Suriname wants to combine the protection of its forests with economic development and the responsible use of natural resources. President Jennifer Simons on Tuesday, September 22, during the 81st United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, called for better international climate financing and the strategic use of future oil and gas revenues.
According to Simons, Suriname, as one of the most forested countries in the world, holds a special position in the global fight against climate change. More than 90 percent of its territory is covered by forest. These forests store carbon, protect biodiversity and freshwater systems, and also play an important role in the lives of Indigenous and tribal communities.
“Highly forested countries with low deforestation rates should not first have to lose their forests before climate financing institutions recognise the value of forest protection,” the president stated.
According to the head of state, the costs of nature conservation cannot be borne solely by countries that protect ecosystems whose benefits are experienced worldwide. Therefore, accessible, sufficient and predictable climate financing is necessary, she said.
Suriname is simultaneously working on measures to protect its forests, maintain the country’s carbon-negative status and safeguard the land rights of Indigenous and tribal communities. Simons stressed that their rights, traditional knowledge and participation must form part of development processes.
Strategic use of oil and gas revenues
In addition to forest protection, the president also pointed to the opportunities that the development of offshore oil and gas reserves can offer. According to Simons, the revenues should be used for investments in, among other things, education, healthcare, infrastructure, technology and economic diversification.
“We must turn temporary wealth from natural resources into lasting national prosperity,” she said.
Renewable energy must also form part of Suriname’s future energy mix, according to the president.
Simons also warned that pressure on Suriname’s forests is increasing. According to her, forest conservation must increasingly compete with the economic value of natural resources such as gold, diamonds and other precious minerals.
The president therefore repeated her call for fair and effective international climate financing. According to her, technology, international partnerships and political will are also needed to accelerate financing for the sustainable development goals.
Simons stressed that Suriname will continue to commit itself to the protection of its forests, while the country at the same time seeks to use its natural wealth for sustainable economic and social development.
