Iwokrama, North Rupununi communities sign communique to combat illegal mining

The Iwokrama International Centre and North Rupununi Indigenous communities have renewed their commitment to the collaborative management of the Iwokrama Forest. This partnership, represented by the North Rupununi District Development Board (NRDDB), was solidified through the signing of a Collaborative Management Agreement (CMA) and a Joint Communique targeting illegal gold mining activities in the region.
The CMA provides a framework for sustainable and equitable management of the Iwokrama Forest, an internationally certified protected area known for its rich biodiversity. The agreement underscores a shared dedication to conservation, sustainable use, and the protection of the forest for future generations.
In a release on Monday, Iwokrama said that illegal gold mining, particularly in the Siparuni area, remains a persistent challenge. The Joint Communique, signed by Iwokrama and the leaders of the 21 North Rupununi communities, strongly condemns these activities. According to Chair of the NRDDB, Mike Williams the practice involves some local community members and individuals from Guyana, Venezuela, and Brazil, posing threats to the environment and livelihoods.

The renewed collaboration outlined five key measures to address illegal mining: Condemn Illegal Activities – A unified stance against illegal mining operations in the Iwokrama Forest; Community Awareness – educating residents about the illegality of gold mining and the repercussions of supplying materials to such operations; Enhanced Monitoring – a comprehensive programme for communication, reporting, and surveillance to identify and curb suspicious activities; Government Support – Continued partnership with the Government of Guyana to eliminate these activities, supported by arrests and equipment seizures during recent enforcement operations and public Reminder – highlighting the importance of the Iwokrama Forest to local livelihoods and Guyana’s reputation for biodiversity conservation.

The release on Monday also reminded that Under the Iwokrama Act, no mining, forestry, or resource utilisation can occur without express written permission from the Centre. A one-kilometre buffer zone along the Siparuni River further safeguards the forest. Efforts to access other areas through the forest are strictly prohibited, with violators facing stiff penalties.
The Iwokrama Centre, it noted, recognises the crucial role of collaboration in addressing these challenges. Support from agencies such as the Natural Resources Ministry, the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC), the Guyana Police Force (GPF), the Protected Areas Commission (PAC), and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has been instrumental.
The Centre’s monitoring team, in partnership with regulatory institutions and the NRDDB, will intensify enforcement activities, ensuring the protection of the forest and adherence to Guyana’s environmental laws.