The World Bank has initiated a project with Suriname to enhance resilience against environmental shocks. The US$22.2 million investment will benefit 50,000 residents, primarily through improved flood management and community-led initiatives. Given Suriname’s vulnerability to flooding, particularly in urban areas, this partnership aims to strengthen disaster preparedness and local infrastructure. The project emphasizes women’s leadership in community solutions, marking a significant step in development cooperation.
On March 2, 2025, the World Bank announced that Suriname has embarked on a significant project aimed at enhancing the country’s resilience to environmental shocks. This initiative, known as the Suriname Preparedness and Enhancing Resilient Communities Project, marks an important development cooperation step between Suriname and the World Bank, following Suriname’s joining of the International Development Association (IDA) in October 2024.
The project, which is valued at US$22.2 million, will directly benefit approximately 50,000 residents, particularly in the capital and surrounding areas, through improved flood risk management and support for 35 communities in Paramaribo, Saramacca, and Wanica. Notably, at least half of the community-led initiatives will be spearheaded by women.
Suriname faces significant vulnerability to flooding, impacting over 87% of its population, which resides along its low-lying coastal areas. The Greater Paramaribo region, home to about two-thirds of the nation’s population, has inadequate drainage and maintenance, exacerbating these vulnerabilities. Without intervention, flood-related damages could escalate to US$140 million annually by 2040.
Finance and Planning Minister Stanley Raghoebarsing highlighted that this project represents a crucial milestone for Suriname, emphasizing its dual role as an investment in both flood prevention and community resilience. He expressed confidence that the partnership with the World Bank marks decisive action toward safeguarding citizens and ensuring sustainable development.
This project aims to enhance Suriname’s resilience by minimizing urban flooding, improving disaster management, and facilitating community-led adaptation strategies. The initiative will also involve upgrading drainage systems, refining emergency preparedness, and promoting local resilience projects.
Diletta Doretti, the World Bank Resident Representative for Suriname, characterized the project as potentially transformative, assuring that it will not only mitigate flooding risks but also empower communities through inclusive, community-driven solutions while providing access to affordable financing from IDA.
The IDA supports low-income nations and small island economies through grants and concessional loans, enabling countries to invest in their futures and build safer, prosperous communities.
The implementation of the Suriname Preparedness and Enhancing Resilient Communities Project represents a critical step towards bolstering the nation’s resilience against environmental threats. With a focus on community-led initiatives, particularly those spearheaded by women, the project aims to significantly improve flood management and disaster preparedness while reducing economic vulnerability. The collaboration with the World Bank will facilitate long-term development, ensuring that Suriname is better equipped to handle future environmental challenges.
Original Source: www.jamaicaobserver.com
