Suriname wants countries that protect their forests to be fairly compensated for doing so. Minister Melvin Bouva of Buitenlandse Zaken, Internationale Handel en Samenwerking (BIS; Foreign Affairs, International Trade and Cooperation) says the country again called for equitable climate financing during the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York. Forest communities must also benefit from this.
Bouva explained Suriname’s position on Monday, October 5, 2026, in an interview with the Communicatie Dienst Suriname (Suriname Communications Service). According to the minister, Suriname has committed itself to keeping at least 90 percent of its territory covered by forest. In return for that effort, industrialised countries should bear greater responsibility, he said.
Through its forests, Suriname contributes to the preservation of a globally important ecosystem, while the country also needs space for economic development. The government therefore wants to continue negotiating with like-minded countries on financing for forest conservation. It is seeking ways to turn the value of the forest and biodiversity into sustainable income.
According to Bouva, the commitment to preserve the forest does not mean that development in forest areas must be halted. International financing can help create economic opportunities while protecting nature at the same time.
The minister stressed that these resources should not go exclusively to the government. Communities living in and around the forest that contribute to its preservation must also be able to benefit. “Because those are the people who maintain the forest,” Bouva said.
According to the minister, an earlier pledged amount of US$ 20 million for nature conservation remains available. Suriname is working on the further elaboration of that commitment, including the necessary legislation and plans. Bouva considers the amount a first step and says the value of Suriname’s forest is much greater.
The government wants to give climate diplomacy a prominent place in its foreign policy. According to Bouva, Suriname must make more explicit use of its extensive forest area as an economic asset and as a basis for international cooperation.
