On September 26, a delegation from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Country Office Suriname, including the PMU of the Protection, Restoration and Sustainable Use of the Mangrove Forest (PRSUMF) project, paid a courtesy visit to newly appointed District Commissioner of Coronie, Mr. Eric Boldewijn, to share insights into projects that the international organization is working on for this district. 

During this occasion, the delegation presented an overview of the strategic plan of the United Nations (UN) and the role of the UNDP, its largest development agency. They also shared how the UNDP Counrty Office Suriname has worked so far and what opportunities exist for capacity building and small grants for sustainable development related initiatives. 

The team dedicated to the ongoing mangrove project (PRSUMF) outlined the three foundational pillars and upcoming activities. Coronie is one of the five coastal districts in which this project is being implemented. Part of the economic development of this district depends directly on the mangroves, such as beekeeping, fisheries and agriculture. 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. 

 
Furthermore, a short presentation was provided on a project proposal which is being developed in cooperation with the Caribbean Community Climate Change Center (CCCC), which is aimed to help develop Coronie’s agriculture. Insights were presented on how climate smart agriculture could strengthen the sector and how this project can help address water scarcity challenges faced by the district. 

District Commissioner Boldewijn expressed his concern on the natural water supply in Coronie. “Changes in this district led to a shortage of water supply, it is raining less, and we see the effect this has on our environment” and emphasized his commitment to collaborating on sustainable solutions.  

The courtesy visit marked an important step toward strengthening collaboration between UNDP Country Office Suriname and local authority in Coronie. With shared concerns about climate resilience and sustainable development, both parties expressed their commitment to working together on initiatives that support the district’s environmental and economic well-being.