Under this component WWF Guianas contributes to the development, adoption and enforcement of practical and environmentally sound policies and regulations for the gold mining industry and related sectors.
During the past decade several efforts have been made to minimize the negative impacts of gold mining in the Guianas. In the area of policy and regulations, through the Guyana Environmental Capacity Development (GENCAPD) program, Guyana has made considerable progress in improving its mining and environmental legislation.A large percentage of miners is working legally in the country. Efforts are underway through the GENCAPD to develop improved and practical regulations and a code of practice to improve compliance with the environmental and technical standards. In Suriname most miners are exploiting gold on exploration permits.
Efforts are now underway for the revision of the Mining Code in order to better regulate mining operations and activities in the country. The differential development in both countries provides an important avenue for an exchange of experience and enhancing cooperation between both countries in the mining sector. Once undertaken this exchange will promote the harmonization of the norms, codes and regulations in the two countries.
