The government of France, which controls the rainforest in French Guiana in South America has refused to allow a gold mine
This was decided after an environmental assessment was carried out
IAMGOLD, a Canadian Mining company, wanted to mine gold in the Kaw Mountain area-this is close to a rainforest reserve and Kaw swamp which is a Ramsar-listed wetland
This area is home to 700 plant species, 100 different animals and 254 bird species
The open-cast mine would have affected the biodiversity of the area and put water containing cyanide into the Kaw swamp
Venezuela:
No permits to mine gold or diamonds in the Imataca Rainforest Reserve or anywhere else in the country have been issued by the government of Venezuela since 2008
The country doesn't need to exploit the minerals for economic reasons, due to its oil reserves, therefore it can afford to conserve its forest area
Local people were attacked by illegal minors
The government will now protect both the biodiversity of the forest and local people
Comments
No comments have yet been made