Living in Peru : your everyday companion

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Enrique Ghersi would be advised to research and understand the whole problem before misleading people with statements like that made above. Such incomplete and misleading statements only create conflict and add to the problem when it is a peaceful and practical solution that is required.

As a field practitioner, I offer my opinion that Mr. Ghersi is off the mark and his suggestion would seriously endanger an already precarious situation. He should also be aware that in most Canadian jurisdictions subsoil resources are owned and managed by the state and not by the surface land owners. This has resulted in one of the best managed resource development structures in the world. Forcing resource development companies to negotiate complicated agreements with sometimes hundreds of small landowners to pay them large sums of money which will be subsequently taken from the peasants by other "interests" and used against the mining companies will effectively end resource investment in Peru. Hasn't the country learned from the land reform of the 70's? I agree with Mr. Ghersi desired destination to but this is definitely not the way to arrive there.

I am not completely familiar with the regulatory system in Peru;however, it is very important to ensure that the interests of the people of Peru, the environment and the mining industry are addressed in a fair manner. They are all ultimately involved in a relationship that can achieve positive results by working together to find the solution. The solution is definitely there and it will be those companies who take the lead in helping the people to achieve economic and social development through a productive relationship that provides employment, equity partnerships, and good environmental stewardship -that will achieve success. The indigenous people of Peru deserve to have their rights protected and to share in the wealth of their land and resources. Mining companies that listen to the people and are willing to share and communicate with them will do well. By investing in people, community capacity development, and tangible sharing everyone will benefit. My hope is that clear communication, mutual respect and a strong effort by the mining industry to engage meaningful partnerships that add value to the standard of living for the people of Peru will occur. Where I live in the Northwest Territories, Canada, the mining industry is working with the people and starting to share the wealth. The regulatory system also takes a holistic approach that places a high value on environmental protection balanced with economic development. Sharing the wealth untimately helps everyone to achieve a better standard of living. The people of South America have contributed so much wealth to the world and all they are asking for is a share of what is rightfully theirs to enjoy...I hope the mining industy helps them to advance their interests and through this build a win-win situation. Edwin K

My grandfather was an ordinary man with a small piece of land (chacras) and some sheep enough to provide food for himself and his family. Unfortunately he lived in an area where the soil was rich with minerals. His small land was destroyed with the arrival of foreign mining companies. He could not have anymore animals and crops so he had to immigrate to another town. He and many other people never received anything in compensation and I wonder how many others have been in the same position. Even when he lost money he never lost his pride and I am very proud of my grandfather who worked very hard to provide an education to his daughter (my mother). I wish there were more people like Enrique Ghersi. I support his ideals. Sara S.