PARAMARIBO — Several traditional Wayana leaders have called on the French state to take a much tougher approach to illegal gold mining in French Guiana. In an open letter, in connection with the visit of the Prefect of French Guiana to the Upper Marowijne region, they state that decades of operations and policy measures have yielded little results. The prefect began a six-day visit to the area on Sunday.
According to the signatories, the same actions, the same problems identified and the same promises have been made for years, while illegal gold mining continues and expands. That is why they advocate what they describe as a “real war” against illegal gold mining and the criminal networks behind it.
“It is no longer possible to pursue a strategy that does not achieve its objectives”
Harmful consequences
The Wayana leaders point out that the harmful effects of illegal mining have now been extensively documented. They cite, among other things, mercury pollution of rivers, health problems within indigenous communities, destruction of vulnerable Amazon ecosystems and degradation of traditional habitats.
In addition, they warn about the growing influence of criminal organizations that they believe profit from the illegal gold sector. These networks would continue to expand their activities, despite the efforts of the French authorities to dismantle the mining sites.
Approach falls short
In the letter, the traditional leaders state that even the French state now recognizes that the current strategy is inadequate. According to them, the existing measures have not been able to prevent illegal gold mines from continuing to operate and new locations from emerging. “It is no longer possible to pursue a strategy that does not achieve its objectives,” the signatories write.
They call for a fundamental change of course and the immediate introduction of measures that they believe are proportionate to the seriousness of the situation. Wayana leaders emphasize that the first victims of illegal gold mining are the inhabitants of the remote areas along the Upper Maroni, who, as French citizens, have the right to protection of their health, environment and territory.
Call to prefect
In view of the prefect’s visit, they argue that the time has come for concrete action. According to them, the visit should not again be limited to inventories and consultations, but should result in immediate and verifiable decisions that actually lead to the reduction of illegal gold mining.
The open letter was signed by Wayana-granman Patrick Touenke, traditional leader of Taluen Michel Aloïke, captain of Kayodé Mélanie Aliman-He, traditional leader of Antecume Pata Aïtalewa Palanaïwa, representative of Antecume Pata Kulilu Cognat-Cachine and former Wayana-granman Amaïpotï Touenke. According to the signatories, the time for warnings is over and decisive measures are now needed to effectively tackle illegal gold mining in French Guiana.
