When it comes to how bolivia’s cacao farmers took on the gold mining industry – and won, in a remarkable triumph for sustainable agriculture, cacao farmers in Bolivia's biodiverse northwest have successfully resisted the encroachment of gold mining, securing their livelihoods and the integrity of their land. Under the leadership of Herminio Mamani, a former president of El Ceibo, Bolivia's largest organic cacao co-operative, local farmers have embraced an agroforestry model that not only enhances the quality of their cacao but also acts as a bulwark against mining operations. "We cacao producers would never kill an animal here," Mamani asserts, as vibrant parrots call out in the lush canopy above. "The parcels can never be monocultures- all the crops grow together."
About 20 miles away, however, the Kaka River is a stark reminder of the devastation wrought by gold mining. Dredging boats and excavators relentlessly scour the waters, part of a gold rush that threatens to reroute waterways and invade some of the planet's most biodiverse national parks. Fortunately, thanks to local laws enacted in 2021, Mamani's land remains safeguarded, as both Palos Blancos and Alto Beni declared themselves mining-free zones. Mamani was instrumental in advocating for these local ordinances, emphasizing their critical role in preserving agriculture and food security. Originally reported by The Guardian.
Understanding How Bolivia’s Cacao Farmers Took On The Gold Mining Industry – And Won
The initiative to combat mining began in earnest in 2017 when a mining dredge appeared on the Boopi River, which borders both Alto Beni and Palos Blancos. These municipalities, heavily reliant on organic agriculture, had previously managed to avoid the pitfalls of mining, yet they witnessed its catastrophic effects in neighboring areas. Roberto Gutierrez, a farmer from Alto Beni, recalls how the once-thriving Mayaya River, rich in fish, has suffered. "Now the water levels have dropped, pollution has seeped in, and the fish are disappearing," he laments.
In response to the threat, community members rallied in large protests, issuing a stark ultimatum to miners: "Leave, or we burn your machinery," recalls Nancy Chambi, a farmer and councillor in Alto Beni. The miners ultimately retreated, but the fight was far from over. El Ceibo and other local cooperatives opposed mining vehemently, fearing that mercury contamination would jeopardize their international certifications. Mamani emphasizes, "Even if small-scale mining were permitted, it's a slippery slope. Contamination would be unavoidable, and if we lost our certifications, the price of our cacao would plummet."
Legislation to Protect Agriculture
After four years of grassroots mobilization, Palos Blancos and Alto Beni enacted their mining bans in 2021. A subsequent departmental law in 2024 further solidified their stance against the national government's push for mining. Ulises Ariñez, the former environment secretary for Palos Blancos, reflects on their victory: "We showed people that mining does more harm than good. People have realized that gold is temporary, but agriculture and conservation are for life." These protective laws have not only safeguarded farmers' organic status but also ensured a steady market for their cacao.
In 2025, El Ceibo exported 2,000 tonnes of cacao, primarily to Europe and the US, providing a much-needed buffer against Bolivia's economic turmoil. Jesús Tapia, an El Ceibo producer, notes, "With the country's economy in such bad shape, people here are a bit more at ease." The successful measures have been transformative for local farmers like Chambi and Gutierrez, who cultivate cacao, bananas, and papaya through a smaller cooperative. Gutierrez proudly states, "If Mayaya has yellow gold, we have purple gold."
The Broader Implications of Gold Mining
Despite their success, the broader landscape remains troubling. Record gold prices have intensified illegal mining operations worldwide, leading to deforestation, mercury poisoning, and even human trafficking. In Bolivia, both legal and illegal mining have infiltrated protected areas, aided by lax regulations. Severe flooding in Tipuani and Guanay has prompted discussions about relocating entire communities. In this challenging environment, at least ten other municipalities and Indigenous territories are now seeking similar mining bans.
Pablo Solón, an environmental activist and former Bolivian UN ambassador, emphasizes the urgency of the situation: "We have to build a wall to prevent mining from coming down the river." He sees potential for resistance in municipalities like Rurrenabaque, which boasts a robust tourism sector, and Indigenous territories like Pilón Lajas. However, he acknowledges that mining will persist elsewhere, stating, "It will be a wall to prevent the cancer from spreading, but the cancer exists." The struggle for sustainable agriculture continues as cacao producers in Palos Blancos and Alto Beni access international markets, while others elsewhere face significant barriers.
Originally reported by The Guardian. View original.