It is necessary to continue research on the consequences of the use of chlordecone in the Antilles, but also to rethink the communication on the effects of this pesticide, recommends a senatorial report published this Friday.
In France, this molecule was used in Guadeloupe and Martinique between 1972 and 1993 to fight against the invasion of the weevil in banana plantations.
Due to a slow natural degradation, this molecule always contaminates the plots on which it has been used.
Water infiltration diffuses this pollution to groundwater, rivers and the marine environment, and many plants and animals are also contaminated, impacting people through the food chain.
Progress made
If progress has been made in the knowledge of the environmental and health damage linked to chlordecone, "
the results obtained since 2009 are not however up to the situation
", according to the Parliamentary Office for the evaluation of scientific and technological choices.
"
It is essential to work to obtain a better overall view of the risks to which the population is exposed, and to develop solutions to remediate and reduce this exposure
", explains the report.
The Office adds that “
certain areas of research, such as that of the human and social sciences or the question of the impacts of chlordecone pollution on biodiversity, little invested in up to now, must now be taken into account”
.
Offer less vertical communication
For the senators, it is necessary to rethink communication to make it "
less vertical
" and take into account "
the socio-cultural realities specific to the West Indies
", in particular by relying on all the media while targeting sensitive populations and particularly at risk of exposure, such as agricultural workers and sea fishermen.
Regarding the action of the State, if the chlordecone IV plan "
is a progress
", the report recommends that an external evaluation be carried out mid-term.
"
To better manage future crises, wherever they occur, the State must learn all the lessons from the delays, errors and weaknesses that have affected the care of the Caribbean populations and fueled their distrust", concludes the report
.
In January, two Parisian investigating judges put an end, without prosecution, to the investigation into the massive poisoning of the West Indies with chlordecone, provoking the anger of the civil parties who appealed their decision.