Small Country Gets Huge Investment for Its Forests

The small South American country of Suriname received $15 million from the European Union (EU) as part of an investment in sustainable forest management, thus protecting ecosystems and biodiversity.

“Suriname must not fall prey to destructive practices in our forests, which have a net absorption of about 20 million tons of CO₂ per year,” says Conservation International Suriname. “We can’t afford to lose that in our efforts — and our commitments in global forums — to fight climate change along with the rest of the world.”

The EU set up a Multi-Annual Indicative Program (MIP) destined to improve village communities’ living standards by providing technical support for sustainable development of the timber sector and non-timber forest products, and Suriname is eligible for such support. The protection and the restoration of mangrove forests, and responsible forest management are among the reforms proposed by the MIP program. It is the latest investment Suriname receives, as it has already secured $55 million from the International Monetary Fund for its forest management policy. Suriname has one of the world’s highest forest cover with 88% — Gabon is in first place with 93% of forest coverage — and both countries deepen their relationship in forest policy, forest monitoring, and charging for ecosystem services.