Over the last few years, the Venezuelan government has taken a surprising interest in the environment. President Nicolás Maduro, usually silent on the topic, recently posted on social media about a “green Venezuela.” He announced a “world congress of eco-socialism” for December and has called for greater support for countries impacted by climate change. Yet for many observers, the environmental rhetoric rings hollow. Oil spills continue to pollute the country’s coastline, and illegal gold mining has expanded into protected areas, often with tacit government approval. What Maduro is really after, critics say, is new revenue and a cleanup of the country’s reputation. “There has been an attempt to reintegrate Maduro’s government into the international community through green policy announcements,” an activist, who wished to remain anonymous due to security concerns, told Mongabay. “…It would be somewhat naïve to think there’s a genuine environmental interest here.” Last month, Maduro unveiled the Gran Misión Madre Tierra, or “Great Mother Earth Mission,” designed to address Venezuela’s climate emergency. Among other things, the mission mandates the creation of new reforestation efforts, climate change adaptation and response programs, a national waste management initiative, and sustainable agricultural practices. The mission also includes expanding environmental education in schools and protecting the headwaters of the country’s rivers in the Andes and páramos. Critics say the mission strategically omits some of the country’s most pressing environmental issues, such as illegal gold mining. Last year, Venezuela lost an estimated 9,531 hectares (23,552 acres) of rainforest to mining, largely overseen by…This article was originally published on Mongabay

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