Great Lakes Regional Forum: towards responsible artisanal gold mining in the region
On September 12 in Kinshasa, the Great Lakes regional forum opened on the theme “A regional mineral monitoring system, a sustainable solution for responsible artisanal gold trade in the Great Lakes region”. This meeting, which will last until September 15, aims to create a space for exchange between all stakeholders in order to effectively implement the strategy of artisanal and small-scale gold mining in the Great Lakes region.
The International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR) and its member states are committed to implementing this strategy, adopted during the 5th meeting of ministers in charge of mines in the sub-region held in Brazzaville. in December 2018. The government of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) offered to organize and finance this regional forum in order to contribute to efforts to develop a coherent monitoring system in the artisanal gold trade.
The forum benefits from the support of the ICGLR secretariat, the Office of the United Nations Special Envoy for the Great Lakes region and German Cooperation. The main objective of this meeting is to promote the realization of gold potential as an engine of economic growth and development in the sub-region.
This regional forum will bring together different actors and experts in the artisanal gold mining sector, such as governments, civil society organizations, mining companies, researchers and international organizations. Discussions will notably focus on best practices in artisanal gold mining, mineral traceability, the social responsibility of mining companies and improving the living conditions of artisanal miners.
It is essential to promote responsible gold mining in the Great Lakes region, by putting in place monitoring and control mechanisms to combat illegal mining, the use of forced labor and abuses. environment. By promoting responsible artisanal gold trading, it is possible to guarantee a sustainable source of income for local communities and contribute to the economic development of the region.
This Great Lakes regional forum represents an important opportunity to find concrete and sustainable solutions to promote responsible gold mining in the region. By bringing together key players in the sector, it provides a framework conducive to collaboration and the exchange of experiences and good practices.. Thus, artisanal gold mining in the Great Lakes region can become a real lever for socio-economic development, respectful of the environment and beneficial for local communities.