Abstract: This chapter discusses the Camp Caiman gold project in French Guiana. Topics include the increased role of local communities and NGOs in bringing environmental problems to the attention of governments; the need of governments for clear and specific legislative commitments to environmental protection in mining and petroleum legislation and a clear legislative and administrative mandate that will lead to the selection mining an petroleum companies that have well-established environmental protection track records and the capability to finance environmental protection. In addition, this section discusses the need for legislation and contracts to establish fiscal regimes that encourage environmentally sound mining and drilling practices as well as the need for NGOs and international organizations to play a stronger role in facilitating the sharing of experience among countries with regard to environmental and biodiversity protection.

Keywords: ASARCO Incorporated, contracts, French Guiana, legislation, mining, NGOs,