Suriname gives 'hope and inspiration to the world to save our rainforests': UN chief

Suriname is considered a world leader in biodiversity conservation, with over 90% of its land area covered in primary forest, the country's unparalleled natural resources compensate for its relatively small area.

Suriname is classified as a carbon negative country because its rainforests absorb more emissions than the country emits. Thick green foliage seems to be just about everywhere, even on the outskirts of the capital Paramaribo, which itself is dotted with bustling markets and cultural centers.

On Sunday, July 3, UN Secretary-General António Guterres, during his first ever visit to Suriname, saw firsthand the commitment of the Surinamese people to protect their natural treasures and ancestral knowledge.

"Rainforests are a precious gift to humanity. Therefore, from here in Suriname, I want to send a message to the world: We must honor and preserve the gift of rainforests, because this is not a gift that keeps on giving," Mr. Guterres told reporters at a joint press conference with President Chan Santokhi at the end of his first day in the country.

The UN chief also issued a stark warning: "If we continue to see the [current] scale of destruction in the world's rainforests, we are not only biting the hand that feeds us - we are tearing it to pieces."

Mr. Guterres emphasized the fact that rampant deforestation and its worsening climate impacts are increasing the incidence of forest fires and droughts.

"This is outrageous and shameful.  It is global suicide in slow motion," he said, adding that such destruction should be a global wake-up call to save the lungs of our planet.