Suriname has commenced the development of its National Strategy for Disaster Risk Reduction, also known as the Country Work Programme (CWP), with a focus on aligning it with the nation’s climate change adaptation efforts.
Situated on South America’s northeastern coast, Suriname recently hosted a Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) Gap Analysis Workshop. Supported by organizations such as the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA), the Disaster Risk Reduction Centre at the University of the West Indies, USAID’s Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance, and the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction, the workshop aimed to evaluate existing DRR measures and identify areas requiring improvement. The initiative also seeks to ensure that disaster risk reduction strategies complement Suriname’s National Adaptation Plan (NAP) and broader climate resilience goals.
The workshop marked a step toward developing a comprehensive Country Work Programme aligned with international frameworks such as the Paris Agreement, the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction, and the Regional Comprehensive Disaster Management Strategy. Suriname is addressing vulnerabilities related to natural hazards, including floods, heavy rainfall, and coastal erosion, by enhancing its resilience strategies.
Workshop Highlights
The event brought together government officials, NGOs, private sector representatives, academics, and community leaders to assess the current state of disaster risk management in Suriname. Key objectives included:
- Identifying gaps in policies, programs, and resources for DRR and climate adaptation.
- Gathering diverse stakeholder perspectives.
- Developing actionable recommendations to address identified challenges.
- Fostering partnerships for integrated disaster resilience.
The workshop also emphasized the need for legislative improvements to clarify roles and responsibilities in disaster risk management and to enhance technical and human capacities for sustainable implementation. Participants discussed developing a national policy on disaster risk management that incorporates climate change adaptation, strengthening existing laws, and establishing guidelines for risk assessment and early warning systems.
Government and Institutional Involvement
The workshop was inaugurated by the Minister of Spatial Planning and Environment, Marciano Dasai, who highlighted the interconnectedness of disaster risk management and climate adaptation. Colonel Jerry Slijngard, Coordinator of the National Coordination Centre for Disaster Risk Management (NCCR), underscored the importance of the initiative in improving national disaster resilience.
Path Forward
The next phase involves creating a Comprehensive Disaster Management (CDM) Audit tool to assess Suriname’s disaster management capacities. Collaborative efforts by CDEMA, UWI-DRRC, USAID, and UNDRR will support the preparation of the CWP. Objectives include improving disaster risk knowledge, establishing multi-hazard early warning systems, and integrating disaster risk reduction financing and climate adaptation measures.
Background on Disaster Risks
Flooding is the most significant hazard in Suriname, with past events, such as the 2006 and 2021 floods, causing extensive damage and displacing thousands. Other risks, including biological hazards, exacerbate vulnerabilities, particularly in the context of socioeconomic inequalities and public health challenges.
Suriname’s National Development Plan and other policy frameworks highlight commitments to climate action and disaster risk management. However, gaps remain in legislative coherence, resource allocation, and data collection for effective disaster risk assessment and planning. Strengthening institutional collaboration and ensuring the integration of DRR into national development processes are key areas for improvement.
By advancing its disaster risk reduction strategy, Suriname aims to build a more resilient future while meeting its national and international development and climate commitments.
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