Decentralization, corporate community development and resource governance: A comparative analysis of two mining regions in ColombiaParticipant Stakeholders: Continental Gold mining company, AngloGold Ashanti, Seafields Resources Canadian Exploration Company, Local and State governments of Antioquia and Risaralda, Ministry of Mines of Colombia, AngloAmerican Chile, The University of Queensland and civil society organisations.
Exceptional Women in Sustainability: Dr. Isabel B. Franco (Founder eWisely); The University of Queensland Impact: The major challenge that companies face when engaging in sustainable livelihood transformations is related to the tiers of governance dynamics in which companies are immersed. The implementation of social responsibility agendas in poorly governed regions rarely delivers sustainable legacies for communities. This research posits the idea that the lack of regional connectivity in governance and conflict prevents companies from playing a stronger role in forging sustainable livelihoods. In this context, this research equips us with a broader understanding of the contribution of the private sector in delivering development outcomes. It does this through a comparative case study analysis of Risaralda and Antioquia, two resource regions in Colombia with differing governance nexus with private enterprises. |
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Beyond CSR? The Global Business of Local Sustainability
Participant Stakeholders: Continental Gold mining company, AngloGold Ashanti, Seafields Resources Canadian Exploration Company, Local and State governments of Antioquia and Risaralda, Ministry of Mines of Colombia, AngloAmerican Chile, The University of Queensland and civil society organisations.
Exceptional Women in Sustainability: Dr. Isabel B. Franco (Founder eWisely); The University of Queensland Impact: In recent years there has been increasing emphasis on the need for greater involvement of global business in fostering local sustainability. Various old forms of business ethics and corporate social responsibility are being replaced by sustainable business practices. Here, the private sector plays a key role. Yet, the role of the market, in mitigating the conflicting demands of the global economy and local livelihoods, is under- investigated. Dr. Isabel Franco’s book: ‘Beyond CSR? The global business of local sustainability’, explores the linkage between global mining and local livelihoods, which currently causes productive losses in the industry on account of delays and extra wages for imported labor as well as it fosters discontent and tensions in the region affected. The book is based on research findings, field observations and interviews with local corporate and government officials and community-based organisations. It focuses on the sustainable livelihood approach and develops a framework how mining and exploration interventions can help support communities adjacent to mining operations to maintain their livelihoods and meet their own development aspirations. The Project was led by our Founder Dr. Isabel B. Franco from idea to execution. To find out more about the livelihood strategies read “Dr. Isabel B. Franco’s book: ‘Beyond CSR? The global business of local sustainability.” |
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Gender and Child Labour in the Small-scale MiningParticipant Stakeholders: CETEM – Centro de Tecnologia Mineral, The Ministry of Science, Techjology, Innovation and Communications of Brazil
Exceptional Women in Sustainability: Cristina Ribeiro-Duthie, eWisely Brazil Impact: The world has experienced rapid resource development threatening community livelihoods and human capital assets, particularly those of women. This research explores the linkage between disruptive industries like small-scale mining and lack of sustainable livelihood options for women, which at the present scenario is not only causing productivity losses in extractive enterprises, but is also jeopardizing regional sustainability in resource locations. Research findings presented in this article show that stakeholders are increasingly being tasked with social responsibilities to forge sustainable livelihoods and enhance the human capital of communities, particularly of women. However, they do not know how to respond to emerging sustainability challenges. The paper proposes a strategic women-centric approach to sustainability to help stakeholders integrate women’s livelihoods and human capital assets into the extractive industry or other economic sectors relevant for the local economy. This approach has the potential to foster overall sustainability, particularly in the context of developing resource regions. |
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Gender Mainstreaming Social, Economic and Institutional Contributions for Sustainable Community DevelopmentParticipant Stakeholders: School of Mines, Universidad Nacional de Colombia,
Exceptional Women in Sustainability: Natalia Cano and Talia Espinoza, eWisely Colombia Impact: Gender Mainstreaming social, economic, environmental and institutional contributions for sustainable community development is vital for communities and women. Evidence in the Colombian case shows there has been an investment of 232.8 million COP for Indigenous and Afro communities. Such investment has improved teaching practices of 94% of local educators. Likewise, companies such as Mineros S.A have been able to improve the quality of water streams surrounding mining operations. Both, the company and small businesses have engaged in water quality improvements such as recycling. Another case in point is Codelco. The company has acknowledged the adverse impact of conflict on Chilean communities and has invested in both, Indigenous and Afrodescendant communities. Findings also show that 80% of corporations that handle effective community relations and invest in community needs have been able to develop better relationships, trust and win-win business environments. This approach is more likely to foster stability and sustainable regional development, particularly in the context of resource regions. Corporate practices have also had an impact on women themselves. At the work place women are often challenged with issues concerning education, leadership and employment. Nevertheless, there have been initiatives in place to empower women in the industry. |
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