Venezuelan scientists studying illegal mining damage to nature
Monday, June 21, 2010

June 21, 2010, 12:54 Caracas, June 21 (Prensa Latina) Venezuelan scientists now assessed the impact of illegal mining on the ecosystem of the right bank of the Orinoco River, one of the most biologically diverse scenery on the planet.

Minister for Environment, Alejandro Hitcher, told Prensa Latina that experts from the ministry will be monitored in the most affected areas to determine damage and the decline of populations of flora and fauna, and the possible disappearance of some species.

The investigations include studies of water quality in the main basin area, among which stands the Caroni and Caura, contaminated by mercury, a substance used to separate gold from other metals. In his opinion the land suffered the greatest damage, another issue under evaluation by professional teams.

Even though the investigations are just beginning, researchers predict that the nature delay between a century and 155 years for recovery.

Hitcher explained that the region is very sensitive to the fragility of the forest ecosystem, from where they managed to move about 10 000 persons engaged in the illegal extraction of gold after the activation of Plan Caura.

After the recovery of sovereignty on more than 30 000 hectares, the government expects the cooperation of surrounding communities to preserve the rich biological heritage. The program also provides for action to reverse the damage caused to the environment.

Stop desertification processes in areas where there was a significant loss of forest is a priority, as well as the receipt of the torrents.

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