Date of Workshop: September 23 - 24, 2023

Workshop Coordinator: Giani Razab-Sekh

Suriname, a small country on the northeast coast of South America, is the most forested country on Earth, with 93% of its land covered by forest. Part of the Guiana Shield, its landscapes include coastal mangroves and tropical forests teeming with rare wildlife species. These forests are vital to Indigenous and Maroon communities, providing food, medicines, and building materials. Due to its low population density, Suriname remains one of the few carbon-negative countries globally.

In November 2023, the village of Matta participated in one of three Youth Visioning workshops hosted by Pilot Projects and Forestry and Agricultural Support Suriname (FASS), alongside Cassipora and Bigi Poika. This workshop brought together 15 young men and 15 young women to explore their forest-based livelihoods, aspirations, and potential job opportunities. Like many forest communities, Matta faces population decline, which threatens the traditional guardianship of the forest. The workshop encouraged youth to envision themselves as the new stewards of these invaluable resources.

To complement the discussions, FASS organized forestry and agricultural seminars, which equipped participants with practical knowledge about sustainable forest management and the benefits of agroforestry systems. These efforts aim to foster socio-economic sustainability in the face of challenges like uneven timber development and mining, ensuring that young people in Matta have the skills to lead their community into the future.

One participant explained the practical importance of the forest: “Out of the Mauritus palm we get worms to consume, but we also make juice of the fruits of the palm and use its leaves as roofing material.” This sentiment reflected the strong ties between the community and the forest, as well as the desire to protect these resources for generations to come.