Suriname Launches $22.2 Million Project to Enhance Resilience Against Environmental Shocks

Suriname has embarked on a $22.2 million project, funded by the World Bank, to enhance resilience against environmental shocks. This initiative will benefit 50,000 residents by improving flood risk management and supporting community-led resilience, particularly with women’s leadership. The project signifies a crucial step in addressing the nation’s vulnerability to recurrent flooding and promoting sustainable development.

On March 2, 2025, the World Bank announced that Suriname has entered into an innovative project focusing on enhancing resilience against environmental shocks. This initiative is seen as a crucial step in fostering development cooperation between Suriname and the World Bank. The Suriname Preparedness and Enhancing Resilient Communities Project aims to bolster the country’s disaster resilience, with a funding allocation of US$22.2 million approved by the World Bank’s Board of Executive Directors.

This project marks the first financial assistance provided by the International Development Association (IDA) following Suriname’s membership in the organization in October 2024. Targeting approximately 50,000 residents, the initiative will improve flood risk management and support 35 communities in the vicinity of Paramaribo, Saramacca, and Wanica, with special emphasis on women’s leadership in community-driven resilience initiatives.

The World Bank highlighted Suriname’s vulnerability to recurrent floods resulting from coastal and rainfall patterns, noting that over 87% of its population resides along low-lying coastal areas, which are significantly at risk. Insufficient drainage and limited maintenance further exacerbate conditions in the Greater Paramaribo region, home to 67% of the population. It is projected that without intervention, damage from flooding could escalate to US$140 million annually by 2040.

Suriname’s Minister of Finance and Planning, Stanley Raghoebarsing, expressed the importance of this initiative, stating, “This project is not just an investment in flood prevention; it is an investment in the future resilience of our communities.” He emphasized that the partnership with the World Bank signifies decisive steps taken to protect citizens and ensure sustainable development.

The project’s scope includes reducing urban flooding, enhancing disaster risk management, and facilitating community-led adaptation efforts. Plans also entail upgrading drainage infrastructure within Greater Paramaribo and improving emergency preparedness systems, ultimately fostering localized resilience projects throughout the area.

Diletta Doretti, the World Bank’s Resident Representative for Suriname, stated, “The potentially transformative effect of this project cannot be overstated.” She highlighted that the initiative would not only mitigate flood risks but also promote community resilience through inclusive solutions, all while leveraging low-cost financing available through the IDA.

The World Bank’s investment in Suriname aims to address the pressing issues of flood vulnerability and environmental resilience. By enhancing disaster preparedness and community capacity, the initiative seeks to safeguard lives and livelihoods, focusing on sustainable development and women’s leadership. This collaborative effort represents a significant stride towards ensuring the safety and longevity of Suriname’s communities.

Original Source: www.jamaicaobserver.com