93 % of Suriname’s land area is covered by pristine rainforest, which is vital for the biodiversity and the livelihoods of indigenous and local communities. Despite its value, the forest is vulnerable to deforestation and degradation due to the lack of legal protection, putting over ten million hectares at risk. There is also a lack of collaboration between environmental and indigenous rights organizations, hindering efforts to protect these lands. 

Re:wild aims to contribute to the long-term conservation of Suriname’s forests by mobilizing local civil society and supporting locally-led conservation efforts, strategic advocacy, and legal protection. 

Project Activities

The project, conducted by Re:wild and six local partners, will protect rainforest and indigenous rights through FPIC (Free, Prior, and Informed Consent) processes. A national unit will handle deforestation reports and establish OECMs (Other Effective Area-Based Conservation Measures) to protect one million hectares of forest. Capacity-building activities and a communication campaign will increase engagement in forest protection and support new legislation on conservation and land rights. 

Reason for Project Support

There is now an opportunity to create long-term protection for Suriname’s unique forest. New legal precedents allow for the application of FPIC within the country for the first time. Additionally, two crucial new laws, a conservation law and a land rights law, are being prepared.