suriname
This report presents the findings of an independent review team of the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) of a proposed bauxite mine in the Bakhuis Mountains of Suriname. The review was commissioned by Bureau VIDS representing the indigenous peoples of Suriname. Contributors include: Robert Goodland, longterm advisor to the World Bank; Vivieane Weitzner, specialist on gender and development at the North-South Institute of Canada; Ann Maest, aqueous geochemist; and Stuart Kirsch, anthropologist at the University of Michigan.
For indigenous peoples, development does not always enhance freedom, as the case of a proposed bauxite mine in Suriname suggests.
Bakhuys Mountains, West Suriname.
Preparations for bauxite mining, West Suriname.
Produce on sale at the St. Laurent du Maroni market in French Guiana produced by Indigenous peoples from the Lower Marowijne River region in Suriname. Top: awara, a palm fruit used to make a rich and refreshing drink, awara oko, the pulp from the fruit, which is used to make the drink, mangoes, and coconut oil. Above: kumbu¸ a palm fruit used to make a rich drink that tastes like hot chocolate, and peppers. Below: kasiri, or cassava beer, and kaheli, also from cassava. Bottom: grated bitter cassava, used to bake cassava bread.
Below: Rehabilitation of Wane Hills bauxite mine operated by BHP Billiton and Suralco in East Suriname.
Below: “Within the [mining]concession, they do whatever they want.” BHP Billition/Suralco minesite in Wane Hills, West Suriname after closure.
Below: Shop walls in Albina, Suriname.
