During the third Steering Committee Meeting for Suriname, part of the EU-funded Sustainable Forest Livelihoods (SFL) programme for communities in Guyana and Suriname, the implementing partners – SBB and WWF-Guianas – shared recent progress and achievements.
In their opening remarks, Layla El Khadroui, Policy and Programme Officer for the European Union in Guyana, and Pierre Bourguignon, Country Manager of Agence Française de Développement (AFD), underscored that the program now has a solid foundation and is ready for the next phase. Although it has taken more time than initially anticipated to reach this point, the deliberate and thorough approach was recognized as essential for long-term success.
Both the Foundation for Forest Management and Production Control (SBB) and WWF-Guianas have made significant progress in implementing their work plans. These efforts include the procurement of vehicles, preparations for establishing additional checkpoints for SBB, and new collaborations with Tropenbos Suriname and CELOS for WWF-Guianas. During the meeting, these organisations took the opportunity to present their specific contributions to strengthening the agroforestry value chain.
A key topic was the presentation of the Grant Investment Mechanism – the instrument that will enable communities and local entrepreneurs in the Para district and Boven-Suriname region to access financial support through the SFL programme. The proposal was met with enthusiasm, and Steering Committee members offered valuable feedback and suggestions to help refine and optimize the mechanism.
The Steering Committee brings together representatives from government, the private sector, and traditional Indigenous and Tribal authorities. This diversity makes the dialogue particularly meaningful, as each member contributes a unique perspective to strengthen the programme’s impact. The meeting concluded with an informal gathering that allowed participants to reconnect, exchange ideas, and explore opportunities for future collaboration in a relaxed setting.
About SFL
Sustainable Forest Livelihoods (SFL) for communities in Guyana and Suriname is a €10 million programme aimed at preserving healthy forests and natural resources while improving the livelihoods of local communities. The programme, funded by the European Union (EU) in partnership with the French Development Agency (AFD) and with lead execution from WWF, focuses on economic empowerment through sustainable, nature-based livelihood initiatives targeting consciously selected value chains.
In their opening remarks, Layla El Khadroui, Policy and Programme Officer for the European Union in Guyana, and Pierre Bourguignon, Country Manager of Agence Française de Développement (AFD), underscored that the program now has a solid foundation and is ready for the next phase. Although it has taken more time than initially anticipated to reach this point, the deliberate and thorough approach was recognized as essential for long-term success.
Both the Foundation for Forest Management and Production Control (SBB) and WWF-Guianas have made significant progress in implementing their work plans. These efforts include the procurement of vehicles, preparations for establishing additional checkpoints for SBB, and new collaborations with Tropenbos Suriname and CELOS for WWF-Guianas. During the meeting, these organisations took the opportunity to present their specific contributions to strengthening the agroforestry value chain.
A key topic was the presentation of the Grant Investment Mechanism – the instrument that will enable communities and local entrepreneurs in the Para district and Boven-Suriname region to access financial support through the SFL programme. The proposal was met with enthusiasm, and Steering Committee members offered valuable feedback and suggestions to help refine and optimize the mechanism.
The Steering Committee brings together representatives from government, the private sector, and traditional Indigenous and Tribal authorities. This diversity makes the dialogue particularly meaningful, as each member contributes a unique perspective to strengthen the programme’s impact. The meeting concluded with an informal gathering that allowed participants to reconnect, exchange ideas, and explore opportunities for future collaboration in a relaxed setting.
About SFL
Sustainable Forest Livelihoods (SFL) for communities in Guyana and Suriname is a €10 million programme aimed at preserving healthy forests and natural resources while improving the livelihoods of local communities. The programme, funded by the European Union (EU) in partnership with the French Development Agency (AFD) and with lead execution from WWF, focuses on economic empowerment through sustainable, nature-based livelihood initiatives targeting consciously selected value chains.
