Canaima National Park faces destruction from illegal mining

The environmental organization SOS Orinoco has warned of severe ecological deterioration in Venezuela’s Canaima National Park due to the expansion of illegal mining. The organization documented a mining site covering approximately 5.8 hectares near Playa Linda within the park, which is a designated UNESCO World Heritage site.

According to SOS Orinoco founder Cristina Burelli, these extractive activities are causing deforestation, soil alteration, and mercury contamination in rivers, directly threatening the water sources and livelihoods of local indigenous Pemón communities. Burelli noted that some indigenous leaders are allegedly involved in business agreements with authorities to facilitate these operations, leading to internal community conflicts.

The organization has criticized the Venezuelan government for postponing urgent monitoring missions from UNESCO. SOS Orinoco emphasized that international oversight is essential to preserve the park’s ecosystems and protect the rights and health of the indigenous populations residing in the region.