On May 8, a meeting was held in Bogotá to present the findings of the study conducted by CREER and the ILO on “Peace and Conflict Analysis: The Interconnections between Conflict, Just Transition, and Decent Work in the Cesar Life Corridor in Colombia.”
The event included participation from CNV Internationaal Colombia, several labor union leaders from CUT, CGT, Sintramienergética, Sintradrummond, and Sintracarbón. Also present were representatives from the National Mining Agency, ANLA, the Ministry of Labor, Ministry of the Interior, DNP, and the Special Jurisdiction for Peace, as well as business sector representatives from ANDI, CNR, and Drummond.
The objectives of the event were to (i) share the study and its main findings; (ii) discuss the challenges and opportunities faced by workers in the transition; and (iii) enrich the recommendations for a just transition that protects jobs and promotes social inclusion.
Below are some insights that emerged from conversations and dialogues with communities, which are recommended to complement the study’s findings.
Regarding aspects that could complement the identified conflicts, participants highlighted the need to delve deeper into the effects of sedimentation and pollution of marine ecosystems, as well as the importance of incorporating a differential and intersectional approach to better understand barriers and impacts on vulnerable populations such as youth, ethnic communities, and LGBTIQ+ people. The importance of recognizing the experiences of LGBTIQ+ individuals in the labor market and how the transition could create new opportunities for these groups was also emphasized.
Other key points included the need to address the progressive closure of mines and the associated environmental and social liabilities, as well as the importance of addressing conflicts that may arise due to a lack of awareness among local stakeholders about mine closure plans. Additionally, participants recommended further analysis of conflicts related to the rise of illicit crops and the presence of armed groups in the region, and how these factors affect agricultural activities. Tensions between communities due to differences between Peasant Reserve Zones and Indigenous Reserves were also mentioned. In this context, the need to give greater visibility to population diversity when analyzing territorial dynamics and conflicts during the transition was emphasized.
Regarding additional recommendations to address the conflicts identified in the mining region of Cesar, emphasis was placed on the importance of initiating the transition from within the community, strengthening citizen participation to ensure control over resources and monitoring of environmental impacts. It was stressed that institutions must engage comprehensively in the territory with an organized transition plan and investments in value-added projects for the region.
Participants also highlighted the need to align new productive projects with training and labor reconversion programs driven by associative models, with a forward-looking approach that considers generational and age-specific needs, and that involves the families of workers facing health challenges.
Additional recommendations included the adoption of restorative mechanisms, alignment with the Peace Agreement and Comprehensive Rural Reform, and leveraging existing infrastructure to expand opportunities for economic development through new business models in the transition process.
In this way, CREER continues working hand in hand with key allies to generate knowledge and information on issues of great importance to the development of the regions.
La Primera Conferencia Internacional para la Transición más allá de los Combustibles Fósiles realizada en Santa Marta, dejó una conversación más realista sobre la transición energética.
The First International Conference for a Transition Beyond Fossil Fuels, held in Santa Marta, Colombia, resulted in a more pragmatic and realistic dialogue regarding the energy transition.
In a context where sustainable finance has primarily advanced along the environmental dimension, at CREER we make a clear call: There is no sustainable transition without human rights at the center of financial decision-making.
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Report from the meeting with workers and trade unions
Testimony from workers and trade unions
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We analyze the governance and sustainability challenges that arise in the implementation of decentralized generation models. Our work focuses on researching how local associative structures interact with regulatory frameworks and human rights standards. Through applied research, we assess the risks of rent capture, internal decision-making conflicts, and the conditions necessary for these self-management schemes to guarantee equitable and transparent participation in the territory.
With a focus on responsible land management and respect for local livelihoods, at CREER we apply our technical expertise in the photovoltaic sector to promote a solar transition with social integrity. Through the analysis of rural environments, the strengthening of local governance, and the design of participation mechanisms, we seek to ensure that large-scale deployment in Latin America not only contributes to the energy mix, but also strengthens the social fabric. Our purpose is to lead due diligence models that ensure solar infrastructure coexists with food security, strategic ecosystems, and the productive vocations of each community.
