This solution is already actively being used but requires more attention. It was shown in the story titled Sandpiper.
Our experts have classified it as a ‘low hanging fruit’ solution (relatively low cost and low risk).
How does this solution rate on:
| Climate impact: tonnes of carbon saved/removed | Restoration of forests and prevention of deforestation would allow this to be an MT-scale endeavour, but not GT. |
| Climate adaptation-resilience | Restoration of landscape and reversal of damage helps rebuild the forest and undo the harm done, increasing the overall resilience of the degraded area. |
| Social justice i.e. addresses inequalities, diversity, inclusion | Allows ASGM communities (who are also part of the problem at the end of the day) to transfer to a similar activity which earns money and undoes the damage made by their forebears. |
| Cost of action needed to progress goal | Significant funds would be needed to build a demonstration trial. Addressing the gold market itself, and requiring 100% traceability would be a major project. |
| Which location is the solution most needed/applicable | The Amazon, Indonesia, Africa and other areas where forests and land have been degraded by ASGM. |
| Risk | The gold industry is likely to be slow to adapt to 100% traceability as the fungibility of gold is a valued feature. |
| Feasibility | Medium. Lots of effort for a lower return & ongoing resistance. |
Do your own research on the solution
Interested in progressing this solution further?
| Actions for policymakers | Require 100% traceability for all gold, especially new gold. Require damaged lands to be restored, at the cost of the gold industry. Require gold from sustainable sources to trade at a higher price than gold from other sources – fully fungible gold makes improvement projects very difficult. |
| Actions for funding bodies | Fund combined restoration of land and community projects. |
| Actions for business | Only deal in 100% traceable gold and other minerals. |
| Actions for public | Only buy green gold – gold that has 100% provenance and a visible story. Be prepared to pay significantly higher prices. |
