Matta Korhopa is home to the Arawak/Lokono people and led by Village Captain Ms. Wendeline Sabajo. This community of about 500 people has in the past relied on traditional knowledge and cultural heritage to care for the land, heal with forest plants, cultivate crops, and preserve cultural identity. Yet much of this knowledge is at risk of disappearing as younger generations become increasingly distanced from ancestral traditions.

In response to this growing concern, Coöperatie Borodong Matta (COBOMA), a community‑based organization, launched the project “Sustainable Use and Knowledge Conservation of the Bio‑Cultural Heritage of the Indigenous Village of Matta,” supported through the GEF Small Grants Programme, funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and implemented by UNDP. With a budget of USD 43,040, the project ran from November 2022 to December 2025 and focused on strengthening the intergenerational transmission of cultural and ecological knowledge.

Elders took on central roles as teachers throughout the project, sharing wisdom and knowledge that had been passed down to them across generations. The focus of this project was on the production of NTFPs, the construction of traditional huts, identification of plants suitable for hut construction, and, especially, which leaves can be used for roofing. During the sessions, Arawak words were used so that participants also became familiar with the Arawak language. These moments allowed the community to rebuild the bridge between past and present, ensuring that its heritage remains vibrant and relevant.

As part of the project, the renovation and furnishing of the COBOMA office, transformed into a functional and welcoming space that now serves as a center for learning, planning, and cultural preservation. It has become a place where elders and youth gather to continue the work that began under the project, and where the community can host training, discussions, and future initiatives.

On the 24 of January 2026, the village celebrated the conclusion of the project with a heartfelt closing ceremony. The event also marked the official commissioning and opening of the renovated COBOMA office. Families, elders, and partners came together to reflect on the journey, express gratitude, and celebrate what the community achieved. The ceremony highlighted pride and renewed confidence within Matta, a community strengthened by honoring its identity and investing in its future.

By the end of the project, Matta had not only safeguarded valuable bio‑cultural knowledge but also empowered its youth to become its new custodians. The community now stands more united, more informed, and better equipped to lead its own development. The story of Matta is a powerful reminder that preserving heritage is not only about protecting the past; it is about cultivating resilience for the generations yet to come.