Esmeralda English Version ed

MINISTRY
MINISTRY
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By: Silvia Alexandra Cuesta
Director of Corporate
Mining of the Ministry of
Mines and Energy
TThe Colombian emerald industry,
which is recognized worldwide
for producing high quality, beautiful
gems, faces significant challenges
today. Despite its long tradition and
prestige, a series of commercial and
social challenges arise that require it
to adapt strategically to maintain its
relevance in the global market.
First, in the commercial sphere,
international competition has intensified.
Countries such as Zambia and
Brazil have increased their emerald
production by offering alternatives
at competitive prices. This situation
forces Colombian companies to highlight
what sets them apart, such as
the quality and uniqueness of their
gems, as well as the history and tradition
that support them.
On the other hand, consolidating
emeralds as a luxury item implies
meeting a demand that is subject to
economic fluctuations and market
trends. Companies must be attentive
to these dynamics and adapt their
marketing and sales strategies to
maintain the attractiveness of their
products in an increasingly demanding
environment.
Along with innovation and investment
in technology, they also need
to adopt more efficient and sustainable
mining techniques, as well as
explore new designs and applications
for emeralds.
But the challenges are not limited
only to the commercial sphere, since
this industry also faces important
social challenges. Despite the wealth
they generate, mining regions often
face high levels of poverty and inequality.
According to the Constitution,
the social function of owning
property guides companies to invest
in local development such as infrastructure,
education and employment
opportunities for local communities.
Formalizing traditional mining is
crucial to ensure a more equitable
distribution of benefits and reduce
negative impacts on the environment
and society. The synergy between
business, government and communities
is critical to achieving this goal.
It is therefore incumbent upon
companies to commit to responsible
and transparent practices, promote
the traceability of gems, and ensure
compliance with social and environmental
standards.
The National Government is committed
to the future of the Colombian
emerald industry and to promoting
the ability to adapt to international
markets, to emphasize reindustrialization
and generate value by building
a more competitive, sustainable and
equitable sector. Colombian emeralds
have the potential to continue
to shine in the global market and, to
achieve this, it is necessary to count
on the joint commitment of all the
actors involved. ◆
“In addition to
innovation and
investing in technology,
we also need to
adopt more efficient
and sustainable
mining techniques.”
COLOMBIA IN
TUNE WITH THE EU ON
Fair Energy Transition
In a global context of climate urgency
and accelerated biodiversity loss, the
recent dialogue between the European
Union (EU) and Latin America and the
Caribbean (LAC) marked a significant
milestone. With the theme of Nature-Based
Solutions (NbS), leaders and
experts met in Brussels to explore
joint strategies to address these environmental
and social challenges.
During the international dialogue on
Nature-Based Solutions (NbS), the Director
of Corporate Mining of the Ministry
of Mines and Energy of Colombia, Silvia
Cuesta, opened a discussion on NbS
as an alternative for mine closures within
the framework of energy transition, explaining
three fundamental strategies during
the event: promoting energy communities,
productive diversification and
implementing new financing mechanisms.
These initiatives were outlined not
only with the aim of democratizing
access to energy, but also to support
the local economy and reduce dependence
on traditional resources.
This multifaceted approach reflects
Colombia’s commitment to promoting
sustainable and collaborative
practices in the energy sector, aligning
with global and regional development
goals.
By: Mónica Victoria Mancera / Communications
Direction of Corporate Mining,
Ministry of Mines and Energy.
The dialogue also emphasized
the specific regional challenges faced
by LAC countries in implementing
NbS, including the need for adequate
financing and technical capacity building.
However, it was recognized that international
collaboration and knowledge sharing
offer significant opportunities to overcome
these barriers.
Among the main conclusions of the event
is the importance of raising awareness in
society about the benefits of NbS, as well
as the need to establish policies that support
their implementation at the global
level. The EU, for its part, reaffirmed
its commitment to implementing NbS
through the recent Nature Restoration
Law, which aims to regenerate degraded
ecosystems and improve environmental
and food security.
This first EU-LAC dialogue on Nature-Based
Solutions marks the beginning
of an ongoing and structured collaboration.
Future meetings and programs such
as Horizon Europe are expected to further
strengthen the links between scientific
communities and implementation
initiatives. This will not only benefit the environment,
but also promote sustainable socio-economic
development in both regions.
In conclusion, the just energy transition
and NbS represent not only a path to environmental
sustainability, but also an opportunity
to positively transform local economies.
Commitment and collaboration are key
to achieving these shared global goals. ◆
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