The negotiation mechanism was established after agricultural and coal industry workers set up blockades on the department’s main roads, disrupting the region’s normal development, starting last Monday.

Although the talks have not yet concluded, nine points have already been agreed upon with the protesters that, in the opinion of the Minister in charge of the Environment, Irene Velez, are compatible with the conservation of the moorlands and agricultural production.

Judging by the official’s statements, the stumbling block now appears to be the current legal regulations that restrict the development of activities in El Cocuy National Natural Park.

For his part, the governor of Boyaca, Carlos Amaya, welcomed the progress made in drafting the agreements between mining sector spokespersons and the national government.

The head of state, Gustavo Petro, also addressed the demands of farmers and small-scale miners, many of whom express their dissatisfaction with laws and measures aimed at environmental protection.

He emphasized the need to find a solution for coal miners and business owners, given that, they are engaged in the extraction of a resource whose demand is declining, he explained.

Petro proposed that these individuals contribute to other productive activities such as agribusiness or become cooperative members of solar farms, whose management depends on a natural resource with a lower carbon footprint.

jha/ifs