Nieuw Aurora, Upper Suriname – 18 June 2026 – Twelve community-based entrepreneurs, tourism operators, and forestry practitioners from across the Upper Suriname region have taken an important step toward turning their ideas into reality through the Grant Investment Mechanism (GIM), a key component of the Sustainable Forest Livelihoods (SFL) programme.
Funded by the European Union, implemented by WWF-Guianas, and managed by Agence Française de Développement (AFD), the SFL programme provides both financial and technical support to help communities develop sustainable livelihood opportunities while contributing to the conservation of Suriname’s rich natural and cultural heritage.
The programme is implemented in both Suriname and Guyana. In Suriname, it focuses on two regions—Upper Suriname and Para—and a kickoff workshop will also be held in Para in the coming period.
At the kickoff workshop in Nieuw Aurora, selected beneficiaries presented projects designed to create jobs, strengthen local businesses, preserve cultural traditions, and promote the sustainable use of natural resources.
The projects range from nature-based tourism and cultural tourism initiatives to value-added wood processing, traditional boat-building, and innovative biochar production.
Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Captain Harvey Amania expressed appreciation for the opportunity provided through the programme and highlighted the potential positive impact of the projects on local communities, particularly young people. He noted that the initiatives will create opportunities for skills development, entrepreneurship, and employment while encouraging future generations to remain engaged in productive community activities.
Throughout the workshop, beneficiaries shared their visions for the future. Tourism-focused projects will improve accommodation facilities, enhance visitor experiences, and promote the unique cultural heritage of the Saamaka people. Forestry-related initiatives will focus on sustainable wood processing, preserving traditional knowledge, and creating innovative products that add value to local forest resources.
Representatives of the French Embassy and AFD reaffirmed their support for community-led sustainable development in Suriname. French Ambassador Nicolas de Lacoste expressed admiration for the Saamaka culture and the natural beauty of the Upper Suriname region, while AFD Country Representative Pierre Bourguignon underscored the importance of partnerships that enable communities to drive their own development priorities.
Juliette Pawirosonto of WWF-Guianas thanked the European Union, AFD, and local partners for their continued support and congratulated the beneficiaries on reaching this important milestone. She emphasized that the success of the initiative will ultimately be measured by the positive and lasting impact the projects have on communities and their livelihoods.
The workshop also included practical training sessions on project implementation, procurement procedures, financial management, reporting requirements, and grant administration. These sessions were designed to equip beneficiaries with the knowledge and tools needed to successfully manage their projects and meet donor requirements.
Representatives from the Foundation for Tourism Upper Suriname (STBS) and the Foundation for Forest Management and Production Control (SBB) reaffirmed their commitment to supporting beneficiaries throughout the implementation process through ongoing technical guidance and mentorship.
With implementation underway, the twelve projects will soon deliver tangible benefits to communities across the Upper Suriname region.
This group of grantees represent a growing movement of local leaders and entrepreneurs working to create sustainable economic opportunities while safeguarding the forests, culture, and traditions that make the region unique.
