Suriname, once known as Dutch Guiana, is one of South America's smallest countries. Despite its size, it boasts a diverse population, including a significant number of Indigenous peoples who have lived in the region for centuries. These communities have a deep connection to the land and are actively involved in efforts to protect the environment and preserve their way of life.
Local and Indigenous communities in Suriname are speaking out about a new carbon credit trading scheme that they say the government pushed through without proper consultation. Some Indigenous peoples' groups in Suriname have called for a halt to the process that enables carbon credits to be issued to forest carbon projects. They argue that these projects could have negative impacts on their communities and the environment.
In recent years, there has been growing concern about the impact of deforestation and land degradation in Suriname, particularly in the Amazon Rainforest region. Secretive Christian sects have been accused of encroaching on Indigenous lands and clearing large swathes of forest for agriculture. Despite protests from local communities, these settlers have continued their activities, leading to conflicts and tensions in the region.
A court in Suriname has recently stepped in to halt development on hundreds of thousands of hectares of Amazon Rainforest, much of it occupied by local and Indigenous communities. This decision has been seen as a victory for environmental and Indigenous rights activists who have been fighting to protect the region from further destruction.
The Mulokot Foundation, a local organization, has been working to address the water supply issues faced by the Wayana people, an Indigenous group in Suriname. Their efforts to provide clean, filtered water directly to households have been praised as a step towards improving the health and well-being of the community.
In a joint effort between the Ministry of Natural Resources and UNICEF Suriname, a rehabilitated water supply system was inaugurated in Paramaribo. This project aims to improve access to clean water for residents in the capital city, including Indigenous communities who often face challenges in accessing basic services.
Suriname may be the smallest and least populated country in South America, but it is also one of the greenest. The country is considered a global leader in conservation efforts, with a significant portion of its land designated as protected areas. Indigenous communities play a vital role in these conservation efforts, drawing on their traditional knowledge to help preserve the environment for future generations.
