PARAMARIBO – AdeKUS officially launched the project titled “Blue Carbon Restoration in the Bigi Pan MUMA,” an initiative focused on restoring degraded mangrove ecosystems in the Bigi Pan MUMA. The launch was held op 25^th of July 2024. The project is funded by the UK Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA), through its UK Blue Carbon Fund, administered in collaboration with the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), and implemented by the Anton de Kom University of Suriname (AdeKUS).

The launch was hosted by AdeKUS at the University Guesthouse and was attended by government officials, non-profit organizations, international partners, diplomatic corps, faculty and students. The Chairman of the University, Shanti Venetiaan, welcomed the attendees and mentioned how important and unique the Bigi Pan MUMA is as an area of research, “I am very pleased that UK DEFRA in collaboration with the IDB not only recognizes the unique status but has committed itself to provide the necessary finance to restore and maintain the area,” she expressed.

On behalf of the IDB, Anaitee Mills, Climate Change Specialist, highlighted the importance of international cooperation and partnerships in addressing environmental challenges and fostering sustainable development and praised the collaboration with AdeKUS. “The University’s expertise, research capabilities, and local knowledge have enriched our efforts and ensured that our strategies are well-informed and culturally relevant. This partnership not only enhances the scientific rigor of the project but also fosters capacity building and knowledge sharing within the local context. We are confident that this collaboration will yield significant benefits for both the academic community and the broader society,” she underscored.

The event also featured a comprehensive presentation on the state of mangroves by Sieuwnath Naipal, Project Coordinator, where he highlighted the growing threat urbanization and sea level rise pose for Suriname’s mangrove wetlands. He described the many benefits mangroves provide including protection against storms and floods, as well as economic benefits to the tourism, fisheries and agricultural sectors. As he asserted, “Nearly all sustainable development goals can be linked to mangroves.”

One way to protect Suriname’s mangrove ecosystems is by researching what can be done to restore and protect the damaged patches of mangrove wetlands. The project activities focus on scientifically studying the area and selecting the best restoration techniques. Following this approach, AdeKUS will ensure that the greatest impact will be achieved on restoring damaged areas. The project is expected to be implemented during the next 3 years, supported by a multi-disciplinary team, ensuring timely community engagement and producing key lessons learned for the Latin America and the Caribbean region…[+]