Over recent months, community representatives and entrepreneurs from different regions of Suriname participated in a series of peer-to-peer (P2P) exchanges under the Sustainable Forest Livelihoods for communities of Guyana and Suriname (SFL Guyana and Suriname)' Programme. These participants were selected through the programme’s Grant Investment Mechanism, which supports sustainable livelihood initiatives within forest-dependent communities. The SFL Programme is implemented by WWF-Guianas, funded by the European Union (EU) and managed by Agence Française de Développement (AFD).
Rather than relying solely on classroom-based training, the programme promotes learning through direct exchanges between communities facing similar opportunities and challenges. In its first phase, the programme focuses on strengthening the tourism value chain.
One exchange focused on the development of cultural walking trails and storytelling as a tourism product. Representatives from the Indigenous village of Matta visited Plantation Frederiksdorp in Commewijne to learn how history, culture, and nature can be combined into engaging visitor experiences. Discussions highlighted the growing value of authentic tourism experiences and demonstrated how local stories and traditions can become important assets for community-based tourism.
"The visit showed us that a trail is much more than a path through the forest. Every story, tradition, and cultural practice can become part of the visitor experience while helping us preserve our heritage," said Village Chief Wendeline Sabajo of Matta.
Another key focus area was the development of an Indigenous museum in Powakka. Representatives from Powakka, Casipora, and Pierre Kondre participated in learning visits to the Bakkie Museum in Commewijne and the Saamaka Museum in Pikinslee in the Upper Suriname area. During these exchanges, participants gained practical insights into museum development, cultural preservation, and community management. At the Saamaka Museum, the founders of Totomboti shared their experiences on how cultural initiatives can contribute to education, tourism, and local economic development through activities such as guided tours and the sale of locally made products.
"What inspired me most was seeing how a community can tell its own story through a museum. It showed us that preserving culture can also create opportunities for education, tourism, and income generation," said Lloyd Read, Village Chief of Pierre Kondre.
Participants also emphasized the importance of preserving cultural heritage and ensuring that traditional knowledge and stories are passed on to younger generations. The programme additionally organized a three-day exchange at Danpaati River Lodge in Upper Suriname, where tourism operators and community representatives explored integrated tourism packages as a sustainable business model. Through village walks, cultural activities, hospitality observations, and business coaching sessions, participants strengthened their understanding of guest services, pricing strategies, business planning, and the integration of local culture into tourism products.
”This meeting was incredibly educational. It showed us not only how to improve our current approach but also how to avoid mistakes. I am returning home with concrete ideas and procedures that I am going to put straight onto paper to take my business further" said Mr. Renche Adame, owner of Kosindo River Lodge.
Across all exchanges, a common message emerged: sustainable development is strongest when communities lead their own journey and learn from one another.
The peer-to-peer approach under the SFL Guyana and Suriname Programme demonstrates that communities possess valuable knowledge and experiences that can inspire practical solutions elsewhere. By creating spaces for collaboration and shared learning, communities are strengthening their capacity to develop initiatives that generate income, preserve cultural heritage, and protect Suriname’s forests for future generations.
As these initiatives continue to grow, they represent more than individual projects. They form part of a broader vision in which economic opportunities and environmental stewardship go hand in hand, creating stronger and more resilient communities throughout Suriname.
