Saamaka traditional authorities organize into the Association of Saamaka Authorities (VSG) to defend their territory from Chinese multinationals pursuing logging in Saamaka lands.
In March 1996 Saamaka traditional leaders representing 77 villages (approximately 35,000 persons) organize into the Association of Saamaka Authorities (VSG) to represent the position of Traditional Saamaka leaders vis a vis the invasion of Chinese logging multinationals in their traditional lands.
This period helped create awareness among the Saamaka people in relation to the importance of the Saamaka as tribal group and about their human and land rights. The VSG managed to mobilize an international network of people and organizations who were key in the Saamaka human rights trial.