A special sustainability project was recently successfully implemented in the Upper Suriname region: the maripa oil project in the village of Pikin Slee. This initiative is part of the international Sustainable Forest Livelihoods (SFL) program, which focuses on the economic empowerment of indigenous and tribal communities in Suriname and Guyana. The program simultaneously aims to conserve tropical rainforest, which plays a critical role in regional biodiversity and global climate goals.
Regional program with local roots
The SFL program is funded by the European Union and the Agence Française de Développement (AFD). It is implemented through partners such as WWF-Guianas, Tropenbos Suriname, and the Amazon Conservation Team (ACT). These organizations work with communities living in and off the forest to develop sustainable sources of income that do not harm the ecosystem. In Suriname, the focus is on villages in South Suriname, the Para region and the Upper Suriname region, such as Pikin Slee. Through practical support, training and small-scale investments, projects are made possible that fit the local culture and available natural resources.
Traditional knowledge as a basis for economic development
In Pikin Slee, the decision was made to produce maripa oil - a product traditionally used within the community. The maripa palm is common in the region, and the oil from its seeds is known for its nourishing properties. Under the guidance of Tropenbos Suriname and the women's organization Hatti Wai U.A., a local processing plant was set up. Women from the village received training in efficiently harvesting, cooking and pressing the oil, and also learned how to package and market the product attractively. These trainings not only increased knowledge of modern production techniques, but also boosted the self-confidence of the women involved. The maripa oil is now sold in the region, and expansion to markets in Paramaribo and beyond is underway.
Noticeable impact on the community
The maripa oil project has led to greater economic independence for the women in Pikin Slee. They now play an active role in generating income for their families and the village, and have a voice in the development of the project through the cooperative structure. Young people in the village are also showing interest, which offers prospects for knowledge transfer and continuity. Moreover, the project has been a stimulus for broader community cooperation, harmoniously combining traditional customs and modern market strategies. Locally available resources and the strengthening of existing knowledge thus contribute in a tangible way to poverty reduction and nature conservation.
Applying for funding within the SFL program
Communities wishing to start their own sustainable initiative can orient themselves through local NGOs working with the SFL program. What is essential is that the project idea is in line with the natural and cultural context of the community, such as the use of non-timber forest products, ecotourism or agroforestry. With support in writing project proposals, and through partners such as WWF or Tropenbos, communities can access funding, training and technical support. The story of Pikin Slee shows that successful bottom-up development is possible when trust, cooperation and vision are present. This makes the maripa oil project not only an economic initiative, but also an example of how sustainable development can take shape in Suriname - rooted in the strength of the community itself.
