Suriname and climate change

Pivotal role

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Amsterdam, 14 september 2023 — Marciano Dasai, Minister of Spatial Planning and the Environment in Suriname, made it clear during a presentation at the Cabinet of the President that Suriname could become an important player in the short term and earn from carbon credits. 

Minister Dasai has pointed out that Suriname has a very good chance on the carbon market due to its carbon negative status and enormous forest density. He discussed the possibilities and the plan of action.

“If we get the work done as it should, we can earn within two months,” says Dasai. He indicates that since 2016, measurements have been taken of projects where there is carbon reduction. “We measured carbon credits between 2016 and 2021 and reported them according to the guidelines of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. We need to work on policy-making on this and prepare the necessary legislation.”

President Chan Santokhi believes that Suriname’s potential should be mapped out as soon as possible. He also considers it important to use Suriname’s carbon negative status and to form a fist together with countries in the region during the upcoming COP 28 Climate Conference in Dubai. The countries will then jointly be able to influence pricing.

There are several markets where between US$ 3 and US$ 10 per tonne of CO2 reduction can be earned. Suriname has been able to measure 18.1 million tons of CO2 reduction. According to Dasai there is a lot to earn, but he considers what flows back to society important, reports the Communication Service Suriname. “If we earn income from carbon credits, then everyone should benefit,” he notes. The minister states that the resources should benefit forest management, the development of local communities and the overall structure of the country.

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