This is a tragic story and an example of what is happening right now to communities in Bolivia due to de facto unregulated mining in Bolivia. Not only do the people and the ecosystems suffer from mercury poisoning while the mining is taking place, but the riverbeds and embankments themselves are torn asunder and can cause flooding, contamination, and sickness in the community, as this news story describes.
Presentation to Agroenvironmental Court of Bolivia
On March 28, 2025 via remote connection, Christian Stalberg, Coordinator of Friends of Mother Earth, addressed the newly elected magistrates of the Agroenvironmental Court of Bolivia. In his presentation he emphasized two major environmental issues: illegal land clearing for agroindustry (via burning forests) and mercury contamination from artisanal mining. Stalberg referenced Bolivia’s historical dependence on extractivism and urged a shift towards self-sufficiency and economic diversification to mitigate climate change disruptions.
Key proposals included:
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- Legitimate carbon markets to generate revenue for frontline communities protecting forests.
- Safer alternatives to mercury in gold mining, citing Indonesia’s successful transition.
- A shift away from extractivism, using lithium export revenues to diversify the economy, create jobs, and promote self-reliance.
- Institutional programs (not just policies) with proper funding to drive this transition.
Magistrates and attendees asked about integrated solutions. Stalberg reinforced the importance of economic diversification as a sustainable alternative to dependency on natural resource extraction.