The Mangrove+ Project marked an important milestone yesterday with the official handover of the Management Effectiveness Tracking Tool (METT) report, bird monitoring equipment, and certificates of completion of a training on bird identification, counting, and monitoring. The initiative strengthened the technical capacities of 17 staff members from the Nature Conservation Division (NCD) of the Ministry of Land Policy and Forest Management (GBB).

The ceremony brought together representatives of the Ministry, including H.E. Stanley Soeropawiro, Minister of Land Policy and Forest Management; trained participants; representatives of the training institution; and the Mangrove+ Project Management Unit (PMU).

Speaking at the event, Mr. Berdi Berdiyev, Deputy Resident Representative of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Suriname, underscored the importance of the METT as a globally recognized tool for evaluating protected and conservation area management effectiveness. He noted that the assessment provides a structured overview of management strengths, institutional gaps, and priority actions, supporting evidence‑based planning, strategic investments, and strengthened accountability in biodiversity conservation.

Mr. Berdiyev highlighted the critical role of bird monitoring in assessing ecosystem health, as birds are widely recognized as sensitive indicators of environmental change. Through targeted training facilitated by the Mangrove+ Project, staff of the Ministry have enhanced their technical skills, contributing directly to improved protected area management and the implementation of priority actions identified through the METT assessment.

He further noted that the handover of bird monitoring equipment reflects UNDP’s commitment to strengthening national capacities, its strong partnership with the Government of Suriname, and the continued support of the European Union in advancing sustainable natural resource management.

In his remarks, Minister Soeropawiro emphasized that reliable data is fundamental to informed decision‑making and effective policy implementation. He reaffirmed that initiatives supported under the Mangrove+ Project play a vital role in enabling Suriname to meet its national and international biodiversity commitments and advance the sustainable management of its natural resources.

Through initiatives such as this handover, the Mangrove+ Project continues to translate strategic investments into practical outcomes that strengthen national capacities, improve environmental governance, and support sustainable biodiversity management. By equipping institutions with the tools, skills, and data needed for informed decision‑making, the project reinforces long‑term conservation efforts and contributes to protecting Suriname’s rich natural heritage for present and future generations.

The Mangrove+ project is funded by the European Union (EU), implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in collaboration with the Government of Suriname.