National REDD+ Strategy From Suriname.

Suriname's National REDD+ Strategy was developed through an inclusive and participatory process that started with a national workshop with stakeholder consultations with government agencies, local communities, the private sector, academics and civil society pursuant to the draft of the National Development Plan 2017-2021. The Strategy provides for paying extensive attention to environment and protection of forests (with 93% of forest land) in light of climate change under the condition that the international community makes financial resources, technology and knowledge available in sustainable partnerships.The text aims for strengthening the economic development of the country, in spite of the increased pressure on Suriname forests due to various production activities. The Strategy provides for the sustainable management of forests as a solution for the issue of land rights by taking into account the interests and views of the indigenous communities and tribal peoples, and consistent with the international right.
The text is drafted in two parts respectively referring to vision, mission and strategic lines (1) and implementation framework for REDD+ (2). The vision of the Strategy provides that the tropical forest of Suriname continues to contribute to improving the prosperity and well-being of current and future generations, allowing the forest to continue to make a significant contribution to the sustainable development of the country and the global environment, and to qualify Suriname for adequate compensation for this service to the world. The mission of the Strategy provides for establishing long-term partnerships through planning, scientific research, effective management of protected areas and sustainable forest management resulting in efficient use of natural resources, including the forest, ecosystems and biodiversity. The text lays out various strategic lines including maintaining the status of a country with high forest cover and low deforestation rate and receiving compensation for investment in economic diversification; sustainable forest management with the participation of all stakeholders; land use planning; forest conservation and reforestation, as well as research and education to support sustainable development. For each strategic line, the text provides relevant policies and measures.
As to the implementation framework for REDD+ the text provides that the policy direction of the program will be led by the National Environmental Authority. An Executive Coordination Office within the National Institute for Environment and Development Suriname (NIMOS) will establish to function under the National Environmental Authority. A Consultative Body shall advise the Executive Coordination Office and the National Environmental Authority; and an Environmental Fund will coordinate future resources aimed at implementing the National REDD+ Strategy. The text further refers to financial framework and strategy, benefits distribution, monitoring, reporting and verification and the submission of a Forest Reference (Emission) Level (FREL/FRL) to the UNFCCC. In implementing the national REDD+ strategy, Suriname will ensure that REDD+ actions are implemented in a manner consistent with the seven Cancun safeguards (UNFCCC Decision 1/CP.16, Annex I, Section 2) and other safeguards.