Empowerment for inclusive and sustainable development
Our project aims to improve the quality of life of the communities in the department of Chocó in Colombia´s Pacific coast, through the reduction of the negative social and environmental impacts of artisanal and small-scale mining (ASGM), deforestation and the empowerment of the communities.
By empowering the Community Councils, we look to strengthen their productive development, and legal and responsible mining practices for the construction of peace in the territory.
Why Chocó?
Chocó is one of the most biodiverse departments in Colombia, however, it is also one of the most affected by the impacts of climate change, deforestation and illegal activities from criminal groups. For the local population, composed mainly by indigenous groups and afro-descendants, artisanal and small-scale gold mining is the second most important economic activity, after subsistence agriculture, and one of the main income sources for a significant percentage of the population. However, most of the artisanal gold mining activities done in the department are either informal or illegal, and it has become an unsafe and unstable practice in many of the mining sites.
The challenges of the region
Our actions
1. We offer the technical tools, knowledge and expertise so that mining is done in a responsible manner.
2. We evaluate and promote viable alternatives for the use of mercury in gold mining, through economic and environmentally sustainable techniques.
3. We develop a business model for the processing and marketing of sustainable agro-biodiverse products, using natural and local resources based on the demand identified in the market.
4. We raise awareness and develop capacities in the local communities about the opportunities to create alternative income sources using natural and local resources.
5. We sensitize the local Community Councils representatives about the economic potential of the natural resources in their territory and the mechanisms needed to ensure long term sustainability.
6. We capacitate women in the communities in effective decision-making processes, and strengthen their leaderships skills and role as women in the ASGM sector.
What will be our achievements in 2022?
Responsible mining
- At least 50 artisanal miners capacitated effectively, 40% of them women.
- At least 2 gold recuperation equipment installed and adopted.
Entrepreneuship and productive projects
- At least 50 individuals sensitized about economic alternatives, 40% of them women.
- At least 1 alternative business model developed and adopted effectively.
Empowerment and gender equality
- At least 2 capacity building workshops carried out.
- At least 50 participants in the workshops and trainings, 40% of them women.
More information
Credits:
ONUDI