AGP Executive Report

Amazon Fire Crisis: El Niño-driven drought is fueling fires across Brazil’s Amazon, with smoke pushing Manaus pollution to dangerous levels and prompting school closures and emergency measures. Wildlife Trafficking: A regional investigation found jaguar parts, including bone paste, are traded internationally through Suriname, underscoring pressure on the country’s wildlife. Oil and Diversification: President Jennifer Geerlings-Simons says resource extraction alone is not success; oil and gas revenues should help build local industries, sustainable tourism and broader community benefits. Indigenous Rights: Ecuador’s proposed oil auction of 14 Amazon blocks has drawn renewed opposition from Indigenous groups concerned about projects affecting their lands and rainforest.

Amazon Fires: El Niño-linked drought is driving fires across Brazil’s Amazon, with smoke pushing pollution in Manaus to dangerous levels. Schools and outdoor events have been suspended in the city, and fires may continue until the rains arrive. Wildlife Trafficking: A regional investigation found evidence of jaguar-part trafficking in Suriname, including sales of bone paste. Researchers warn that illegal wildlife trade across the Amazon remains hard to track, with local sellers often receiving little while animals and animal products reach more lucrative markets. Indigenous Knowledge: Suriname has joined a WHO group on traditional medicine, where members discussed protecting the sacred knowledge of Indigenous and local communities.

Amazon Fires: NASA satellite imagery shows fires spreading across the central and eastern Amazon as El Niño-linked drought intensifies. Smoke pushed pollution in Manaus to dangerous levels, prompting school closures and canceled events; scientists expect fires to persist until rains return. Wildlife Trafficking: A regional investigation found an international jaguar-parts trade in Suriname, including suppliers of bone paste and retailers selling jewelry. Amazon Oil Expansion: Indigenous organizations are opposing Ecuador’s plan to auction 14 new oil blocks in its southern rainforest, warning of risks to Indigenous lands and fragile forests. Suriname’s Energy Future: President Jennifer Geerlings-Simons says oil and gas growth must support diversified industries and local businesses, not leave the country dependent on extraction alone. Traditional Knowledge: Suriname has joined a WHO working group on traditional medicine, where members discussed protecting Indigenous and local communities’ sacred knowledge.

Amazon Fires: El Niño-driven drought is fueling fires across Brazil’s rainforest, with smoke pushing Manaus pollution to hazardous levels and forcing school closures. NASA scientists expect fires to continue until rains arrive in December or January. Suriname’s Hinterland: MP Rabin Parmessar says large-scale gold mining at Pelin Bergi is costing the state revenue and damaging the environment. He is urging authorities to investigate production, operators and possible links to Zijin Mining. Wildlife Trade: A new investigation found evidence of jaguar-part trafficking in Suriname, including suppliers of bone paste and retailers selling jaguar products. A separate review warns that wildlife trafficking across the Amazon is hard to track because seizure data is scattered and cross-border routes are difficult to monitor. Drought and Power: The World Bank warns that prolonged drought can cut hydropower output across northern South America, including Suriname, and push countries toward costly fossil-fuel generation.

Amazon Fires: El Niño-linked drought is driving fires across the central and eastern Amazon, with smoke pushing Manaus air pollution to dangerous levels. Schools have closed in 36 municipalities, and burning may continue until the rains arrive. Wildlife Trafficking: An investigation found jaguar parts are traded in Suriname, including bone paste sold to international buyers. Gold Mining: A Suriname MP says large-scale mining at Pelin Bergi is costing the state revenue and harming the environment; he is calling for an investigation into production and those involved. Drought Risk: The World Bank warns prolonged drought can sharply reduce hydropower and force a shift to fossil fuels—a concern for Suriname as water levels at its hydropower station come under pressure.

Amazon Oil Pressure: Indigenous groups are opposing Ecuador’s plan to auction 14 oil blocks in the southern Amazon, warning that exploration threatens Indigenous lands and fragile rainforest. Wildlife Trade: A regional investigation found jaguar bone paste linked to higher-priced international demand, including in Suriname, alongside local sales of skins and other parts. Mining and Rivers: President Jennifer Simons wants rules to protect waterways from gold-mining pollution, including creeks feeding the Upper Suriname River. Separately, lawmakers have called for an investigation and temporary halt to mining at Pelin Bergi over concerns about permits, environmental damage and possible cyanide use. Hydropower Risk: The World Bank warns that worsening droughts could sharply reduce hydropower across northern South America; Suriname is already preparing for lower water levels at its hydro station.

Wildlife Trafficking: An investigation across seven Latin American countries found international trafficking in jaguar parts in Suriname, including suppliers of bone paste and retailers selling it. Mining and Waterways: Suriname lawmakers want an investigation and temporary halt to mining at Pelin Bergi, citing possible cyanide use, pollution risks and questions over permits. President Jennifer Geerlings-Simons says new rules will identify where mining is allowed and protect rivers and connected waterways from contamination. Mining Oversight: Lawmakers also say large-scale gold production at Pelin Bergi may be costing the state millions in unpaid taxes, adding pressure for stronger oversight.

Wildlife Trade: A new investigation found that jaguar trafficking persists in Suriname, including a higher-priced market for bone paste linked to international demand. Mining and Rivers: Lawmakers have called for an investigation and temporary halt to mining at Pelin Bergi, citing concerns about permits, pollution and possible use of cyanide. President Jennifer Geerlings-Simons says new rules will protect rivers and connected waterways from mining impacts, including where communities rely on tourism and clean water.

Energy and Diversification: President Jennifer Geerlings-Simons says oil and gas growth must help build other industries, including agriculture and sustainable tourism, rather than leave Suriname dependent on resource extraction. River Protection: The government plans rules to identify where mining can take place and protect rivers from pollution before damage occurs, including waterways connected to communities’ land. Mining Oversight: Lawmakers are seeking an investigation and temporary halt to mining at Pelin Bergi, where they allege extensive excavation, possible cyanide use and weak oversight. They also warn the state may be losing revenue from unreported gold production. Climate and Power: The World Bank warns that worsening droughts threaten hydropower across northern South America, including Suriname, and could force greater reliance on costly fossil-fuel generation.

River Protection: President Jennifer Simons says the government is preparing rules to protect rivers and connected waterways from gold-mining pollution, including around the Upper Suriname River, where tourism supports local livelihoods. Mining Oversight: Lawmakers are urging an investigation and temporary halt to mining at Pelin Bergi, citing extensive excavation, possible cyanide use and concerns over water pollution and weak oversight. One MP says large-scale gold production may also be escaping taxation. Hydropower Risks: The World Bank warns that drought threatens hydropower across northern South America, raising concerns for Suriname as water levels at its hydro station come under pressure. Regional Crime Crackdown: An Interpol operation across nine countries led to 233 arrests and identified about 60,000 hectares of illegally cleared forest, exposing suspected links between Amazon destruction and companies across several continents.

Regional Enforcement: An Interpol operation across nine Latin American and Caribbean countries led to 233 arrests and identified about 60,000 hectares of illegally cleared forest, with investigators linking destruction to 161 companies. Suriname was not among the countries named, but the findings underscore the scale of environmental crime in the region. River Protection: President Jennifer Simons says two decrees are being prepared to set limits on mining and protect waterways connected to rivers, including the Upper Suriname River, where pollution could threaten tourism. Mining Oversight: Suriname lawmakers are calling for an investigation and a temporary halt to mining at Pelin Bergi near Kwakoegron, citing extensive excavation, questions over permits and possible pollution from restricted chemicals. Climate Risk: The World Bank warns droughts can cut hydropower output across northern South America, increasing pressure to rely on fossil fuels; Suriname is already preparing for low water levels at its hydropower station.

River Protections: President Jennifer Simons says new rules are being prepared to protect rivers and connected waterways from gold-mining pollution, with Upper Suriname River tourism among the concerns. Mining Oversight: Two lawmakers want an investigation and temporary halt to mining at Pelin Bergi, citing extensive excavation, possible cyanide use and risks to water and nearby ecosystems. Sustainable Development: Suriname and Curaçao have shared ideas on affordable housing as Suriname considers how future oil and gas revenues could support long-term social and economic development. Regional Conservation: Rope bridges in Brazil’s Amazon helped wildlife make about 15,000 safe crossings in 15 months, with no roadkill recorded along that stretch. Climate Risk: The World Bank warns drought can sharply reduce hydropower output; Suriname is already preparing for low water levels at its hydropower station.

River Protection: President Jennifer Simons says the government plans two decrees to protect rivers from mining pollution, including waterways connected to the Upper Suriname River, where tourism is a key livelihood. Mining Oversight: Lawmakers have urged an investigation and temporary halt to mining at Pelin Bergi, citing extensive excavation, possible cyanide use and risks to water and public health. Regional Environmental Crime: An Interpol operation across nine countries led to 233 arrests and identified about 60,000 hectares of illegally cleared forest, with investigators tracing suspected links to 161 companies. Climate Risks: The World Bank warns drought can sharply reduce hydropower, a concern for Suriname as water levels at its hydro station come under pressure. Wildlife Crossings: In Brazil’s Amazon, eight canopy bridges recorded 15,000 safe animal crossings in 15 months, with no roadkill reported on that stretch.

Environmental Crime: Interpol says a regional crackdown led to 233 arrests and identified links between Amazon destruction and 161 companies, while investigators recorded about 60,000 hectares of illegal forest clearing. Mining Oversight: Suriname lawmakers want an investigation and temporary halt to mining at Pelin Bergi, citing major excavation, possible cyanide use and questions over permits and pollution. A separate call for tighter oversight says large-scale gold production there may be escaping taxes. River Protection: President Jennifer Simons says new rules are being prepared to protect rivers and connected waterways from mining pollution, including around the Upper Suriname River, where tourism supports local livelihoods. Forest Protection: Efforts to remove illegal settlers from rainforest areas remain complicated, with lawmakers seeking clarity on enforcement and legal procedures. Hydropower Risks: The World Bank warns that prolonged drought threatens hydropower across northern South America, raising concerns for Suriname as water levels at its hydro station have already fallen.

Mining Oversight: Surinamese lawmakers want an investigation and temporary halt to mining at Pelin Bergi, citing extensive excavation, possible cyanide use and risks to nearby ecosystems. MP Rabin Parmessar also says large-scale gold production there appears to be yielding no tax revenue for the state. River Protection: President Jennifer Simons says new rules are being prepared to keep gold mining away from rivers and connected waterways, warning that pollution could harm communities and tourism, including along the Upper Suriname River. Hydropower Risk: The World Bank warns that drought could sharply reduce hydropower across northern South America. Suriname is already preparing for low water levels at its hydro station. Amazon Forest: Suriname’s efforts to remove illegal settlers accused of clearing rainforest are proving difficult, with some reportedly ignoring eviction orders. Regional Environmental Crime: An Interpol operation across nine countries led to 233 arrests and exposed suspected links between illegal mining, logging and wildlife trafficking and an international network of companies.

Pelin Bergi Mining: Suriname lawmakers are urging an investigation and temporary halt to mining near Kwakoegron, citing possible cyanide use, pollution risks and questions over permits. MP Rabin Parmessar says large-scale gold production is also costing the state millions in unpaid taxes. River Protection: President Jennifer Simons says new rules are being prepared to protect rivers and connected waterways from mining pollution, including around the Upper Suriname River, where tourism supports local livelihoods. Amazon Forest: Efforts to remove illegal settlers accused of damaging rainforest remain stalled, amid confusion over legal procedures and reports that some settlers are ignoring eviction orders. Hydropower Risks: The World Bank warns that drought threatens hydropower across northern South America, including Suriname, and could force greater reliance on costly fossil-fuel power.