Indigenous Responses to Mining in Post-Conflict Colombia: Violence, Repression and Peaceful Resistance

This article explores Indigenous responses to mining and their connection to peacebuilding, focusing on the Nasa of North Cauca during the Colombian post-agreement transition. It presents and analyzes narratives, participant responses, and the author's experiences to illustrate the context and interconnected processes shaping Nasa responses to mining.

Format: Hardback
Length: 220 pages
Publication date: 13 September 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

The article explores Indigenous responses to mining and their connection to peacebuilding, focusing on the experience of the Nasa of North Cauca during the most recent Colombian post-agreement transition. It presents and analyses narratives, participant responses, and the author's experiences to illustrate the context and interconnected processes shaping Nasa responses to mining during this transition period. The article is of great interest to students, scholars, and practitioners of the extractive industries, natural resource management, conflict management, and peacebuilding, Indigenous Peoples, and Latin American studies.

Introduction:
The mining industry has been a significant driver of economic growth and development in many parts of the world, but it has also been associated with social and environmental challenges, including conflict and violence. Indigenous Peoples, who have often been marginalized and excluded from decision-making processes related to mining, have been particularly affected by these negative impacts. This article examines Indigenous responses to mining and their connection to peacebuilding, focusing on the experience of the Nasa of North Cauca during the most recent Colombian post-agreement transition.

Narratives, Participant Responses, and the Author's Experiences:
The article presents and analyses narratives, participant responses, and the author's experiences in order to illustrate the context and interconnected processes shaping Nasa responses to mining during this transition period. The narratives include interviews with Nasa leaders, community members, and other stakeholders, as well as the author's own experiences living and working in the region. The participant responses provide insight into the experiences and perspectives of Nasa communities, highlighting the challenges and opportunities they face in the context of mining.

Context and Interconnected Processes:
The article highlights the complex and multifaceted context in which Nasa responses to mining are shaped. The transition from conflict to peace in Colombia has been marked by significant challenges, including the need to address the legacy of violence, the reintegration of ex-combatants, and the promotion of social and economic development. Mining has played a significant role in these processes, both as a source of economic development and as a catalyst for conflict.

Challenges and Opportunities:
Nasa communities face a range of challenges in the context of mining, including environmental degradation, displacement, and loss of traditional livelihoods. However, they also have opportunities to benefit from mining through employment, education, and access to healthcare and other services. The article explores these challenges and opportunities in detail, highlighting the strategies and approaches that Nasa communities have adopted to navigate the complex terrain of mining and peacebuilding.

Conclusion:
The article concludes by emphasizing the importance of understanding and respecting Indigenous Peoples' rights and perspectives in the context of mining. It highlights the need for inclusive and sustainable development practices that prioritize the well-being and dignity of Indigenous communities. The article also calls for greater attention to the role of the extractive industries in promoting peace and social justice in the regions where they operate.

Weight: 589g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032129266