Information session for the district commissioners office of Nickerie
Raising awareness of key stakeholders of the negative impacts of business as usual compared to more environmentally responsible Artisanal Small scale Gold mining (ASGM) is of great importance for the EMSAGS Project. On the 26th of september 2024, an information session was held for the the district commissioners office of Nickerie. During this session the participants were informed about the EMSAGS Project. What the goals are and which steps the government is taking to improve the environmental management of mining in Suriname, particularly small-scale gold mining, which is the largest driver of deforestation in the country and contributes to biodiversity loss (through habitat degradation and pollution), climate change (through deforestation) and unsustainable land, water and forest management.
In addition to the information session, a number of cotton shopping bags were handed over to the district commissioner, Senrita Gobardhan on the same day. The commissioner emphasizes the importance of reducing plastic usage, which significantly contributes to environmental pollution. She frequently encourages the community to reduse plactic use and maintain a clean district. To lead by example, the commissioner has made the decision to switch to cotton shopping bags. This initiative not only aligns with her commitment to sustainability but also serves as a tangible reminder for residents to adopt eco-friendly practices. By promoting the use of these reusable bags, the commissioner aims to inspire the community to take action against plastic waste and foster a cleaner, healthier environment for all. In collaboration with the EMSAGS Project, several cotton shopping bags have been developed. These bags are designed to be a sustainable alternative to single-use plastic bags, promoting eco-friendly shopping habits within the community.
