Why the ATBC Conservation Committee and its resolutions matters

Between 2006 and 2008, the ATBC has been helping to lead a campaign against illegal gold mining, and passed a resolution about Invasions of Illegal Miners in Venezuela specifically urging the Goverment of Venezuela "to halt rampant invasions of illegal miners in the Rio Caura Basin, Venezuela".  It finally happened. Read the article "Venezuela fights illegal gold camps deep in jungle" by Frank Jack Daniel from Reuters. (Photo : Caura River - Courtasy © www.KIKEARNAL.com)

William Laurance, co-chair of the Conservation Committee and ATBC Past-President (2005-2007), wrote to tropicalbio.org that :"It's gratifying to see the Venezuelan government taking action to combat illegal gold mining in the Caura Basin.  This is one of the undisputed jewels of South America, and gold mining is having a terrible environmental impact on the area and its wildlife and indigenous peoples. We're very pleased to be contributing to this important issue." Read Causes and Consequences of a Tropical Forest Gold Rush in the Guiana Shield, South America by David S. Hammond et al. Ambio. More about Gold Rush in the Guiana Shield and the Caura River. More Photos of the Caura River by Kike Arnal at ATBC2008.org Gallery