Suriname's watchdog for nature, the National Environmental Authority (NMA), will celebrate its first anniversary next Saturday. During a ceremonial gathering Friday at its headquarters on Zinniastraat, director Vanuessa Gefferie emphasized that the coming year will be dedicated to three pillars: sharpening societal environmental awareness, streamlining permitting and anticipating growing oil and gas activities. "Our biodiversity is a unique asset and it is our duty to manage and preserve it for generations to come," Gefferie stated.
Since its operationalization on July 26, 2024, the NMA has positioned itself as the authority for setting ecological standards, conducting quality monitoring of air, water and soil, and facilitating sound environmental impact assessments. Says Gefferie, "Our role extends beyond regulation; we want to guide companies in implementing sustainable processes and minimizing their environmental footprint."
Oil, Gas and Environment Minister Patrick Brunings also underlined the importance of the NMA for Suriname's green transition. He praised the authority for its clout in the first year and expressed confidence in the further expansion of its capabilities. "The NMA is indispensable in the roadmap to 'Suriname 3.0': a vision of the future in which economic growth goes hand in hand with ecological integrity and social prosperity," Brunings said. Among those present was Sylvano Tjon A Hin, former Minister of Spatial Planning and the Environment.
In its first year, the NMA launched various public campaigns from plastic reduction to water quality testing in vulnerable areas and built partnerships with local communities, business and international partners. For the near future, deepening education programs, intensifying compliance monitoring and establishing strategic cooperation projects in the oil and gas sector are on the agenda. With this course, the NMA aims not only to reduce the environmental burden, but also to create a sustainable growth framework in which nature, economy and society are in balance.
