Trade for the Common Good
In Lemera, Democratic Republic of Congo, cassiterite is mined. From cassiterite, tin is made.
Exploitation of natural resources, especially when there is no adequate government to ensure the rule of law, can lead to violence. Opposing groups seek to control the wealth of large areas of land. These conflicts threaten livelihoods, human health, and ecosystems (forests, wildlife and fisheries). Revenue from these resources and its distribution is also a source of conflict. In the worst cases conflict is exacerbated by corruption and mismanagement of funds.
Consensus building and demonstrating accountability are practices of Fair Trade that promote peace at different levels — from the individual cooperative members to relationships beyond borders between consumers and producers. The Church’s social doctrine acknowledges “the contribution that such activities [Fair Trade and cooperative enterprises] make to enhance the value of work, to the growth of a sense of personal and social responsibility, a democratic life and the human values that are important for the progress of the market and of society” (Mater et Magistra) These are also the key peacebuilding elements often missing from extractive industries projects.
Yolanda Zurita of La Oroya is leading an effort in her community to test the air, water, and soil for environmental contamination. Her community has experienced a high rate of cancer, lead poisoning, and problems of the nervous system, which many believe are related to nearby mining and smelting operations.
CRS’ work in Peru—a country that has reached middle income status in large part because of mining—provides one example of how peacebuilding is essential to address the “resource curse.” Income inequality remains high in this developing country creating a huge disparity between economic growth and the common good. Although natural resources are Peru’s main source of export revenue, indigenous and other disenfranchised groups benefit the least.
Not only has the economic growth in Peru failed to “trickle down,” there have been huge environmental costs and negative effects on the health of indigenous and other people, causing conflicts between companies and communities. True development means not only increasing revenue through private investment, but also distributing that revenue equitably through social programs that provide health care, housing, high-quality education and other services for all Peruvians, especially the disenfranchised. This exemplifies Benedict XVI’s view that “Development needs above all to be true and integral” (Caritas in Veritate). CRS’ work in Peru with the Archdiocese of Huancayo has helped to educate the local people of La Oroya about the contaminants of mining and smelting, and advocate for changes in environmental policies and mining practices to reduce pollution.
CRS’ strategy for sustainable management of natural resources and the environment emphasizes the rights of indigenous and other local communities and combines innovative projects with local, regional and international advocacy to address underlying causes of conflict and inequality. Our projects have engaged indigenous leaders to build their capacity for negotiating with companies and government officials over development plans and distribution of benefits, as well as for mitigating conflicts within communities and between ethnic groups.
Read more about CRS’s peacebuilding work.