New from MAAP: Rapid Expansion of Illegal Mining in the Ecuadorian Amazon
February 21, 2024
In a series of previous reports such as MAAP #151 and MAAP #182, we warned about the emergence of alluvial mining in the Ecuadorian Amazon, specifically in the area around the Punino River.
In our latest report, MAAP #206, we highlight the rapid growth of gold mining activity in the Punino area: 784 hectares in 2023, which represents a striking increase of 261%.
Combined with previously documented mining, the total forest area affected by mining activity is 1,001 hectares (2,474 acres), from 2019 to the present.
The vast majority (over 90%, covering over 900 hectares) of the detected activity is illegal mining, as it is outside the limits of the areas authorized for mining, and even threatens a newly created protected area.
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