IAMGOLD : Rosebel preserves and protects its biodiversity

Rosebel preserves and protects its biodiversity

'Biodiversity is steadily decreasing worldwide. We as a company can and must protect and preserve the environment, be respectful and responsible with it.' This is what Serano Ramcharan, Environmental Specialist of Rosebel Gold Mines (RGM) in Suriname, said in connection with World Biodiversity Day on May 22. As a mining company, RGM impacts the biodiversity during its operations, but as part of our Zero Harm®commitment, at the same time, we are always striving to protect the natural flora and fauna.'Rosebel has a monitoring plan and commits itself to it,' says the Environmental Specialist. A research survey of land mammals and birds species on the RGM concession takes place every three years. In addition, the population of fish is also annually surveyed and mapped. 'By committing to the conservation of biodiversity, we are demonstrating responsibility and respect,' says Serano.

The intent is to return the mined areas back to their original state wherever possible. By preserving aspects of biodiversity, it will be easier to achieve this goal. 'You can hardly ever bring back the previous condition, but you could try to some extent,' the biologist explains. 'If all the elements are disrupted, this is no longer possible.'

Every RGM employee or contractor knows not to disturb the environment in any way. 'Hunting and fishing on the RGM site is strictly prohibited for any employee and we regularly monitor this. Our environmental policy is to preserve biodiversity as much as possible,' says Serano.

International Day of Biodiversity:

The United Nations declared May 22nd as 'International Day for Biodiversity' (International Day for Biological Diversity/World Biodiversity Day). The term 'biodiversity' refers to the degree of variation in life. Biodiversity on Earth varies depending on regions, ecosystems and many other factors. Changes in the environment, caused by both natural processes and human activities, lead to the extinction of species and the reduction of biodiversity.

In 1992, the Treaty on Biological Diversity (Rio de Janeiro Biodiversity Convention) was signed at the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (Rio Summit). This treaty aims at the conservation of the Earth's biodiversity and the sustainable use of its components. Countries commit to protect biodiversity both in their own countries and to take appropriate measures to support biodiversity protection in developing countries. The 'International Day for Biodiversity' was created to bring additional attention to key issues related to biological diversity on an annual basis.