8th international session: The health of rivers, human health. The example of the River Maroni

8th international session – 15-19 April 2019, in Cayenne and Saint-Laurent-du-Maroni (Guyane, France)
At the invitation of the Pasteur Institute of Guyana, and in partnership with the Prefecture of the region, the Territorial Authority of Guyana and the ARS (the Regional Health Authority),
Session theme: The health of rivers, human health. The example of the River Maroni

Guyane (France) le 15/04/2019

Our experts met with the local stakeholders to talk about three major themes:

• the prevention of infectious and waterborne diseases;
• access to drinking water and drainage;
• the activities of clandestine gold prospection and health.

A vector of the history of this overseas territory, the River Maroni indeed brings many issues regarding water to the forefront – its utilisation, its quality, its representations, its management – with undoubtedly more intensity than elsewhere. It lies at the heart of the future of this region in the throes of demographic, economic and ecological transition.

By approaching the river through the prism of health, IFGR shed new light at the intersection of politics, economics, social science and the environment.
If our rivers are threatened, then it is our very identity that is undermined, and our lives placed in jeopardy.
One River, one Health to protect and cure the natural environments and human beings efficiently.

Download the conclusions