Author: Saamaka-oto
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VSG Participates in International COP17 Conference in Armenia
The Association of Saamaka Communities (VSG) is participating in the 17th Conference of the Parties (COP17), taking place in Armenia from 19 to 30 October 2026. COP17 is an international conference where countries and organizations come together to discuss how to better protect nature, plants, animals, and ecosystems. The conference also focuses on addressing biodiversity…
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Saamaka Apaki Added to the International ICCA Registry: An Important Step for Nature Conservation and Cultural Heritage
The registration of the traditional Saamaka territory in Suriname brings international attention to the special relationship between the Saamaka community, their ancestral lands and the protection of the forest. The traditional territory of the Saamaka people in Suriname has been added to the international ICCA Registry, managed by the United Nations Environment Programme World Conservation…
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From the Interior to the Capital: Students Enjoy an Educational Week in Paramaribo
PARAMARIBO — More than eighty students from seven primary schools in the Upper Suriname River area participated in an educational, recreational, and awareness tour in Paramaribo from September 13 to 19, 2026. The children, aged six to fifteen, were accompanied by fourteen volunteers. For some of them, it was their first visit to the capital.…
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Research reveals the rich biodiversity of the Saamaka area.
The Saamaka area is one of Suriname’s regions with exceptional natural wealth and biodiversity. As part of the Tyubi di Matu project, new research findings were presented to the project’s leaders, providing deeper insight into the area’s size, biodiversity, wetlands, and the vital role of its forests. According to the information presented, he Saamaka area…
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Roles and Responsibilities at the Center of Training
Nieuw Aurora — More than 60 government officials and members of the Regional Councils (RR) and District Councils (DR) from Sipaliwini district and Upper-Suriname area are participating in a three-day training focused entirely on strengthening their understanding of their roles, duties, and responsibilities within local governance. The training is conducted by Zagra’s Consultancy N.V. and is part…
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VSG looks back with satisfaction on participation in Saamaka Mbei Mbei Wojo Wojo 2026 fair
ATJONI — The Association of Saamaka Communities (VSG) looks back with satisfaction on its participation in the Saamaka Mbei Mbei Wojo Wojo 2026 fair, which was held in Atjoni on August 29 and 30. The fair offered the organization the opportunity to inform visitors about its activities, objectives, and commitment to the Saamaka communities. During…
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VSG Statement: Decisiveness of traditional leaders offers hope in the struggle for land rights
The recent meeting between the President and our traditional leaders is an important step. The leaders have jointly decided to reject the proposed 5 km law in its current form. In doing so, they demonstrate that the interests of our communities come first. This gives us hope and confidence. The reasons are clear: After years…
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Statement by the Association of Saamaka Communities (VSG) regarding amendments to the draft law on the Collective Rights of Indigenous and Tribal Peoples
A Gross Violation of Fundamental Protections and International Law The Foundation Board of the Association of Saamaka Communities (VSG) strongly condemns the recent memorandum of amendment to land rights, which was approved by the Government Council and sent to the National Assembly without any consultation with Indigenous and Tribal Peoples, violating the principle of Free,…
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Interview with VSG youth leaders, Samunda Jabini and Biza Akienboto, regarding the work of VSG on land rights. Suriname, November 30, 2022.
As a result of the petition handed in by the VSG youth to Mr. Marinus Bee, chair of the National Assembly of Suriname (link to the news) on the 28th of November, two VSG youth leaders are interviewed to go deeper on the matter of the petition, including its relevance in the context of the…
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11 members of the VSG youth, hand in a petition to Mr. Marinus Bee, chair of Suriname National Assembly, to ask him to approve the land rights law and comply with the Saamaka judgement
On 28 of November 2022 the VSG and VGS Youth (Organisation of the Saamaka Leaders) was at the National Assembly of Suriname to submit a petition where, the VSG youth group, asked the government to recognize our land rights according the verdict of OAS (Organization of American States) of 28 November 2007. Also, they need…