The planned extraction of bauxite in the Bakhuis area by the Chinese mining company Chinalco poses a direct threat to the jaguar population and local communities. This project is particularly in demand for the economic progress of Suriname.
This is partly due to the large presence of bauxite and other valuable raw materials in the soil, but also because of the exotic appeal of the protected and endangered feline, the jaguar. In November 2023, the government announced that a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) had been signed with Chinalco for bauxite extraction. This development threatens to further endanger wildlife, including the already vulnerable jaguar population, as well as the local communities, mainly in the Kabalebo area, who are already grappling with the effects of climate change.
Kabalebo is considered a ‘hotspot’ for jaguars. On 29 November 2023, the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) made a statement on their Facebook page advocating for the preservation of the jaguar’s habitat in Kabalebo. The organisation has been urging society for years to protect the jaguar. On 25 November, WWF highlighted that in the past 50 years, jaguars have lost more than half of their habitat. The environmental organisation has called for immediate action to prevent their complete disappearance. It is deeply concerning that, while many advocate for wildlife conservation, destructive practices continue unchecked.
The jaguar, an icon of biodiversity in Suriname and the region, is already under pressure from poaching and illegal trade. Additionally, climate change is exacerbating food and habitat scarcity for these animals. A study by the Queensland University of Technology indicates that jaguars can only adapt to climate change temporarily. In the long term, their populations are expected to decline further, particularly if their habitat is destroyed by large-scale logging and mining activities.
Call to action for the jaguars
WWF emphasises that protecting jaguar habitats is not just a matter of conservation but also of regional sustainability. On National Jaguar Day in November 2023, WWF released a report titled Connecting the Spots, which quantifies the economic value of jaguar habitats and calls for urgent measures to prevent further damage. WWF warns that the jaguar is not only vulnerable but at serious risk of extinction.
Climate injustice
Environmental activist Erlan Sleur describes the collaboration between Chinalco and the Surinamese government as a “cheap deal” that offers few benefits to the local population. He argues that this situation exemplifies climate injustice, where economic gain is prioritised at the expense of the most vulnerable—both humans and animals. According to Sleur, wildlife trafficking, supported by international networks, remains a significant problem that authorities have largely failed to address.
Mining also contributes to climate change. According to Sigma Earth, the harmful effects of mining include the destruction of ecosystems, soil erosion, contamination, water pollution, and acid mine drainage. The negative impacts of mining on ecosystems are well documented: large-scale deforestation, soil and water pollution, and increased carbon emissions from fossil fuel use all contribute to the global climate crisis. For local communities in the Kabalebo region, this means the loss of vital natural resources, including food, water, and livelihoods.
Tour operator and local resident Jeff Armaketo asserts that local communities are often excluded from decisions that directly affect their environment. While companies frequently promise to involve the community in their activities, these commitments are rarely honoured. The challenges of developing sustainable ecotourism initiatives are further compounded by the area’s poor infrastructure and inaccessibility.
Sleur adds that large portions of the Peruvia Nature Reserve have also been ceded to development projects, exacerbating the challenges faced by local communities, wildlife, and the ecosystem.
“I am deeply concerned about the many problems arising from these activities,” he states.
“Jaguars are not only threatened in Bakhuis but in all areas where logging occurs.”
Armaketo underscores that this region is a crucial habitat for jaguars. While jaguars exist elsewhere, their population is most concentrated in this area. He warns that logging and mining pose severe threats to these big cats and their habitat. Mining, due to its scale and environmental consequences, would have an even greater impact than logging.
Armaketo argues that jaguar hunting is rare in this mountainous region due to its difficult accessibility. However, he criticises companies operating in the area without genuine engagement with local communities. Promises to involve them are often broken, and locals are rarely included in employment or decision-making processes.
Recently, the Association of Indigenous Village Chiefs (VIDS), which has been increasingly vocal about threats to indigenous habitats over the past three years, requested clarification from the state regarding the mining plans in the Bakhuis area. VIDS has urged the National Assembly to provide transparency regarding the draft agreement between the Surinamese government and Chinalco for bauxite extraction.
Due to a lack of clarity, it remains uncertain what exactly will transpire in the Bakhuis area if the mining project proceeds. If jaguar habitats are not considered, the species could face further endangerment. VIDS has repeatedly raised concerns with the state about activities that could negatively impact flora and fauna within indigenous territories.
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This story was originally published by Key News, with the support of the Caribbean Climate Justice Journalism Fellowship, which is a joint venture between Climate Tracker Caribbean and Open Society Foundations.
