Suriname ministry and Matawai chiefs unite to curb illegal forest activities

The Ministry of Land Policy and Forest Management (GBB) met with the traditional authority of the Matawai community in Paramaribo to strengthen safety, biodiversity protection and sustainable development in the Matawai forest area. Minister Stanley Soeropawiro highlighted rising illegal gold mining, poaching, unregulated fishing, drug trafficking and uncontrolled forest access that threaten both the environment and local residents.

The parties agreed to establish a permanent control post, increase monitoring, and involve community members as rangers. Cooperation will be expanded with the Stichting voor Bosbeheer en Bostoezicht (SBB) and the Amazon Conservation Team (ACT). Training sessions on hunting, fishing and forest‑management regulations are planned, and the principle of Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) will guide future concessions. The joint effort aims to protect Suriname’s forests, support sustainable tourism and improve security for the Matawai people.