Suriname and the World Bank have initiated the Suriname Preparedness and Enhancing Resilient Communities Project, approved on February 28, 2025, with a funding of US $22.2 million from the IDA. The project aims to improve flood risk management, directly benefiting 50,000 residents and fostering women-led community resilience initiatives amid pressing environmental challenges.
On February 28, 2025, Suriname and the World Bank announced an important development cooperation initiative with the approval of the Suriname Preparedness and Enhancing Resilient Communities Project. This project, valued at US $22.2 million, is the first initiative funded by the World Bank’s International Development Association (IDA) since Suriname became a member in October 2024. The primary goal of this project is to bolster Suriname’s resilience against natural disasters.
This initiative is set to directly benefit approximately 50,000 individuals in the regions surrounding Paramaribo by enhancing flood risk management efforts. Additionally, support will be extended to 35 communities in Paramaribo, Saramacca, and Wanica through community-driven resilience projects, with a particular focus on empowering women, as at least half of these initiatives will be led by women.
Suriname faces significant risks from recurrent flooding, particularly since more than 87 percent of its populace resides in low-lying coastal areas susceptible to such disasters. The capital region is at even greater risk due to inadequate drainage and insufficient maintenance. Without intervention, it is projected that annual damages related to flooding in Suriname could escalate to US$140 million by 2040.
Minister Stanley Raghoebarsing underscored the importance of the project, stating, “This project is not just an investment in flood prevention; it is an investment in the future resilience of our communities.” The project is designed to enhance urban flood management, disaster preparedness, and support for local adaptation initiatives, alongside upgrades to the drainage infrastructure in Greater Paramaribo.
Diletta Doretti, the World Bank Resident Representative for Suriname, expressed enthusiasm for the project’s potential impact, noting that it will not only mitigate flood risks but also empower communities through locally-driven solutions. The IDA facilitates investments in low-income countries, offering grants and low-interest loans to promote safety and prosperity in vulnerable communities worldwide.
Collaborative efforts from organizations such as the Canada Caribbean Resilience Facility (CRF), the European Commission, and the Global Facility for Disaster Reduction and Recovery (GFDRR) have been integral to the project’s development.
To learn more about the World Bank’s initiatives in the Caribbean, please visit the following links.
The Suriname Preparedness and Enhancing Resilient Communities Project signifies a pivotal collaboration between Suriname and the World Bank, showing commitment to enhancing disaster resilience. By improving flood management and supporting community initiatives, particularly focusing on women’s leadership, the project aims to safeguard the future of Suriname’s vulnerable populations against climate risks. This investment represents a crucial step toward sustainable development in the region.
Original Source: www.miragenews.com
