LocationsFreshwater safety and security in Suriname through enhanced water management
September 27, 2023
The Integrated Water Resources Management Symposium focusing on the final achievements of the project titled ‘Capacity Building for Integrated Water Resources Management in Suriname’, took place in Paramaribo on 11th September 2023. The event brought together key experts and decision makers to discuss and take stock of good practices and recommendations for water management and water safety and security in Suriname. The symposium was organized within the framework of the Global Climate Alliance Suriname Adaptation project implemented in partnership with the Water Forum Suriname, funded by the United Nations development Programme (UNDP) and the European Union (EU), supported by the Government of Suriname.
The President of Suriname, Mr. Chandrikapersad Santhoki in his keynote address announced a number of government policy decisions to improve water management in Suriname.
Amongst others, a Sub-council of Ministers for Water Management has been installed constituted by the 5 Ministers of Natural Resources, Spatial Planning and Environment, Regional Development and Sports, Public Works and Agriculture, Animal Husbandry and Fisheries. The ministers are tasked with improving the legislative framework for water management to ensure the protection of the Surinamese aquifers and to guarantee safe drinking water for the population and future generations.
His Excellency President Chandrikapersad Santokhi, received a copy of the Publication of the Executive Summary of the project results achieved by Stichting Waterforum
His Excellency Renee van Nes, the European Union (EU) Ambassador for Guyana and Suriname, based in Georgetown, joined the event virtually. Honored to make remarks, He mentioned the importance of water on a global level and the challenge and threat that climate change represents across the world, including in Suriname to the availability of water in the future.
Addressing the participants, the new Deputy Resident Representative and head of UNDP office in Suriname, Mr Berdi Berdiyev underscored the support provided on high quality weather, climate, hydrological and related services which form the basis for effective measures on climate adaptation and resilience. He thanked the partners for their commitment and cooperation in ensuring the successful implementation of the project. He also noted the importance of data collection research and analysis on surface water quality, weather, and water levels to improve decision making for quality of life for those who are affected by climate change impacts of flooding, salination and extended dry periods. He quoted the Secretary General of the UN regarding the instrumental role that water has in the socio-economic development of every nation.
The Minister of Public Works, Riad Nurmohammed, one of the speakers acknowledged the instrumental role the EU and UNDP played through the GCCA+ Phase 2 project in strengthening the institutional capacity of his Ministry with regards to climate and surface water data collection.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Natural Resources, Mrs. Gonda Asadang, who represented Minister David Abiamofo called the attention of those present to steps taken by the Ministry of Natural Resources for Coordinated National Water Management.
The new Deputy Resident Representative of the UNDP in Suriname, Berdi Berdiyev, expressed gratitude for meeting the President and discussing Suriname's commitment to freshwater security with esteemed government officials.
The symposium was hosted by Stichting Waterforum Suriname in observation of the completion of the project titled, ‘Capacity building for Integrated Water Resources Management’. The project is funded by the GCCA+ Phase 2 Project which is financed by the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) and the European Union (EU), with support from the Suriname Government.
All participants received a copy of the Publication of the Executive Summary of the project results achieved by Stichting Waterforum.