The article discusses the environmental impact of gold mining in French Guiana, specifically along the Maroni River, and how it is being addressed by the French government through its Operation Harpie program. The author notes that despite the efforts of Operation Harpie, which has been launched to patrol the river and prevent illegal mining, the problem persists.
The article also touches on the issue of sovereignty and cooperation between France and Suriname, which shares a border with French Guiana. Yann Saliou, deputy director of the Parc Amazonien de Guyane, is quoted as saying that ending mining along the Maroni would require a gendarme behind every tree.
The author also notes that the data on the environmental impact of gold mining in French Guiana has been available for decades, and that scientists have made recommendations to address the problem. However, despite having the data and expertise, the French government seems unable to effectively tackle the issue.
The article concludes by noting that the conflict between conflicting sovereignty and the need to protect the environment is a significant challenge. The author suggests that the view from space, which can provide a precise assessment of the environmental impact of human activity, may not be enough to save what is already slipping away due to human neglect and indifference.
Some key points highlighted in the article include:
* Operation Harpie has been launched to patrol the Maroni River and prevent illegal mining.
* Despite efforts by Operation Harpie, mining continues along the river.
* The issue of sovereignty and cooperation between France and Suriname is a challenge in addressing the problem.
* Scientists have made recommendations to address the environmental impact of gold mining, but they seem unable to be implemented.
* The conflict between conflicting sovereignty and the need to protect the environment is a significant challenge.
Overall, the article highlights the complexities and challenges involved in protecting the environment in French Guiana, and the need for effective cooperation and action from governments and international organizations.
The article also touches on the issue of sovereignty and cooperation between France and Suriname, which shares a border with French Guiana. Yann Saliou, deputy director of the Parc Amazonien de Guyane, is quoted as saying that ending mining along the Maroni would require a gendarme behind every tree.
The author also notes that the data on the environmental impact of gold mining in French Guiana has been available for decades, and that scientists have made recommendations to address the problem. However, despite having the data and expertise, the French government seems unable to effectively tackle the issue.
The article concludes by noting that the conflict between conflicting sovereignty and the need to protect the environment is a significant challenge. The author suggests that the view from space, which can provide a precise assessment of the environmental impact of human activity, may not be enough to save what is already slipping away due to human neglect and indifference.
Some key points highlighted in the article include:
* Operation Harpie has been launched to patrol the Maroni River and prevent illegal mining.
* Despite efforts by Operation Harpie, mining continues along the river.
* The issue of sovereignty and cooperation between France and Suriname is a challenge in addressing the problem.
* Scientists have made recommendations to address the environmental impact of gold mining, but they seem unable to be implemented.
* The conflict between conflicting sovereignty and the need to protect the environment is a significant challenge.
Overall, the article highlights the complexities and challenges involved in protecting the environment in French Guiana, and the need for effective cooperation and action from governments and international organizations.