On Saturday, March 28, Suriname joined millions around the world in marking Earth Hour 2026. Organized by WWF-Guianas, the event transformed a symbolic hour of darkness into a powerful call for action. Under the theme “We Need Wildlife, Wildlife Needs Us,” this year’s celebration went far beyond switching off lights, bringing together communities, experts, and decision-makers to reflect, connect, and commit to protecting Suriname’s extraordinary natural heritage.
Hosted at Clevia Park, the event unfolded as a vibrant, full-day experience. The afternoon began with an exclusive session focused on one of the most urgent environmental challenges facing the country: wildlife crime.
Participants in the wildlife crime debate included government representatives, including Minister of Oil, Gas and Environment (OGM), Patrick Brunings, and Minister of Spatial Planning and Forest Management (GBB), Stanley Soeropawiro, alongside conservationists, researchers, and international partners. The session featured a screening of the documentary De Jacht op de Jaguar by Humberto Tan, followed by a thought-provoking discussion. The conversation shed light on the hidden realities behind illegal wildlife trade and its deep connections to other sectors, including gold mining.
Participants emphasized that wildlife crime is not a simple issue, but a complex system involving multiple layers, from local actors to international trafficking networks. The discussion highlighted how financial flows from illegal gold mining often overlap with the trade in jaguar parts, reinforcing the need for stronger enforcement and bold decision-making.
At the same time, participants pointed to a critical challenge: fragmented data. Information on jaguar populations and poaching is currently scattered across institutions, making coordinated action difficult. A shared vision emerged for a centralized data system that would support research, inform policy, and strengthen conservation efforts, while still protecting sensitive information.
Encouragingly, the discussion also looked ahead to concrete solutions. As Minister Brunings noted, Suriname is on the verge of its first carbon credit sale, with revenues expected to support rainforest protection and biodiversity conservation. International partnerships, including support from European stakeholders and continued investment through programs like Makandra, reflect growing international confidence in Suriname’s role as a steward of nature.
Speakers stressed that conservation is not only an environmental priority, but also an economic opportunity. Protecting iconic species like the jaguar strengthens Suriname’s identity and supports the growth of eco-tourism.
Changing Perceptions, Building Awareness
While policy and enforcement are critical, lasting change also depends on how people perceive wildlife. Human-wildlife conflict is often driven by fear. This is especially true when it involves big cats such as jaguars and pumas. Raising awareness about the ecological role of these animals is essential to shifting perceptions and reducing conflict.
As the afternoon transitioned into evening, the event opened to the public, welcoming families and communities to engage with Suriname’s biodiversity in an interactive way. Visitors explored educational booths, joined workshops, and participated in activities designed to inspire curiosity and appreciation for nature.
The evening program was made possible through the strong collaboration of NGOs active in conservation across Suriname, as well as the valued support of local businesses, whose contributions helped bring the event to life.
Children played a central role, taking part in a lively wildlife trail and creative sessions. The atmosphere was one of celebration, learning, and shared purpose.
At 8:00 PM, the lights went out. In that moment of darkness, the message of Earth Hour came to life. Through music, dance, and storytelling, the lights-off ceremony became a powerful reminder of what is at stake and what can still be protected.
Earth Hour 2026 in Suriname demonstrated that meaningful change requires collective effort. From strengthening policies and international collaboration to inspiring communities and empowering youth, every action counts.
As the message echoed throughout the evening: protecting wildlife is not just about saving species, it is about safeguarding the future of Suriname itself.
