Sure gives the locals what could be called a veto, on any development they are not happy with.

"Due up for debate and approval today Tuesday is the so-called "Law of Popular Consultation" that gives the right of approval to local residents about any natural resource extraction project in their regions (mining, hydrocarbons, etc). This law, based largely on the OIT169 international accord to which Peru is already a signatory but has never truly implemented, was passed during the García regime but the President refused to sign it into law. This time around, with Humala at the helm and enough cross-party agreement on this deal seemingly in place, it looks like becoming law.

Peru's congress was due to debate its new law of popular consultation yesterday and it did just that. But even better, the law project was passed with a unanimous vote.... "

All of the above courtesy of