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With the price of gold hitting the roof,Steve Bartkowski Falcons Jersey, prompting an upsurge in mining activities, the Environmental Community Health Organization (ECHO) is urging that mining practices strike an appropriate balance between economic development,Tedy Bruschi Patriots Jersey, social development and environmental protection.ECHO’s Executive Director Royston King yesterday said that the body is paying attention to the upsurge in gold and diamond mining in different sections of Guyana, as “obviously, there is a gold rush and with it a seeming disregard for the health of the environment.”King noted that while the current situation may only benefit a few, the majority of citizens may reap the results of bad environmental practices,Ra Shede Hageman Falcons Jersey, by those who are exploiting gold and other natural minerals.A popular form of mining that is taking place in several areas of Guyana’s interior.Within recent times,James White Patriots Jersey, there have been frequent reports of increased mining activities without the appropriate public assurances by the competent authorities and the miners themselves, about securing the integrity of the natural environment.“Citizens must remember that,Taylor Gabriel Falcons Jersey, in the long run, the apparent upsurge in gold, no matter what the price, will not bring real development to Guyana unless it is done in a sustainable way. It is clear that we should focus more on sustainable development – economic development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of the future generation to meet their own needs. Also,Tony Gonzalez Falcons Jersey, we must take into account the notion of the ‘tragedy of the commons’, which demonstrates the vulnerability of entire communities,Joe Gilliam Steelers Jersey, while those who access natural resources can continue remorselessly to destroy the environment,Jack Butler Steelers Jersey,” King asserted.He added that moreover, the damage caused by the use of unfriendly environmental practices does not appear in the budgets of mining companies and businesses. However, entire communities suffer if untreated pollutants are dispersed into waterways or the atmosphere.“We are therefore calling on all those who are engaged in such mining activities to pay keen attention to the methods and chemicals they employ to exploit Guyana’s gold and other minerals,” the ECHO Executive Director stated.He pointed out that it is the duty of everyone to care the natural environment and to develop it in a sustainable way.“Moreover, environmental responsibility and good environmental stewardship ought to be a major component of the portfolio of all mining corporations and companies.”According to the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) within a year or two,Jordy Nelson Packers Jersey, no mercury will be allowed in mining, and it may no longer be lawfully available in Guyana.The statement was contained in a GGMC document, ‘Implications of the Low Carbon Development Strategy proposed for Guyana in response to climate change.’ |
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