The Choco region of Colombia is a beautiful area of verdant
rainforest in the west of the country. It is said to be one of the most bio-diverse areas in the world: vital
for wildlife, and for the world’s atmosphere. 'Corporacion de Oro Verde' (The Green Gold Corporation) is the original
mining co-operative that gave birth to ARM and Cred’s pursuit of Fair Trade
mining, and it is based in this region.
Firstly, the way they mine is respectful to the
environment. Unlike other mining groups,
they don’t use cyanide and mercury in extracting precious metals, which
inevitably pollutes soil and water tables. They will often do 'alluvial' mining, i.e. 'panning for gold', which
doesn’t involve digging up the earth. And where they do dig up the ground, they are careful to keep and
replace the topsoil.
In fact, one old disused mine (owned by a guy called
Americo) is actually being transformed. Originally, it was an example of large-scale extractive mining, a blot
on the landscape. Now, through careful
use replacement of topsoil and new plants, it is being transformed back into
the verdant environment it once was.
One of the charities involved in Oro Verde is Amichoco, a
long-standing partner of Cred, runs a Rainforest Reforestation Programme based
on 'analog forestry' principles. So,
yes, plants and trees are being replanted and replaced through the mining and
community programmes. But where
appropriate, the plants used are chosen for their 'added value'.
Not only will plants have the same biological benefit for
the specific eco-system that original plants had, but a new variety may be
chosen for food-growing purposes, or for clothing or construction. In this way, not only is the environment
being bolstered and restored, but it is also directly benefiting local
communities by providing extra income or development possibilities.
If you would like to
donate to this innovative project delivering environmental restoration and
benefit to local communities, please donate here.
