Illegal Gold Mining in Colombian Amazon: Social and Environmental Impacts and Their Relationship with Illicit Crops, through a Case Study of de San José del Fragua (Caquetá)

Abstract

The geographical features of Colombian Amazon, the access difficulties to this territory,and a low governmental presence have created a scenario in which it is possible toperform illicit economies, which are a financing source for armed groups. Bearing this inmind, this research analyzes the role of the state regarding illegal gold mining activitiesin the region and its link with crops for illicit use through the official database analysis,a review of the present academic production, semi-structured interviews with minersand coca growers, and fieldwork in San José del Fragua (Caquetá). This study showsthat in the region, both illegal activities have a high impact on the deforestation ofnatural forests. Furthermore, these activities are common among the population dueto the high income they generate. In the case study, the communities alternate the twoactivities (illegal mining and illicit crops).