On January 13 and 14, the Mangrove + Project facilitated Management Effectiveness Tracking Tool (METT) meeting in support of improving management for the Noord Coronie Multiple Use Management Area (MUMA). This activity supports the Forestry Service-Nature Conservation Division (NCD) of the Ministry of Land Policy and Forest Management, in evaluating management of the Noord Coronie MUMA to adjust priorities if necessary. The sessions took place in the conference room of the Coronie District Commissioner’s Office.

District Commissioner of Coronie, Mr. Eric Boldewijn attended both days, along with representatives from various organizations, including the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Animal Husbandry, the Suriname Fire Department (KBS), the Center for Agricultural Research in Suriname (CELOS), the National Coordination Center for Disaster Relief (NCCR), and local Beekeepers.

During the METT analysis, key facts about the protected area were presented, and stakeholders had the opportunity to evaluate management aspects such as planning, processes, resource allocation, stakeholder involvement, results achieved since the last METT assessment in 2023, and whether conservation objectives are being met.

The Noord Coronie MUMA is listed in the World Database on Protected Areas, managed by UNEP-WCMC and IUCN. It falls under IUCN Category VI, which promotes ecosystem conservation alongside the sustainable use of natural resources by local communities.

This area is also internationally recognized as an Important Bird Area (IBA) by Birdlife International) for its critical role in supporting coastal and waterbird species, an important scientific and ecological designation.

When asked about the importance of local participation in the METT Assessment, DC Boldewijn emphasized that these meetings help locals better understand the role of mangrove forests in coastal protection and the development of the district. He also encouraged residents to engage more in initiatives like these and in upcoming activities under the Mangrove+ Project.

This METT session is a continuation in a series which saw the first 2-day session facilitated by the Mangrove+ Project for the Bigi Pan MUMA in Nickerie, in December. Next week, the following METT meeting will take place in Commewijne for the North Commewijne-Marowijne MUMA. The results of these METT meetings provide information for the Ministry of Land Policy and Forest Management, Forestry Service, Nature Conservation Division to strengthen the management of these MUMAs. With this assessment, the Mangrove+ Project is helping to identify concrete actions and priority areas that, which can contribute to enhancing ecosystem resilience in mentioned protected areas, improved stakeholder engagement, and ensure that conservation goals are aligned with sustainable development for local communities.

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