On September 11 and 12, the PRSUMF project team conducted a courtesy visit to stakeholders in the district of Nickerie to share insights on the scope of the project and explore opportunities for cooperation.

 
Earlier this year, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), as the implementing partner, launched the Protection, Restoration, and Sustainable Use of Mangrove Forests (PRSUMF) project. Funded by the European Union, PRSUMF builds on previous successes as the EU’s implementing partner in mangrove-related initiatives in Suriname. 

This project is being implemented in five (5) coastal districts in Suriname, including Nickerie. As part of this effort, the PRSUMF team conducted a courtesy visit with local partners, including the recently renovated office of the Ministry of Land Policy and Forest Management Suriname Forest Service-Nature Conservation Division in Nickerie, as well as the District Commisioner’s office. The PMU was received by the district commissioners Ms. Nisha Kurban-Baboe and Mr. Mohamed Bakas, and presented the project’s objectives and ongoing activities. During the meeting, the District Commissioners acknowledged the importance of the Mangroves and their ecosystems and expressed that they look forward to a fruitful collaboration.

On the second day, an inception meeting was held with local stakeholders of the Bigi Pan and Noord Coronie Multiple Use Management Areas (MUMAs). The participants included representatives from the Fisheries Organization of Nickerie and Coronie, beekeepers, and members of the District Commissioner Office. The meeting provided an updated overview the project’s focus areas and outlined the PRSUMF’s objectives:

• Strengthening coordination, legal and strategic frameworks, for integrated coastal zone management, water management, coastal defense, and governance.

• Enhancing the meaningful participation of local communities in the co-management of mangroves and Multiple Use Management Areas (MUMAs) and

• Increasing sustainable income generation with a focus on women and youth, from mangrove-based value chains such as honey, fisheries, and nature-tourism.

During the inception meeting, beekeeper Mr. Davids Richenel, shared that “Due to the nature of our job, the smallest changes in the environment can be a threat for our bees. With our critical perception of our surroundings, we can alert the local authorities fast, for which they can intervene before the situation gets out of hand”, explaining the importance of collaboration.

In Nickerie, the mangroves continue their quiet work. The extent to which this project will support their resilience is contigent not only upon policy, but also upon the people and the strength of their collaboration.  

Together we can Protect, Restore and make Sustainable use of the Mangrove Forests – PRSUMF