Suriname has signed a USD 22.2 million project with the World Bank aimed at enhancing resilience against environmental challenges, particularly flooding. This initiative will benefit around 50,000 residents of the Greater Paramaribo area through improved flood management and community-led resilience initiatives, with an emphasis on women’s leadership. The project seeks to mitigate economic damage caused by flooding, estimated to rise significantly by 2040 without intervention.
On March 2, 2025, the World Bank announced that Suriname has initiated a significant project designed to bolster its resilience against environmental challenges. This initiative, named the Suriname Preparedness and Enhancing Resilient Communities Project, aims to enhance the country’s ability to withstand disasters, particularly flooding caused by coastal and rainfall events. The US$22.2 million project is funded by the World Bank’s International Development Association (IDA), marking a first for Suriname since it joined the IDA in October 2024.
Directly affecting 50,000 residents, this project focuses on improving flood management and providing support for 35 communities around Paramaribo, Saramacca, and Wanica. Notably, efforts will ensure that at least 50 percent of the community-led initiatives are women-led. The World Bank recognizes Suriname’s vulnerability, as over 87 percent of its population resides along a low-lying coastal plain that faces severe flood risks impacting livelihoods, services, and infrastructure.
The Greater Paramaribo region, where around 67 percent of Suriname’s population lives, is particularly at risk due to inadequate drainage and maintenance issues. Without proactive measures, the economic damage from flooding could soar to US$140 million annually by 2040. Suriname’s Minister of Finance and Planning, Stanley Raghoebarsing, highlighted the project as a pivotal investment, stating that it is aimed at enhancing the community’s long-term resilience against disasters.
Diletta Doretti, the World Bank Resident Representative for Suriname, emphasized the transformative potential of this project, noting that it will not only mitigate flood risks for many Surinamese but also foster community resilience. The project lays the groundwork for more robust emergency preparedness systems and the upgrade of drainage infrastructure in Greater Paramaribo, ultimately supporting more resilient, self-sufficient communities.
This initiative represents a critical step for Suriname in addressing the pressing challenges posed by environmental shocks, particularly flooding. Through financial support from the World Bank, the country is establishing mechanisms that will not only enhance disaster preparedness but also strengthen community engagement, particularly empowering women-led initiatives. The long-term impacts of this project are expected to foster sustainable development when implemented effectively.
Original Source: www.jamaicaobserver.com
