3a Deliberative Process: Consolidation of Research and Responses from Ghana and Philippines

Oct 18, 2017 by Ranela Maye Pacquing

Ghana’s Case Study:

Galamsey - Issues With illegal mining

Illegal mining, popularly known in Ghana as “Galamsey”, is with no doubt, an issue which has had a great impact on climate change. The problems that this activity presents cannot be over emphasized, but yet, there are some seemingly valid reasons as to why

citizens of a country partake in an act that not only harms them but their country as well.

The effects of illegal mining are very grave, and in most cases, leave permanent scars in the victim areas. Firstly, there's deforestation. In most cases, the miners end up clearing undesignated forest areas in order to undertake their activities. And what's worse is that, seeing as their activities are illegal they don't feel the need to replant whatever they destroyed, which, in effect, ends up messing up the carbon dioxide and water concentrations in the atmosphere. Secondly, these miners make use of dangerous chemicals such as cyanide, during these activities to assist in the extraction of whatever they may obtain. This not only inhibits the growth of plants by affecting soil acidity, but the use of cyanide includes the contamination of the atmosphere with poisonous gases, some of which even contribute to the greenhouse effect. Galamsey has a number of adverse effects on the indigenous people. One of the most important being that, a vast area of the lands they would have been relying on for their various livelihoods is now destroyed, and they had nothing to do with its destruction.

However, despite these rather severe consequences, many individuals insist on carrying out illegal mining for a number of reasons, which may seem valid, but nonetheless, wreak havoc on the lives of a countless number of people, and as a result, cannot be justified in any way. To start this off, Ghana has a relatively high unemployment rate, and as such, it is somewhat easy to understand the frustration of university students and qualified people who are unable to get a job, and as a result, see illegal mining as their way to make ends meet. This is not helped by the skyrocketing of inflation rates in the country, which has caused a number of people to seek additional income in order to maintain their standard of living. Finally, the cold, hard truth is that there are selfish, ignorant individuals out there, who as a result of their desire to get “quick money” partake in these activities. Once again, no matter how understandable some of these reasons may be, the fact still stands; galamsey is an activity that affects not only the environment, but has adverse effects on countless lives.

However, as we speak, it is important to note that the government of Ghana has taken note of this severe problem, and currently, the Minister of lands and Forestry has launched a Multilateral Mining Integrated Project in the Eastern Region of Ghana which involves the provision of laws concerning the issue, measures of enforcement of the law and technology to ensure transparency and sustainable mining.

Philippines’ case study:

Hydroelectric Dams in the Philippines and how they affect climate, indigenous people and their livelihoods: Two dams, Laiban and Kaliwa dams in Quezon provinces were proposed in the 70s to 80s but their construction has been put on hold because of protests from environmentalist groups, religious organizations, and other groups supporting the Dumagats, the indigenous people who will be displaced once the dams are built. Historically, indigenous tribes from all over the Philippines have been victims of abuse due to lack of education and indifference of their own countrymen, especially those dwelling in the cities.

Many recent studies show that dams which promised to help control flooding and provide electricity have caused much harm to the indigenous tribes occupying the lands where the dams are built. Quoting from the Environmental Justice Atlas entry on the Kaliwa dam: Around 9,700ha would need to be flooded , containing large primary forests, being rich in biodiversity, such as home to 67 endemic animal species. The dam would significantly contribute to deforestation, drastically degrade the ecosystem’s capacity to provide ecological services and destroy current fish sanctuaries and local farm irrigation systems, hence, posing food security threats to locals. Finally, the dam may increase also water-borne diseases such as malaria.

During our class trip to the Philippine Department of Interior and Local Government, we brought up the the issue of IPs’ lack of representation in local government, their displacement from ancestral lands due to infrastructure development, and their lack of access to basic human services, among other things. The DILG official assured us that each barangay or smallest unit of government allots one slot for IPs, and that their needs are taken care of. However, the official also admitted that benefits accorded to higher officials in the community are not given to the IP representatives.

Yolicia Reyes was also able to speak over the phone to one of the leading advocates opposing the New Centennial Water Source-Kaliwa Dam project. He is updating the class on the progress of the dam and the intensified steps that groups are undertaking in holding it off.

Deliberation process:

Philippines:

Application of research-based knowledge-students read different references (see below) and then compared notes to come up with a summary of findings. In the process, they broadened their perception of the issue and were able to examine the different sides of the issue.

Ghana:

The students brainstormed on different ideas to discuss, and after coming up with the topic, researched wide to completely understand the causes and effect issue, in order to somewhat understand and relate with both sides of the problem

Our common deliberation process:

1. Brainstorming
2. Research
3. Discussion
4. Weighing both sides of the issue or problem

Similarities between Ghana’s and Philippines’ findings:

1. Problems with pollution and environmental degradation
2. Both the Quezon dams and Galamsey mines are funded and/or operated by foreign companies.

Differences between Ghana’s and Philippines’ findings:

1. Are the mines currently operational in Ghana
2. The Kaliwa dam project has been put on hold due to continuous protests from various groups, but plans are underway to start building

What may be missing from our analysis:

1. Actual visit to the sites we are studying
2. More scientific evidence of the actual effects of building dams and mining on climate change (there is sure to be many sources, but there is no time)

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