During New York Climate Week in late September, the government of Suriname announced a momentous step: permanently protecting 90% of its forest cover. The announcement, made by Minister of Foreign Affairs Melvin WJ Bouva on behalf of President Jennifer Geerlings-Simons, came during the Global Citizen NOW: Impact Sessions, a few weeks before COP30 in Belém, Brazil.
A gesture that goes well beyond the global “30×30” objective, which aims to protect 30% of the territory and oceans by 2030.
Suriname is today the country with the highest forest cover in the world: approximately 93% of its territory is covered by tropical forest, much of which is primary and intact. These forests sequester more than 900 million tons of carbon, helping to keep the country among the few in the world to be a net carbon sink.
“We understand and accept the immense responsibility of managing more than 15 million hectares of tropical rainforest,” said President Geerlings-Simons. “We envision an economy powered by our forests and biodiversity, while ensuring decent incomes for all citizens.”
A commitment that goes beyond environmental conservation: the government aims to develop a bioeconomy model, supported by an update of the national legislation on protected areas expected by the end of the year.
This new law aims to strengthen legal protection of forests and recognize the ancestral lands of indigenous and tribal communities, paving the way for new opportunities in nature, cultural tourism and the carbon market.
A global coalition for nature
Supporting the Suriname initiative is an international coalition of environmental organizations, including Rainforest Trust, Re:wild, Andes Amazon Fund, Art into Acres and the Liz Claiborne and Art Ortenberg Foundation, who have committed $20 million to launch protected areas and conservation projects.
“President Geerlings-Simons’ commitment is nothing short of historic,” commented James Deutsch, CEO of Rainforest Trust. “It shows that Suriname is ready to lead the protection of nature and the fight against climate change not only in words, but in deeds.”
Russell Mittermeier, head of conservation at Re:wild, also underlined the value of the gesture: “This sets a new standard for the entire Amazon region. Suriname’s leadership is truly unprecedented and the country’s future has never been brighter.”
For John Goedschalk, an expert on climate change and biodiversity, the new legislation “will constitute the cornerstone of conservation in Suriname for generations to come”. The law, he added, “will democratize conservation by making it inclusive and economically sustainable, introducing biospheres and conservation areas for indigenous communities”.
Re:wild’s director for Latin America, Chris Jordan, also recalled the cultural importance of the commitment: “By protecting what makes Suriname unique, this administration is safeguarding benefits not only for its people, but for the entire planet.”
A model for other nations
Suriname is home to extraordinary biodiversity: over 700 species of birds, 100 species of amphibians such as the colorful okopipi (poisonous blue dart frog), and iconic mammals such as jaguars, tapirs and giant river otters. A natural and cultural heritage that the country intends to transform into a driver of sustainable development.
“With vision and leadership we can do more, together,” said Haley Mellin, founder of Art into Acres. “Suriname is demonstrating that protecting nature and defending the rights of indigenous peoples can go hand in hand.”
For Enrique Ortiz of the Andes Amazon Fund, “protecting at least 90% of forests is crucial for the ecological connectivity of the Guyanas and the Amazon biome”.
A green beacon for the Planet
In an era marked by the climate crisis and growing deforestation, tiny Suriname — nestled between Guyana and Brazil — presents itself as a global model of environmental leadership with a vision of the future where conservation and prosperity can coexist.
As Megan MacDowell of the Andes Amazon Fund said: “Suriname is building an economy based on protecting nature, maintaining its status as the greenest country on Earth.”
