On October 2 and 3, 2025, workshop “Towards a Comprehensive National Mangrove Monitoring System” was carried out by Foundation for Forest Management and Forest Controle (“Stichting voor Bosbeheer en Bostoezicht” - SBB) and Centre for Agricultural Research in Suriname (“Centrum voor Landbouwkundig Onderzoek in Suriname” - CELOS) to consult relevant technical stakeholders and prospective partners to support the improvement of the national mangrove monitoring system.  This workshop was facilitated by the Protection, Restoration and Sustainable use of the Mangrove Forests (PRSUMF) project.

This workshop was attended by representatives from the Ministry of Oil, Gas and Environment, Ministry of Land Policy and Forest Management, international and Surinamese organizations engaged in mangrove related initiatives. The primary objective was to identify and integrate additional parameters in the protocols of the National Mangrove Monitoring System.

The workshop was opened with the speech of the Chairman of SBB, Mr. Ruben Ravenberg, in which he encouraged the participants to use the existing mangrove monitoring data platforms, Gonini and Kopi. The Permanent Secretary of Environment, of the Ministry of Oil, Gas and Environment, Mr. Ritesh Sardjoe, followed and emphasized the critical role of data for the development of national policies. Ms. Kaminie Tajib-Rakimoen, acting Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Land and Forest Management, explained the role of Forest Service-Nature Conservation Division (“Dienst s’Lands Bosbeheer / Natuurbeheer” - LBB/NB) in forest management, the importance of the mangroves, and gave an overview on ongoing projects in which her Ministry is involved.

Throughout the workshop, SBB and CELOS presented the current data collection methods used for the Mangrove Monitoring System, including parameters such as carbon stock, deforestation rates, and carbon emissions. These data are shared with both national and international stakeholders. More insights were shared into their methodologies and discussed existing gaps and challenges in mangrove data collection.

On the second day, participants collaborated to identify new parameters for inclusion in the National Mangrove Monitoring System and the National Forest Inventory. Working groups also explored opportunities for capacity building, inter-institutional cooperation, and scientific innovation in field data collection.

The PRSUMF project is implemented by the UNDP, in collaboration with the Government of Suriname, and is funded by the European Union. This project builds on previous successes that the UNDP has had, as the EU’s implementing partner, for mangrove-related initiatives in Suriname.

The workshop marked an important advancement in strengthening Suriname’s mangrove conservation efforts, with insights and recommendations guiding the development of a more robust and inclusive National Mangrove Monitoring System. As the PRSUMF project progresses, continued stakeholder engagement and scientific innovation will be key to ensuring the sustainable management and protection of Suriname’s mangrove ecosystems.