Nations Strategic Plan for inclusion in Caura

18/05/10.- Indian Tribes of the Caura River Basin yesterday sought more direct involvement in the Plan Caura government initiative against illegal mining in the area of Bolivar State.

This was announced by Alberto Rodríguez, coordinator of the indigenous organization Caura Basin, Kuyujani (association civil multiethnic nonprofit founded by the Ye'kwuanas and Sanema in 1996 and consists of 53 communities).

"As indigenous peoples have always been defending ourselves against mining, we applaud the Caura Plan, promoted by the national government," said Rodriguez, who added the need for those who lead the Caura Plan authorizing the presence of an indigenous representation in the table discussion, which is installed after the military operation to evict illegal miners, "to make proposals that can be done according to the needs of communities."

- But until now they have been involved?

"So far we have not had is a direct participation. When I say this is that we believe that those who are leading this plan should have a dialogue, conversation, where you say what proposals, which projects or programs can be developed further to what has been the eviction of mineros.Es what we ask the National Government.

- What benefits have been obtained with the plan?

"The basin is being protected. From the beginning, we have pursued to us is that the State avoid environmental damage, environmental and social well have caused to our community.

- What proposals they want to raise, which stand out?

"The problem must be addressed in stages. The first is done, which is the eviction. Now there should be an inspection after the eviction. There must, indeed, control of roads, which are mining equipment through which they pass. Also more control points or checkpoints on roads and highways, in this case in the Core 19, as well as continuous monitoring of the waterways between El Playon and butterflies. The other is an air traffic control plan so that, in its entirety, it can prevent what has been the problem.

- What about the social?

"There must be other social programs to generate alternative development, economic for local communities, not only Indians but also for non-indigenous populations, in this case, the Sucre municipality (Bolívar state).

- Do you know if the army will return to acting?

"There's a relief. Hopefully they can maintain the presence, because miners are hiding in the jungle, waiting to leave.

The goal is to eradicate illegal 200 2000

The Caura Plan was activated on Saturday 25 April by a commission headed by Vice President Elias Jaua. Its aim is to halt the environmental devastation caused by illegal mining in the Caura River Basin (southern Bolivar state) and is designed to act as integral social, political and military. Maj. Gen. Henry Rangel Silva, commander of the Strategic Defense Region Integral Guayana, has declared that it seeks to eradicate the area about two thousand two hundred illegal miners.

Environment Minister, Alejandro Hitcher, said that the affected area will take up to one hundred years to recover from environmental damage. In the first military operation 600 thousand people were evacuated (four were put to the order of the Prosecutor) and 16 mining camps were disqualified. On Friday May 14, the holder of Defense Carlos Mata Figueroa, inspected the progress of the plan. To this date, 200 camps had been disabled.

AN plans to visit affected areas this weekend

Deputy Manuel Briceño, coordinator of the joint committee formed by the National Assembly (AN) to analyze the environmental and social problems in the Caura River Basin, plans to install in the area next weekend, a work table "for hear directly from the sectors involved in this problem. "

The congressman recalled that the AN has time dealing with complaints about environmental damage in the country have come from residents of the communities organized communal councils and representatives from indigenous groups.

"What is new is the decision of the National Executive to take this with a more holistic view," he said.

Briceno said that beyond the eviction operation of illegal miners, the state and see the problem with a strategic vision that will seek reorder the affected areas of both the state of Bolivar, Amazonas and Delta Amacuro and up.

For his part, MP for the state of Bolivar, Adel El Zabay warned of the need to make a thorough investigation into the illegal mining in that region, believing that it must end with a network of local complications.

Asked about the companies that would operate in the Caura, the MP said the Cristalex TNC, but no further details.

Delgado Yeneiza Mijares / City CCS

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