Preserving Suriname’s Immense Marine and Coastal Biodiversity through Greening Infrastructure Development

Under the Greening Transportation Infrastructure Development (GRID) Integrated Program (IP), the project “Preserving Suriname’s Immense Marine and Coastal Biodiversity Through Greening Infrastructure Development” aims to support upstream measures—including policies, planning processes, and guidelines—so that upcoming transportation infrastructure in Suriname is done in a way that maintains or even enhances the natural environment.

The project is focused on upcoming port development projects, which are positioned within Suriname’s ecologically significant coastal and marine ecosystems. The construction of ports, upgrading of connecting access roads, and increased shipping traffic can lead to environmental impacts on these ecosystems, including vital mangrove habitat. The development and increased shipping routes may also intersect the habitats and migratory routes of Guiana dolphin, Antillean manatee, sea turtles including the leatherback, whales, manta rays, and whale sharks. In line with the government’s environmental commitments, the project will work upstream to bring together relevant ministries and private sector stakeholders to advance integrated and balanced transportation development. This will support trade and movement while securing the protection of ecosystems and biodiversity. The upstream planning policies and planning processes will also be applicable to terrestrial needs and have wider impacts on future transportation infrastructure projects in Suriname.