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In Antioquia, an agreement was reached between the National Government and small and medium-sized miners. In Santander he went with peasants. Photo: Courtesy
The ordeal for transporters, travelers and food supply centers in the country is over. ANDBetween the night of this Friday the 25th and the morning of this October 26, the country’s miners and farmers reached an agreement to lift the strikes that completed five days of road blockades, generating increases in the family basket and mobility problems in several regions of Colombia.
The first agreement was reached around 9:50 pm this Friday in Bajo Cauca, Antioquia, when the Minister of Mines and Energy of Colombia, Andrés Camacho, announced that a 10-point agreement had been reached between the miners and the Government. National.
“We concluded an agreement for the formalization, regularization, respect for guarantees for small and medium mining that, in the past, was unknown and that, in this Government, we are making every effort to accelerate, work together and resolve all “the issues that have been postponed for so many years and we hope that this also marks a new beginning and a better destiny for the territory,” Camacho specified.
Change is built together! We have reached several agreements that end the mining strike.
We reiterate our commitment to the formalization processes, dialogue and care of the territory within the framework of the Agro-Mining and Fishing District of Bajo Cauca.… pic.twitter.com/St6K6duqZy
— Minenergía (@MinEnergiaCo) October 26, 2024
The issues that Camacho talks about have to do, first of all, with continuing with the formalization processes with those miners who are not yet linked to the process, also in the delimitation of areas and the transfer of territories that are part of mining titles delivered to large mining companies.
The most important thing, without a doubt, is the instruction that the Public Force so that they do not destroy or seize the machinery of small and medium-sized miners who take advantage of this process.
These are the 10 points agreed upon between the National Government and small and medium-sized miners with which the strike was lifted in Antioquia, Caldas and Córdoba. pic.twitter.com/nhr7T790Xr
— Teleantioquia (@Teleantioquia) October 26, 2024
Agreements with farmers
On the other hand, the Vice Minister of the Environment, Tatiana Roa, reported that after several hours of dialogue an agreement was reached with the peasants from Santander and Boyacá who demanded the repeal of decree 044 with which it expanded the protection areas of the paramos, prohibiting agricultural activity in said areas.
“After almost six days of mobilization and dialogue, we have reached an agreement that allows us to reconcile two issues that are fundamental for our government: first, recognize the rights of the peasantry and second, organize the territory around water,” said the vice minister.
However, He did not refer to possible modifications or the repeal of agreement 044 of the Ministry of the Environment which is intended to delimit and declare reserves of natural resources for mining-environmental planning, which was what caused the peasantry of these departments to go on strike.
It is expected that in the next few hours more details of what was agreed will be known and whether the decree remains as it is or will be subject to changes.
2024-10-26 15:19:00
#raise #mining #peasant #strike #Antioquia #rest #country #agreed
Interview with Minister of Mines and Energy, Andrés Camacho, on Recent Mining and Peasant Strikes
Interviewer: Thank you for joining us today, Minister Camacho. The recent agreement that has lifted the mining and peasant strikes in Antioquia and across Colombia has been a significant development. Can you share with us what led to this agreement?
Andrés Camacho: Thank you for having me. The strikes were a result of long-standing issues faced by small and medium-sized miners and farmers. For five days, these groups engaged in road blockades, which impacted transportation and daily life in several regions. Our government recognized the urgency of the situation and initiated discussions to address their concerns.
Interviewer: What were the key points of the agreement, and what does it mean for the future of small and medium mining in Colombia?
Andrés Camacho: We reached a ten-point agreement focused on the formalization and regularization of the small and medium mining sector. This includes ensuring respect for their rights, continuing the formalization processes for miners who are not yet linked, and addressing the territorial concerns. We aim to provide better pathways for these miners while ensuring that large mining operations do not overshadow their rights.
Interviewer: Minister, there has been mention of the government’s commitment to protect the machinery of small and medium miners. Can you elaborate on this?
Andrés Camacho: Absolutely. One of the critical points in our agreement is the directive to the Public Force that they must not destroy or seize the equipment of small and medium miners who are participating in this formalization process. We want to create a supportive environment where these miners can thrive, and protection of their equipment is a fundamental part of that.
Interviewer: How do you envision this agreement impacting the communities involved and the overall economy of the region?
Andrés Camacho: I believe this agreement marks a new beginning for those territories. By formally recognizing and supporting small and medium miners, we can foster economic stability and growth in the region. Additionally, addressing issues of road blockages and supply disruptions will lead to better living conditions for all residents. Our goal is to work collaboratively with these communities to ensure their prosperity while also protecting our environment.
Interviewer: Thank you, Minister Camacho, for your insights. It seems like a pivotal time for mining and agricultural sectors in Colombia.
Andrés Camacho: Thank you for having me. Together, we can build a better future for these communities, ensuring their voices are heard and their rights are respected.
Camacho: Absolutely. One of the crucial points in our agreement is the instruction to the Public Force to refrain from destroying or seizing the machinery of small and medium-sized miners. We want to ensure that these miners can operate safely and legitimately, without the fear of losing their equipment due to misunderstandings or enforcement actions. It’s essential for fostering a stable environment for their operations.
Interviewer: That’s reassuring to hear. Now, shifting to the agreements reached with the farmers in Santander and Boyacá, how do these discussions complement the agreements made with miners?
Andrés Camacho: Good question. The farmers’ protests were rooted in concerns about the protection areas established by decree 044, which restricted agricultural activities. Our approach has been to acknowledge their rights while also considering environmental arrangements around water resources. The dialogue facilitated a way to reconcile their demands and the government’s environmental responsibilities, with specific attention to the broader community needs.
Interviewer: There is still some ambiguity regarding the future of decree 044. What can you tell us about its status moving forward?
Andrés Camacho: While we recognize the farmers’ concerns, we need to maintain a balance between agricultural practices and environmental conservation. The discussions ongoing may lead to modifications, but for now, the focus is on how to implement the current guidelines effectively without causing further conflict. We’re committed to transparency, and further details will emerge as we continue the dialogue.
Interviewer: Thank you, Minister Camacho, for your insights on this pressing issue. It feels like a pivotal moment for both miners and farmers to work towards a sustainable future.
Andrés Camacho: Thank you for having me. It’s essential that we use this agreement as a foundation for future cooperation and development in mining and agriculture in Colombia. Together, we can build a better path forward.
