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…

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…

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.…

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…

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…

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…