Biodiversity governance innovation programme (BioGov) in Suriname

This project seeks to enhance the conservation and protection of biodiversity through improved governance and monitoring to improve the quality of life for citizens of Suriname. The project primarily focuses on women and Indigenous Peoples who rely more heavily on natural resources for livelihoods health and sanitation. Project activities include: (1) providing technical assistance from biodiversity experts to develop implementation plans for National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans that address the needs of vulnerable people; (2) establishing a data management system for national biodiversity focal points and other relevant government institutions; (3) supporting the engagement of women Indigenous People and tribal groups to participate in designing and managing select biodiversity project areas; (4) strengthening biodiversity negotiation and advocacy skills of relevant government representatives; (5) providing technical assistance to national biodiversity focal points and relevant government institutions to revise laws policies and regulations based on localizing biodiversity-related multilateral environmental agreements; and (6) developing biodiversity finance proposals with experienced writers and government staff (learning by doing).

The expected outcomes of this project include: (1) increased effectiveness of the government of Suriname to implement gender-responsive and culturally sensitive National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans and action and implement other biodiversity priorities; and (2) strengthened gender-responsive and inclusive leadership in and implementation of international biodiversity agreements including linkages to finance mechanisms by Suriname.