Artisanal Mining and Property Rights Quarterly and Annual Progress Report

The project, implemented by Tetra Tech under the Strengthening Tenure and Resource Rights II (STARR II) IDIQ, focused on four objectives: assisting the Government of CAR (GoCAR) to improve compliance with Kimberley Process requirements, strengthening community resilience and social cohesion, increasing awareness and understanding of responsible gold supply chains, and improving USAID programming through increased understanding of linkages between artisanal mining and development issues. Objective I aimed to improve compliance with Kimberley Process requirements, with intermediate results including improving the legal, policy, and institutional framework for conflict-free diamond production, expanding formalization of land and resource rights in artisanal diamond mining communities, and strengthening the capacity of GoCAR to manage and expand KP-compliant zones effectively. The project implemented various activities, including training and capacity building for GoCAR officials, support for the establishment of KP-compliant zones, and facilitation of community dialogue to resolve conflict over land and natural resources. Objective II focused on strengthening community resilience, social cohesion, and response to violent conflict in CAR. Intermediate results included supporting inclusive community dialogue, strengthening cooperation between GoCAR ministries and agencies and other stakeholders on social cohesion and Kimberley Process compliance, and promoting the adoption of sustainable mining practices. The project implemented activities such as community-based training and capacity building, support for the establishment of local peacebuilding committees, and facilitation of dialogue between different religious and ethnic groups. Objective III aimed to increase awareness and understanding of the opportunities and challenges of establishing responsible gold supply chains in CAR. Intermediate results included researching and communicating recommendations for policy, legal, and institutional reforms at the national and regional levels to key stakeholders. The project implemented activities such as research and analysis, stakeholder engagement, and dissemination of findings and recommendations. Objective IV focused on improving USAID programming through increased understanding of linkages between artisanal mining and development issues. Intermediate results included assisting relevant USAID operating units to assess the link between artisanal mining and development issues, and strengthening knowledge sharing and understanding of USAID operating units and partners on the link between artisanal mining and development issues. The project implemented activities such as research and analysis, stakeholder engagement, and dissemination of findings and recommendations. The project management team included a project manager, deputy project manager, and other staff members who were responsible for implementing project activities, managing project finances, and ensuring compliance with project requirements. The project also had a monitoring, learning, and evaluation unit that was responsible for tracking project progress, identifying areas for improvement, and providing recommendations for future project activities. The project achieved several key results, including the establishment of KP-compliant zones, the formalization of land and resource rights in artisanal diamond mining communities, and the promotion of sustainable mining practices. The project also contributed to the improvement of community resilience, social cohesion, and response to violent conflict in CAR. The project's findings and recommendations were disseminated to key stakeholders, including GoCAR officials, USAID operating units, and other partners.