Text and image Edwien Bodjie
Paramaribo – “The recent discoveries of oil and gas offer our country enormous opportunities, but we must prevent us from focusing exclusively on this sector and thus falling into the pitfall of economic dependence. Suriname has an abundance of natural resources, but we have to deal with this responsibly to avoid negative consequences. ” For example, Minister Marciano Dasai of Spatial Planning and the Environment (ROM) spoke at the official presentation of the Green Development Strategy (GOS) in Assuria High-Rise.
The minister said that with the policy document a contribution should be made to sustainable growth and the well -being of Surinamese society, while retaining the natural riches of the country. President Chandrikapersad Santokhi pointed out that the GOS is not a temporary project, but a policy plan that must be rolled out over several decades. “This plan requires the involvement of both society and political parties and institutions. Only through joint efforts can we achieve the set goals. “
“Society will soon notice the impact of the GOS, because the objectives will be converted into concrete actions”
Viren Ajodhia
He called it essential that Suriname retains his status as ‘carbon negative’ (carbon credit) country through forest protection, even while economic growth is being pursued. To legally anchor this policy, the government will submit a proposal to the National Assembly, so that it can be made in phases.
Important pillars within the strategy are education and knowledge development. Santokhi argued for the introduction of courses of study that focus on sustainability and carbon credits, similar to the training in the oil and gas sector. “We must ensure that Surinamese themselves develop the expertise to manage these sectors, so that we do not become dependent on foreign experts.”
Santokhi also spoke about the growing consequences of climate change and mentioned, among other things, floods, drought and the insulation of communities. “We have to think about how we finance climate adaptation and how we can support farmers in extreme weather conditions. These are urgent issues that can no longer be ignored. ” He appealed to the international community to financially support countries such as Suriname in their efforts to combat climate change.
Balance
The GOS falls under the Ministry of Rom and is the guideline for economic and ecological development in the next 25 years. Dasai said that the document will serve as a guideline to prevent mistakes from the past from repeating and to help make more sustainable choices. “The income from oil and gas should not be at the expense of our nature and forests. Through a strong focus on good governance and compliance with the GOS guidelines, we can build a sustainable and prosperous Suriname. We have to invest in innovative sectors such as IT, smart agricultural techniques and other industries with a minimal impact on the environment. ”
The strategy was developed in eighteen months, in collaboration with local and international experts and organizations. The policy document contains detailed guidelines for sectoral development, environmental protection and good governance and is publicly available.
Viren Ajodhia, project manager of the GOS and responsible for the set -up and composition of the document, says that the strategy must now be in the implementation phase. “Society will soon notice the impact of the GOS, because the objectives are converted into concrete actions.”
One of the most important spearheads is the smart investment of our oil and gas income in sustainable projects. He underlined that the need for the GOS is widely worn and therefore must be supported not only by the government, but also by the private sector and social organizations play an active role. Representatives of the United Nations Development Program spoke about the advisory role of abroad when the GOS comes. They also spoke about the impact of the GOS on human rights, among other things, and mentioned the indigenous and tribal peoples.
No paper tiger
According to the GOS, the gross domestic product per inhabitant of the current level of five thousand US dollars a year can grow to fifty thousand US dollars in 2050, without harming the environment.
Monique Pool, who was involved in the development of the GOS on behalf of Green Heritage Fund and the citizens’ initiative, emphasized the importance of implementation. “The vision is now, but implementation is the key. We must ensure that this policy does not remain a paper reality, but is actually converted into action. ”
The full room of Assuria High-Rise, decorated with green accents that match the theme, was filled with representatives from the business community, environmental groups and civil society.
