LocationsA Collaborative Effort for Sustainable Development in Climate Change Adaptation
GCCA+ Phase 2 Project Concludes with Inspirational Closing Event in Paramaribo and Knowledge Sharing Event in Nieuw-Nickerie
June 3, 2024
Opening remarks by Berdi Berdiyev, Deputy Resident Representative for Suriname, on day 1 at the closing event
GCCA+, April 2024
The Global Climate Change Alliance Plus (GCCA+) Phase 2 project concluded with a two-day event held at the Royal Ballroom in Suriname on April 29th and 30th 2024. The event was warmly welcomed by Berdi Berdiyev representing UNDP Suriname and Latoya Williams, representative of the EU Delegation in Guyana with responsibility for Suriname, who delivered opening remarks on behalf of the EU Ambassador. Ministers Riad Nurmohamed of the Ministry of Public Works and Marciano Dasai of the Ministry of Spatial Planning and Environment, delivered inspiring remarks, setting the stage for a day of reflection and celebration.
The closing event with a duration of two days, provided an opportunity to reflect on the collaborative endeavors and outstanding achievements made during the project's tenure. The event celebrated the collective efforts and partnerships forged during the GCCA+ Phase 2 project. Esteemed partners such as the Ministry of Public Works, the Ministry of Land Policy and Forest Management, the Ministry of Natural Resources, the District Commissioner of Nickerie, the Foundation for Forest Management and Production Control (SBB), the Center for Agricultural Research Suriname (CELOS), Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA), Water Forum Foundation (SWF), Stigeosu, Villa Zapakara, National Disaster Management Coordination Center (NCCR), the Suriname Red Cross and community members joined, in commemorating the project's successes.
Berdi Berdiyev, Deputy Resident Representative for Suriname, commended the significant progress Suriname has made in improving its climate resilience over the past four years. Mr. Berdiyev expressed sincere appreciation to all institutions, partners, and participants for their invaluable contributions to the project’s success, emphasizing the alignment of these contributions with global commitments to combat climate change.
The distinguished guests in attendance during the presentations on day 1 at the closing event in Paramaribo, included Ms. Latoya Williams, representative of the EU; Mr. Riad Nurmohammed, Minister of Public Works; Mr. Marciano Dasai, Minister of ROM; and Mr. Radjendrekoemar Debie, Chairman of the Climate Change Commission
GCCA+, April 2024
The Minister of Public Works, Riad Nurmohamed, remarked on the significance of the GCCA+ initiative, which has positively impacted Suriname in various ways. One of the primary advantages of the project has been the enhancement of data collection and analysis, which has made Suriname more established, globally. This has been accomplished through the strengthening of institutions, capacity building, and upgrading laboratories and instruments within the Ministry of Public Works.
Minister Marciano Dasai of Spatial Planning and Environment noted the considerable importance of the GCCA+ Suriname project. He mentioned an article from 1998 that warned about the consequences of climate change, such as sea level rise, flooding, erosion, and drought. "Today, we are witnessing the actuality of climate change, a phenomenon that was doubted by many at that time," said the Minister. He praised the invaluable support of the GCCA+ Phase 2 Project in safeguarding the coastal regions, agricultural lands, and freshwater resources. The EU representative, Latoya Williams, acknowledged the EU's long-standing support for Suriname through the GCCA+ initiative. This initiative has funded over 51 programs globally since 2007 with the aim to enhance climate change adaptation in vulnerable countries and support several Sustainable Development Goals She further mentioned that the EU supported Suriname since 2016 under the GCCA+ initiative with a total envelope of €8 million. Additionally, Ms. Williams noted that the EU will provide a grant of €3,060,000 million for the protection and restoration of mangrove forest in Suriname before the end of 2024. Ms. Williams expressed gratitude to the UNDP and all stakeholders for their collaboration and promised to continue supporting Suriname in its climate resilience work.
On day 2 attendees during the reflection on day one at the closing event in Paramaribo
GCCA+, April 2024
On 30 April (the second day of the event) in Torarica, the Permanent Secretary of Water at the Ministry of Natural Resources, Gonda Asadang, delivered a speech emphasizing the importance of adopting an integrated approach to water management. Mrs. Asadang noted that without an integrated approach, the future availability of drinking water cannot be guaranteed. The Permanent Secretary’s insights serve as a reminder of the critical need to implement sustainable water management practices to ensure that future generations have access to safe and reliable drinking water.
A knowledge-sharing event was also held in Nieuw-Nickerie as part of the closing activities of the GCCA+ Phase 2 Project, on May 9th and 10th 2024. In an impressive display of collaboration and achievement project partners, including the Ministry of Public Works, the Ministry of Land Policy and Forest Management, SBB, CELOS, IICA, Stigeosu, and the Surinamese Red Cross, came together in Nieuw-Nickerie on May 9th and 10th 2024, to showcase their successes and commemorate their achievements.
Special recognition for those who significantly contributed to the success of the GCCA+ project from 2016 to 2024
GCCA+, April 2024
The District Commissioner of District Coronie Mr. Maikel Winter, and Mrs. Senrita Gobardhan District Commissioner of District Nickerie addressed the knowledge event, emphasizing the importance of collaboration.
The presence of the local authorities highlighted their commitment to support initiatives to foster sustainable development and improve livelihoods. The event represented a significant milestone in their journey, which shows the power of working together to accomplish a shared goal.
A highlight of the closing event was the engagement of more than 300 future leaders from grades 7 and 8 of the primary schools from various districts in an interactive expo focused on environmental concepts such as mangrove gardens. Children from primary schools enthusiastically participated, displaying their eagerness to learn and contribute to environmental conservation. The project partners were instrumental in the success of the expo possible in reflection of a collective effort to nurture eco-conscious leaders for tomorrow.
Children from primary schools enthusiastically participated, displaying their eagerness to learn and contribute to environmental conservation at the closing event in Paramaribo
GCCA+, April 2024
From 2019 to 2024, the GCCA+ PMU acknowledged the remarkable individuals who made significant contributions to the success of the GCCA+ project. This special recognition celebrates their unwavering dedication, hard work, and invaluable input towards realizing the project's objectives. The award recipients were chosen based on their proactive approach, adherence to UNDP procedures, problem-solving abilities, surpassing expectations for the greater good, commitment to goal-oriented actions, and dedication to project outcomes without financial incentives.
The closing event of the GCCA+ Phase 2 project in Suriname was not just a conclusion but a celebration of resilience, collaboration, and dedication to adaptation to climate change. As stakeholders reflected on the journey and celebrated achievements, the event served as a testament to the power of collective action in addressing pressing environmental challenges. Moving forward, the lessons learned, and partnerships formed will undoubtedly continue to guide Suriname toward a more sustainable and resilient future.
Children from primary schools from various districts in an interactive expo focused on environmental concepts such as mangrove gardens at the closing event in Paramaribo
GCCA+, April 2024