Under the European Union-funded Sustainable Forest Livelihoods (SFL) program, WWF-Guianas has launched three new community projects in Suriname. These projects aim to conserve healthy forests and natural resources while strengthening the livelihoods of forest-dependent communities. The total investment amounts to over €560,000.
During an official ceremony at the new WWF office in Paramaribo, representatives of Tropenbos Suriname, CELOS (Center for Agricultural Research in Suriname) and the Jan Starke Training and Recreation Center (JSOOC) presented their concrete plans. The meeting was attended by representatives of partner organizations, including the French Development Agency (AFD), which acts as the program's executive partner. "Together, we support sustainable, income-generating activities that both protect the Amazon and strengthen the resilience of local communities," said Pierre Bourguignon (AFD).
Focus on value chains and local capacity building
The projects focus on improving value chains, agroforestry and woodworking. Local capacity building, gender inclusion and knowledge transfer are key.
1. Strengthening Maripa oil production in Upper Suriname.
Tropenbos Suriname, in cooperation with the agro cooperative Hatti Wai, Foundation for Productive Work Units and the Council for Cooperatives, will strengthen the Maripa oil chain in Pikin Slee and surrounding villages. This oil, traditionally produced by women, will now be harvested more sustainably and processed semi-mechanically. Training in entrepreneurship and market development is planned for both direct and indirect beneficiaries in Botopasi and Futunakaba.
2. Agroforestry model in Para by CELOS
In Cassipora and Philipusdorp, CELOS will pilot an innovative agroforestry model that integrates trees and crops for increased productivity and ecosystem conservation. The model builds on indigenous knowledge and strengthens the role of women and youth. Through knowledge exchange, it will also invest in communities such as Bernharddorp, Bigi Poika, Matta, Hollandse Kamp and others in the Para region.
3. Wood processing and training in Sandy
The JSOOC will rehabilitate a wood processing unit into a full-fledged training and demonstration center. Here, indigenous and maroon communities in Para will have access to practical training in primary and secondary woodworking. The project focuses on sustainable value creation within the timber sector and promotes local entrepreneurship.
Sustainable and future-oriented
The projects run until the end of 2026 (JSOOC) and early 2027 (Tropenbos and CELOS). Sustainable, self-sustaining results are targeted, embedded in local knowledge and ownership.
"The launch of these activities demonstrates exactly what the SFL program is about: strengthening resilient communities, promoting inclusive economic growth and conserving Suriname's precious forests," said Johanna Langbroek, Country Director at WWF-Guianas.
