The Amerindian Peoples Association, in collaboration with the North Pakaraimas District Council (NPDC), held a mapping and monitoring training workshop in Chenapou Village, Region Eight. The activity was facilitated through the International Land and Forest Tenure Facility project and aligned with NPDC’s ongoing monitoring programme.
The training was facilitated by APA’s Mapping and Monitoring Coordinator, Linburg Pearson, and Mapping Technician, Jalen Frank, as well as NPDC’s Programme Coordinator, Kemal Robinoson, and included participants from seven North Pakaraimas villages: Kato, Kanapang, Monkey Mountain, Karisparu, Kopinang, Paramakatoi, and Chenapou. The initiative is a direct response to calls made at APA’s 2024 Annual General Meeting, where Chenapou representatives requested support to strengthen their ability to safeguard their lands.
Mining has rapidly intensified across the North Pakaraimas, threatening forests, watersheds, and communities. Although NPDC began systematic monitoring in 2018 and earlier training produced 14 monitors, vacancies emerged as individuals moved away. As mining advanced into new areas, communities recognised the urgency of expanding and strengthening their monitoring network.
The impact of past monitoring efforts is already evident. Reports from monitors previously led to government intervention against illegal operations in Micobie, while another alert resulted in relief assistance for an elderly woman whose home was destroyed in Echerac. These successes underscored how trained local monitors are critical in holding authorities accountable.
The training workshop equipped participants with practical tools essential for territorial defence and land governance. Monitors were trained in:
- Smartphone-based GPS mapping and coordinate data collection
- Drone piloting and aerial surveying
- Environmental monitoring techniques
- Public speaking and reporting skills
These capabilities will support not only the detection of illegal mining but also future land management tasks, such as boundary verification and extensions, under NPDC’s programme.
Notably, the initiative ensured the active participation of youth and women, thereby strengthening community ownership of the process and building long-term sustainability. Upon completion of the training, monitors demonstrated increased understanding of environmental monitoring methods and technology.
The NPDC now has a fully equipped mapping and monitoring team capable of supporting evidence-based decision-making at the district level.
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