Local Knowledge of the Marine Environment to Promote Ocean Health and Sustainable Livelihoods in Suriname

Suriname is not yet effectively protecting its marine environment in the face of unregulated fishing, offshore and nearshore natural gas prospecting, coastal degradation, and marine pollution. The Green Heritage Fund Suriname,... [ view full abstract ]

Suriname is not yet effectively protecting its marine environment in the face of unregulated fishing, offshore and nearshore natural gas prospecting, coastal degradation, and marine pollution. The Green Heritage Fund Suriname, WWF Guianas, and the Suriname Forest Service’s Nature Conservation Division have initiated a marine spatial planning (MSP) process, through an EU-financed project to address the challenges the region faces to effectively manage its marine environment and biodiversity. Stakeholders, including direct marine resource users and national regulatory agencies, are engaged in a participatory process to fill data gaps and to exchange data and knowledge of the marine environment, as well as stimulating collaboration. Marine resource users and national regulatory agencies in Suriname have expressed support for the marine spatial planning process, and its goal of conserving biodiversity while fostering economic activities compatible with ocean health. Stakeholder engagements in the coastal communities of Suriname, and during a 2-day launch workshop, have identified knowledge and data of the local marine environment that will enhance local knowledge of the marine environment and contribute to the participatory process. Local knowledge will be gathered, cataloged and shared, and targeted capacity building with marine resource users and national regulatory agencies will be initiated to empower key ocean users and protect their livelihoods, whilst also safeguarding biodiversity and enhancing food security. Enhancing knowledge of the marine environment and the capacity of marine resource users and national regulatory agencies will facilitate fair and sustainable management and coordination of human activities in the marine environment of Suriname.