Matta and Fredericksdorp Join Forces for Sustainable Tourism
COMMEWIJNE, April 16, 2026 – How do you turn a walk through the forest into a high-quality tourism experience? This was the central question as a delegation from the Indigenous village of Matta met with the team at Frederiksdorp resort for an intensive peer-to-peer exchange.
The activity was part of the Sustainable Forest Livelihoods (SFL) program, a collaborative initiative dedicated to empowering Suriname’s forest-dependent communities. Executed by WWF-Guianas, and funded by the European Union (EU) and the French Development Agency (AFD), the SFL program ensures that local communities cangenerate a sustainable livelihood while remaining guardians of Suriname’s rainforests.
For this exchange, eight representatives from Matta, including local guides and community leaders, traveled to the Commewijne district. While Matta is known for its savanna landscape and Frederiksdorp for its plantation history, the two share a common goal: developing nature-based tourism activities.
Led by the SFL team, the group had the chance to experience Frederiksdorp’s activities firsthand. By exploring the resort's trails, they saw how history and nature can be woven into a physical hike that captivates both local and international visitors.
During the walkthrough and reflection session, several strategies for Matta’s upcoming cultural trail emerged. The Matta team was inspired by ideas such as using storytelling to honor their ancestors and integrating unique local products directly into the tour experience. The core message was clear: authenticity sells.
The visit also highlighted that for Matta, tourism is more than just business; it is a way to preserve their heritage. By partnering with tour operators and ensuring "benefit sharing," where profits are distributed fairly across the village, Matta can become an interesting destination on the Surinamese tourism map.
As the activity concluded and the group headed back to Matta, the atmosphere was one of inspiration. They didn't just bring back notes; they brought back a vision for a sustainable future where the savanna and its stories are protected and celebrated for generations to come.
