12:30 | Tambopata (Madre de Dios region), May. 3.
The Government highlighted the progress made in the fight against illegal mining across rainforest Madre de Dios region, two months after the implementation of a plan against this scourge,
Defense Minister Jose Huerta said Friday.
The official visited the jungle region as part of a government delegation consisting of Ministers Lucia Ruiz (Environment), Rocio Barrios (Production), and Ulla Holmquist (Culture), as well as Deputy Ministers Esteban Saavedra (Domestic Order), and Guido Rospigliosi (Institutional Management).
"We are succeeding, but we are going to strengthen the capacities we need to reinforce, so we are not waiting until 2021 to solve the problem. We are going to do it as soon as possible. Both the
Armed Forces and the National Police are determined to accomplish such task," the minister affirmed.
Restoration of Tambopata
Within this framework, it was informed that, since March 5 to date, the three temporary bases (composed of military, police and fiscal personnel) have managed to seize 33 motorcycles, 7 cargo ships, 58 hoppers, 15 suction pumps, and 597 gallons of fuel.
It was also underscored that since the implementation of the Comprehensive Plan, the State has controlled the entire
Tambopata National Reserve and 85% of its buffer area.
Engineer battalion buildup
Defense Minister Jose Huerta announced Armed Forces serving in La Pampa will be strengthened with an engineer battalion of the
Peruvian Army, which will build motorized roads to improve logistics at temporary military bases set up in the area.
According to him, an Armed Forces aircraft —equipped with special cameras— operates in the zone to improve control of the territory from the air.
Additionally, military personnel will receive additional vehicles to improve their displacement.
Joint efforts
On the other hand, Environment Minister Lucia Ruiz noted Sernanp forest rangers' work, which facilitates the control carried out by the National Police and Navy.
(END) NDP/MAO/RMB/MVB
Published: 5/3/2019