The workshop provided an opportunity to gather the opinions and comments of specialists and experts at the subregional and national levels on the subject. Crucial information was gathered to improve and disseminate recommendations that can be used as a basis for operational actions in institutions dedicated to addressing the problem of illicit crops.

In the words of Maritza Paredes of CISEPA – PUCP: “This meeting highlighted the complexity of the territories where coca crops are found. Specialists in working with indigenous populations and extensive field work highlighted important differences between coca-growing valleys, and the implications of these differences for the analysis and design of solutions. For this reason, an approach from this perspective means a starting point for the identification of important obstacles (including the corruption of the State itself) and available resources, which can be translated into specific plans and articulation based on very concrete commitments involving authorities and social organizations at the local level”.

On the other hand, in general terms, the main findings of the research process in the different countries of the Andean sub-region were presented. The review of the implementation of some policies related to the management of illicit coca crops in relation to the evolution of socio-territorial conflicts in rural areas of Colombia and Peru has revealed three essential aspects, highlighted by María del Pilar Bernal, Rimisp’s principal researcher:

• “The landing of these policies at the territorial level catalyzes conflicts and affects the trajectory of already existing conflicts.

• Tensions are caused by the simultaneous application of actions that respond to a security approach, with a more punitive vision of this issue, at the same time as actions defined from a vision of integral attention that promote alternative development processes and differentiated treatment of the populations linked to this value chain.

• The need to work on the effective incorporation of the territorial approach, both in the design and implementation stages of these policies.”