Suriname and the World Bank initiated the Suriname Preparedness and Enhancing Resilient Communities Project, a US $22.2 million investment aimed at disaster resilience and flood risk management. This project will benefit 50,000 residents in several communities, with a focus on women-led initiatives. Approximately 87% of Suriname’s population is vulnerable to flooding, and this project addresses significant risks while improving infrastructure and preparedness systems.
On February 28, 2025, Suriname and the World Bank embarked on a significant collaborative initiative with the approval of the Suriname Preparedness and Enhancing Resilient Communities Project. This important project, financed by the World Bank’s International Development Association (IDA), marks the first of its kind since Suriname became a member in October 2024. With a budget of US $22.2 million, it aims to bolster the nation’s resilience against natural disasters while improving flood risk management.
The project will have a direct impact on approximately 50,000 residents in the surrounding areas of Suriname’s capital. It will particularly focus on enhancing resilience in 35 communities across Paramaribo, Saramacca, and Wanica, with a commitment to ensure that at least 50% of these initiatives are led by women. This community-focused approach is designed to empower local populations in their response to environmental challenges.
Given that over 87% of Suriname’s population resides along vulnerable low-lying coastal plains, recurrent flooding poses significant threats to livelihoods, infrastructure, and economic stability. Notably, the Greater Paramaribo region, home to 67% of the population, is particularly susceptible due to inadequate drainage and maintenance, with projections estimating that annual flood-related damages could reach US $140 million by 2040 if no interventions are made.
Stanley Raghoebarsing, Suriname’s Minister of Finance and Planning, remarked, “This is a significant milestone for Suriname. This project is not just an investment in flood prevention; it is an investment in the future resilience of our communities.” He emphasized the crucial role of the World Bank partnership in facilitating sustainable development for the citizens of Suriname.
The project aims to reduce urban flooding, bolster disaster management frameworks, and endorse community-driven adaptation strategies. Upgrades will be made to drainage infrastructure in the Greater Paramaribo area, along with enhancements in emergency preparedness systems and support for local resilience initiatives.
Diletta Doretti, World Bank Resident Representative for Suriname, noted that “the potentially transformative effect of this project cannot be overstated.” The initiative promises to mitigate flood risks and foster community resilience through inclusive and locally driven solutions, while also providing Suriname access to affordable financing.
The IDA is a vital component of the World Bank Group, dedicated to supporting low-income countries and small island economies. The concessional loans and grants provided by IDA empower nations to enhance living conditions and create safer, more prosperous environments.
Collaborative efforts from the Canada Caribbean Resilience Facility (CRF), the European Commission, and their partners from the Global Facility for Disaster Reduction and Recovery (GFDRR) were instrumental in the formulation of this project. For further information regarding the work being conducted in the Caribbean, please refer to the World Bank’s website and subscribe to their newsletter.
The Suriname Preparedness and Enhancing Resilient Communities Project exemplifies a critical partnership between Suriname and the World Bank, emphasizing the importance of strengthening disaster resilience. This initiative will significantly benefit local communities, particularly vulnerable populations, while also demonstrating a commitment to sustainable development and gender inclusion. The collective efforts of various international partners underscore the global support for enhancing resilience to natural disasters in low-lying regions.
Original Source: www.miragenews.com
