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Abstract
In the Alto Andágueda Indigenous Territory (Resguardo), small-scale subsistence mining is an ancestral practice that plays a key role in the community’s economic sustainability. It is deeply woven into the identity and daily life of the Embera Katío people. However, the sale of gold faces serious challenges due to fragile internal governance structures, reliance on informal trading channels, and the restrictions of legal frameworks that fail to recognize the specific nature of Indigenous economies. This study, carried out using a qualitative approach, involved semi-structured interviews with community leaders, small-scale miners (barequeros), and institutional actors. These were complemented by thematic analysis and the triangulation of documentary sources. The findings highlight the persistence of informal markets, the limited capacity of local leaders to regulate trading processes, and the weak connection to fair-trade markets. Moreover, it became clear that current regulations do not incorporate the traditional governance systems of Indigenous communities, reinforcing their economic dependence. Strengthening community governance through eco-pedagogical strategies and training in economic management, as well as implementing traceability mechanisms and facilitating access to ethical markets, is recommended as a way to support the autonomy and socio-economic resilience of the Embera Katío community.
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