Paramibo, Suriname, October 3, 2024
The Government of Suriname and the Global Partnership for Sustainable Development Data are excited to launch a new report with findings and policy recommendations following a collaborative pilot project using Earth Observations (EO) data to analyze the environmental changes caused by artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) in Suriname.
Ninety percent of Suriname is rainforest, it is one of the greenest countries in the world and one of only three countries to absorb more carbon than it emits. Its forests are a precious resource not just for Suriname but for the world.
However, Suriname is also rich in another natural resource, gold. The extraction of which is both a key driver of the local economy and of deforestation.
The remoteness of the mining regions makes regular data collection difficult, limiting the ability of the government to develop informed policy interventions to protect the environment and mitigate the costs to biodiversity, health, and well-being.
In an innovative effort to overcome this challenge, the Government of Suriname worked with the Global Partnership for Sustainable Development Data to leverage the opportunities of new technologies and AI and train local experts to use EO data. The training included a pilot project that analyzed changes in the remote gold mining region of Lake Brokopondo. The results revealed shocking changes with satellite images visualizing the extensive environmental impacts of ASGM.
Key results*
- 47 percent increase in ASGM.
- A total loss of 24.56 square kilometers of rainforest (from an area of 674 square kilometers studied).
- An increase of ~40 percent in water turbidity (a measure of particulates in water).
*Changes detected between 2019 and 2022
Claire Melamed, CEO of the Global Partnership, said:
By empowering local experts with the right data skills, this project showcases the power of partnerships and timely data in addressing environmental challenges. The study revealed a sobering analysis, but it’s an essential start for effective management of the situation.
Mrs. P. Simons, Director of Mining - Minister of Natural Resources, Suriname, said:
Suriname it´s a blessed country with a lot of natural resources. We should find a balance between economic activity and environmental sustainability, and for that data is essential.
The policy report provides recommendations for the government and companies in the gold mining sector in Suriname, as well as policymakers in other countries facing similar challenges. These include reporting mechanisms, case studies, and developing an institutional framework.
Mr. Ruben Ravenberg, General Director of the Foundation for Forest Management and Production Control, Suriname adds:
Our approach requires collaboration at all levels: from government to the private sector and local communities. By creating partnerships and developing innovative solutions, we can promote sustainable practices that benefit both ecology and the economy.
In addition to the policy report, a technical report documents the approach used for the collection and analysis of EO data in Suriname.
The reports are available for download at: https://www.data4sdgs.org/resources/data-monitor-environmental-impacts-suriname
Media contact
For media enquiries please contact Ruby Richardson rurichardson@data4sdgs.org
The Global Partnership for Sustainable Development Data is a global network of 700+ organizations from across a range of sectors and regions, using data to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.