Blue Talks Conference Highlights Suriname's Commitment to Sustainable Oceans

Ambassador De Lacoste emphasized the importance of the upcoming United Nations Oceans Conference to be hosted by France in June 2025, where the global community will converge to accelerate action on "conserving and sustainably using the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development”, stressing that collective commitments to address marine pollution and illegal fishing are crucial for reaching the 2030 agenda. Additionally, he underscored that engagement with NGOs and the community is essential to ensure that maritime activities align with sustainable practices.

Ms. Kazana emphasized Suriname's unique position with its extensive coastline along the Atlantic Ocean and stated, "By sharing local experiences, aspirations, and concerns, we can enrich the global dialogue and ensure that the upcoming UN Ocean Conference truly reflects the realities faced by communities living alongside the ocean."

The conference featured presentations from a number of experts, including Ms.  Charlene Sanches who presented on behalf of Total Energy, highlighting the company's commitment to responsible energy production and environmental protection in Suriname's offshore projects. 

Mr. Michel Amafo, Director of the Maritime Authority of Suriname (MAS) in his presentation underscored MAS's commitment to safety, security, and sustainability in regulating shipping activities within Surinamese waters. He highlighted the integral role of MAS in facilitating various industries, including oil and gas, agriculture, and fisheries, while ensuring environmental protection and efficient transportation.

Dr. Haydi Berrenstein, Manager of the Foundation for Research, Education and Awareness in Ecosystems, Biodiversity, and Aquaculture, highlighted the importance of conserving natural habitats, such as mangroves, for coastal protection and biodiversity conservation. 

Mr. Claus Eckelmann, Regional Forestry Officer of FAO, highlighted the importance of the mangrove ecosystem, for not only the protection of Suriname’s low-lying coast, but also to enable sustainable fisheries management. He further explained that the Guyana North Brazil shelf, a critical marine ecosystem that supports significant fish stocks and sustains the livelihoods of thousands of fishermen in Suriname, Guyana, and French Guiana, requires effective stock assessments and the implementation of regulations to prevent overfishing and ensure the viability of marine resources for future generations.

Moreover, FAO emphasizes the importance of effective monitoring and enforcement mechanisms to ensure compliance with regulations and prevent illegal, unregulated, and unreported (IUU) fishing activities.

In parallel with FAO's efforts, the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) has been leading regional initiatives to combat IUU fishing and protect endangered species such as sea turtles. Ms. Soraya Wijntuin, the Oceans Coordinator of WWF Guianas, highlighted the collaborative efforts undertaken by multiple stakeholders to develop regional action plans and enhance monitoring and enforcement capabilities.

"The decline in sea turtle populations, with over a 90% decline in nesting numbers in some areas, underscores the urgent need for coordinated action across borders," remarked Ms. Wijntuin.

The presentations were closed off by Mr. Desiré Simons from the Green Heritage fund who informed the audience about the EU-funded program of maritime spatial zoning along the coastline of Suriname.

The symposium concluded with a call for continued collaboration and concerted efforts to address the complex challenges facing marine ecosystems in the Guyana region. By implementing innovative solutions, strengthening regulations, and fostering partnerships between stakeholders, the path towards sustainable fisheries management and conservation of marine resources can be charted, ensuring a healthy and prosperous future for coastal communities and ecosystems alike.