights, and sustainable development in Latin America.

Carlos Alza is a public policy expert specialising in governance, human rights, and institutional capacity-building. He worked at Peru’s Ombudsman Office from 1998 to 2008, serving as National Deputy Ombudsman for Public Utilities and Environment, First Deputy Ombudsman and Chief Counsel. His work focused on transparency, conflict resolution, and the protection of vulnerable communities’ rights (Indigenous, LGBTIQ+ and children), particularly in the context of extractivism. He has provided advice and consultancy on public policy, public management and institutional reforms for international organisations. Carlos Alza has been involved in research and teaching at various universities in Latin America and Europe. He is currently teaching at the IBEI/UPF and pursuing a PhD at Pompeu Fabra University. A qualified lawyer, he also holds a master’s degree in Regulation from LSE. He researches morality politics, policy change and democratic innovation.