Sustainable Groundwater Management in Suriname at the Forefront during the 4th Water and Climate Seminar

The seminar was organized by Deltares, the Dutch embassy in Suriname, in collaboration with GCCA+ Phase 2 Project, which is funded by the European Union (EU) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). It brought together key stakeholders and experts from the water sector, highlighting crucial points that emphasize the importance of integrated and effective groundwater management in Suriname.

As a result of climate change and over-exploitation of groundwater resources in Suriname, Minister of Public Works Dr. Riad Mohamed stressed the urgent need for resilient groundwater management in the country.

Roel Melman, a researcher from Deltares, provided insights into the complexity of groundwater flows, emphasizing the need for continuous monitoring and strict regulations to prevent overexploitation and land subsidence. He pointed out the specific challenges that Paramaribo faces due to changing rainfall patterns and growing water needs, making the need for sustainable solutions more pressing than ever.

Oclaya Verwey, a lecturer at the Anton de Kom University of Suriname, highlighted the historical significance of groundwater use in Suriname, emphasizing the evolution from shallow wells to deeper groundwater reservoirs. She pointed to the increasing threats to groundwater reservoirs, including outdated legislation and the consequences of climate change, underscoring the urgent need for an integrated approach to groundwater management.

Due to persistent pressure on water supplies, Mrs. Gonda Asadang, Permanent Secretary of the Water Directorate of the Ministry of Natural Resources (NH), emphasized the acute water shortages in Paramaribo and the surrounding areas.

She highlighted the importance of effective legislation and cooperation between various ministries and agencies for sustainable groundwater management.

In addition, she noted Suriname's commitments to the UN water agenda, pointing out that groundwater protection and integrated water management were critical to achieve sustainable development.

Haidy Malone, project manager of the GCCA+ Phase 2 project, shared the efforts of the GCCA+ project, a joint initiative of the UNDP and the European Union, since 2016. The project has carried out various activities to improve water management, focusing on capacity building, improved data collection, and communication and awareness campaigns. A key objective of the project is to raise public awareness on water management issues and engage the community and stakeholders in discussions on sustainable development and climate adaptation in Suriname.

The seminar served as a platform for sharing knowledge and insights, while also laying the foundation for further collaboration between local and international stakeholders. The goal is to ensure a sustainable future for water supply in Suriname. The expert insights shared during this conference underscore the urgent need for a collective effort to protect and sustainably manage groundwater resources in Suriname, in line with international sustainable development goals and climate change initiatives.