Final day of BRACE Training unites local communities against illegal mining

Communities in the Eastern Region have taken a significant step in the fight against illegal mining by exercising their right to Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC). On the final day of a three-day Knowledge and Sensitization training under the BRACE project, participants were empowered to take charge of their future and defend their land against illegal mining activities.

The training, which brought together local leaders, community members, and stakeholders, focused on educating the audience about their rights under FPIC—a principle that requires obtaining the consent of indigenous or local communities before undertaking projects that affect their land, resources, or livelihood. The session emphasized that communities have the legal and moral authority to either accept or reject mining activities, ensuring their voices are heard and respected.

Participants were encouraged to actively engage with mining companies, government officials, and other stakeholders to ensure that any mining activity within their territory aligns with their collective interests. The training provided tools and knowledge to ask critical questions and demand transparency and accountability from mining operators.

The BRACE project founded by the Europen Union, which stands for Building Resilience Against Climate and Environmental, aims to empower communities to protect their environment and secure their rights. The project recognizes that illegal mining poses a significant threat not only to the environment but also to the social fabric of local communities.

One of the highlights of the final day was an open forum where community members shared their concerns about illegal mining and discussed strategies to enforce their rights. The dialogue fostered a sense of unity and determination, with many participants expressing their commitment to working together to safeguard their land.

Oliver Barker-Vormawor the facilitator of the training, urged the participants to take the knowledge gained during the training back to their communities and use it to strengthen their collective resistance against illegal mining.

As communities leave the training equipped with the tools to assert their rights, the hope is that this marks the beginning of a more organized and effective resistance against illegal mining, setting a precedent for other regions facing similar challenges.

This initiative underscores the importance of empowering local communities through knowledge and collective action, ensuring that they play a central role in decisions affecting their land and future.