Galibi Strengthens Community Monitoring with New Drone
Captains, represenstatives of STIDUNAL and WWF-Guianas pose with the new drone during the official handover in Galibi.
Galibi, Suriname – June 11, 2026 – The Indigenous community of Galibi has taken an important step in strengthening its monitoring capacity with the official handover of a high-tech drone to Stichting STIDUNAL. The handover took place under the GREAT Ocean Project, an initiative of WWF-Guianas that supports coastal communities in the sustainable management of marine and coastal ecosystems.
With the drone, Galibi now has access to a modern tool for collecting data on activities within its coastal and marine areas. The technology offers new opportunities to document developments at sea and along the coastline, while providing greater insight into changes occurring within the community’s traditional territory.
During a gathering attended by village leaders, representatives of Stichting STIDUNAL, and WWF-Guianas, the drone was officially handed over. For the community, this marks an important milestone in the continued development of local monitoring initiatives.
The significance of the moment was highlighted by Ricardo Pane, Captain of Christiaankondre in Galibi:
“Today is a great day for Galibi. I dare say that this is a historic moment.”
The handover of the drone is the result of a long-standing collaboration between the community and WWF-Guianas. Immediately following the ceremony, the monitoring team began a training programme to learn how to operate the equipment safely and effectively.
The drone enables the community to support its observations with aerial imagery and photographs, helping to document activities at sea and along the coast more accurately.
According to Soraya Wijntuin of WWF-Guianas, the drone creates new opportunities to strengthen observations with visual evidence:
“In addition to telling us what you see, you can now also show evidence: these are the boats, this is how many there are, and here are sea turtles. You can take photos of boat registration numbers and colours, as well as sea turtles on the beach. We can then share that data with the Fisheries Department and Nature Conservation authorities.”
The information collected can contribute to a better understanding of fishing activities, changes along the coastline, and the presence of sargassum. Where relevant, the data can be shared with the appropriate authorities responsible for further assessment and possible enforcement action.
Investing in Local Capacity
Following the handover, a practical training session was held for the six drone operators designated by STIDUNAL. The training covered drone operation, safety procedures, data collection, and the responsible use of the equipment.
The training programme forms part of a broader effort under the GREAT Ocean Project to strengthen local capacity and equip communities with the knowledge and tools needed for effective monitoring.
Adley Breeveld of WWF-Guianas emphasized that developing new skills takes time and that learning comes through practice:
“It won’t be perfect in the beginning. That’s why we will practice together and continue improving. There is no such thing as a stupid question. If you don’t know something, please let us know.”
Village leadership also encouraged the local drone operators to embrace the opportunity to gain new skills and apply them for the benefit of the community. Selowin Alamijawari, Captain of Langamankondre in Galibi, shared a clear message with the participants:
“If you have the opportunity to learn, you should take it. Learn how to use this tool. Once you master it, you will be helping the entire community.”
With the introduction of the drone, Galibi now has a valuable new tool for community-based monitoring. The technology supports the community in collecting information about its coastal and marine areas while strengthening collaboration with partners and relevant authorities.
About the GREAT Ocean Project
The Guianas Regional Action for a Thriving (GREAT) Ocean Project is funded by the Agence Française de Développement (AFD) and Accor. The project supports coastal communities across the Guianas in strengthening the sustainable management of marine and coastal ecosystems. Through capacity building, technology, collaboration, and knowledge exchange, the project works to improve monitoring, data collection, and decision-making for healthier oceans and more resilient coastal communities.
