New Project By WWF And Estelle Levin To Focus On Artisan Small Scale Mining In And Around Sensitive Eco Systems
World Wildlife Fund has teamed up with Estelle Levin Ltd to support a systematic and coordinated effort to curb the distressing environmental impact of small scale mining, and increasing its economic and social empowerment.
Read their announcement and PDF brochure here explaining the program ASM-PSEP, and what you can do to help.
~ Marc Choyt, Publisher
Below is a short statement from Estelle.
Artisanal miners produce 20-25% of the world’s diamonds and gold, and a much higher proportion of coloured stones. The jewellery you are wearing right now may very well be the product of an artisanal miner’s sweat and struggle. But don’t despair; in many ways this is a good thing!
Artisanal mining is a rational choice for poor people in developing countries who need quick cash or for whom other livelihoods are unattractive for whatever reason. Many miners speak of how their mining brings them dignity as well as money, as it enables them to better feed themselves, tend to their families’ needs and get respect within their communities. By buying artisanal products, you help these miners and their families live their lives better.
But artisanal mining has other impacts that are not to be encouraged. The mining itself, and the miners’ subsistence-related activities, can be very damaging to the environment. At the same time, compelled by high mineral prices, poverty, and climate change, artisanal mining is increasingly popular.
Further, as attractive prospects get annexed by large mining companies, artisanal miners have started digging in more remote sites in some of the world’s most important biodiversity hot-spots and sensitive ecosystems, including in UNESCO World Heritage Sites and other legally protected areas.
ASM-PSEP is working to do something about this conservation and development trade-off.
Estelle Levin
Click here to download the Brochure for this project
Click here to download the Announcement
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