evidence: Guyana’s economy has run on mining gold, which is a readily available resource that the country takes advantage of in the disputed Essequibo territory. Although gold is as synonymous with the region as vast tropical forests and unique biodiversity, the Essequibo is also known for the depth of its legal complexity. As a Venezuelan territory subject to the Geneva Agreement, it is in a state of legal limbo. Venezuela is unable to exercise its sovereignty and can do little more than raise awareness about environmental and human rights abuses occurring there. Furthermore, it is a land mostly inhabited by indigenous communities, who are affected by any changes in their territories. In order to maintain any semblance of sustainable practices, all mining activity is supposed to be overseen by the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC). An organization empowered by the government, the GGMC issues exploration permits and mining licenses of varying scales depending on sampling for precious and quarry minerals in a region. A lack of transparency, bloated administrative processes, and failure to delineate and enforce environmentally sound standards on sustainable practices has led to the system decimating the Essequibo today.