Suriname Strengthens Resilience Against Environmental Shocks with World Bank Partnership

The World Bank has announced that Suriname has signed a novel project to strengthen its resilience against environmental shocks.

Key Highlights

The project aims to strengthen Suriname’s resilience to disasters, with a focus on reducing urban flooding, enhancing disaster risk management, and supporting community-led adaptation initiatives.

Project Details

The US$22.2 million initiative is the first to be financed by the World Bank’s International Development Association (IDA) since Suriname joined the World Bank institution in October 2024. The project will directly benefit 50,000 residents in and around Suriname’s capital, with improved flood risk management and support to 35 communities in Paramaribo, Saramacca, and Wanica through community-led resilience initiatives.

Challenges and Risks

Suriname is vulnerable to recurrent coastal and rainfall-related floods, with over 87% of its population living along the low-lying coastal plain. The greater Paramaribo region, home to 67% of the population and the nation’s capital, is even more vulnerable to threats due to insufficient drainage capacity and limited maintenance.

Conclusion

The new project will strengthen resilience in Suriname by reducing urban flooding, enhancing disaster risk management, and supporting community-led adaptation initiatives. It is estimated that without intervention, annual flood-related damages could rise to US$140 million by 2040.

FAQs

Q: What is the objective of the project?
A: The project aims to strengthen Suriname’s resilience to disasters, with a focus on reducing urban flooding, enhancing disaster risk management, and supporting community-led adaptation initiatives.

Q: How much funding has been allocated for the project?
A: The project has received a US$22.2 million investment from the World Bank’s International Development Association (IDA).

Q: Who is eligible to benefit from the project?
A: The project will directly benefit 50,000 residents in and around Suriname’s capital, with improved flood risk management and support to 35 communities in Paramaribo, Saramacca, and Wanica through community-led resilience initiatives.