Beneath the Glitter: Peru's Lost Biodiversity Amid Illegal Gold Rush

The town of La Pampa in Peru's Madre de Dios region is beset by illegal gold mining that fuels violence and environmental destruction. Rampant deforestation, organized crime, and human trafficking plague the area as miners, driven by high gold prices, invade protected lands, leading to grave human rights abuses.

In the heart of Peru's biodiversity-rich Madre de Dios region, the illegal gold mining town of La Pampa is under siege from rampant violence and environmental degradation. Armed gangs fight for control, leaving a trail of death and destruction, amid calls for justice from victims' families and activists.

The unchecked gold rush, driven by soaring prices, has lured thousands to the fragile Peruvian Amazon, resulting in widespread deforestation and mercury poisoning, devastating ecosystems. Law enforcement struggles to stem the tide of crime as miners flout environmental laws, wrecking havoc in the Tambopata National Reserve's buffer zone.

Chilling reports of gang warfare, human trafficking, and murders underscore the grip of organized crime. Despite police presence, corruption and leaks hinder efforts to combat the criminals, with residents living in fear and mourning loved ones, while justice remains elusive in this embattled wilderness.

(With inputs from agencies.)