Date of Workshop: September 16 - 17, 2023

Workshop Coordinator: Giani Razab-Sekh

Suriname is a unique, biodiverse nation where 93% of the land is forested, making it the most forested country on Earth. Its vast tropical forests are home to rare wildlife and provide critical resources to Indigenous and Maroon communities. These forests not only serve as a source of sustenance and shelter but also make Suriname one of the rare carbon-negative countries. However, pressures from small-scale and industrial mining, along with uneven timber development, have begun to affect the landscape.

In November 2023, Cassipora hosted one of three Youth Visioning workshops, joining Matta and Bigi Poika. Led by Pilot Projects and Forestry and Agricultural Support Suriname (FASS), this workshop brought together 15 young men and 15 young women to discuss their forest-based livelihoods and the future of their community. With the gradual decline in population, Cassipora is facing the loss of traditional forest guardians. The workshop aimed to empower the younger generation to take on the role of forest stewards by making them aware of opportunities within their community and beyond.

The workshop also included forestry and agricultural seminars, designed to educate participants about sustainable forest management practices and agroforestry systems. These discussions helped participants better understand how they could balance economic growth with conservation, ensuring a sustainable future for their community.

“If we have respect for each other, we can reach bigger things together,” one participant expressed, while another shared, “The forest gives us oxygen. We can also use medical plants when we are sick.” These reflections underscored the deep connection between the youth and their environment, highlighting the importance of both collaboration and conservation.