🌎 Santokhi calls for global cooperation at COP 16

while the IMF prepares for its 8th review of Suriname

De Brief
November 04, 2024

President Chan Santokhi of Suriname called for global cooperation in biodiversity protection at COP16 in Colombia, highlighting Suriname’s crucial role in safeguarding natural resources.
Santokhi emphasized Suriname’s status as the most forested and carbon-negative country, advocating for sustainable development through conservation.
Through initiatives like REDD+ and Internationally Transferred Mitigation Outcomes, Suriname exemplifies balancing economic growth with environmental conservation.
Santokhi acknowledged challenges due to debt, the pandemic, climate change, and biodiversity loss, stressing the need for global solidarity.
Suriname was the first in its region to align its biodiversity strategy with the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, targeting 30% land and sea protection by 2030.
At the conference Colombia launched a coalition with 20 countries to "make peace with nature," urging global action against environmental destruction threatening human survival.
Leaders at COP16 warned of the existential crisis posed by the decline of nature, with calls to prioritize life over profit in conservation efforts.
COP16 seeks to implement 23 goals to halt nature loss by 2030, though funding remains a contentious issue, with new pledges falling short of the necessary billions.

The IMF program for Suriname is nearing completion, with the 8th review starting on October 30, alongside an Article IV mission involving the Caribbean Development Bank.
During this mission, 30 consultations will occur with government and non-government institutions, with future program decisions left to the post-election government.
Finance Minister Stanley Raghoebarsing recently attended IMF and World Bank meetings, discussing Suriname’s economic recovery without oil and gas revenues.
He highlighted that Suriname’s future economic success with oil and gas depends on continued good governance and disciplined policies.
Raghoebarsing advised against taking early advances on oil revenue expected by 2028.
He proposed that multilateral institutions act as clearing houses for carbon credit sales, gaining support from several countries and a commitment from the World Bank.
Credit rating agency Moody’s upgraded Suriname’s rating by two points and shifted the outlook from stable to positive, acknowledging economic recovery and future government plans.
S&P also viewed developments positively and is set to visit Suriname in mid-November, with a new rating expected by year-end.

As of November 1, all passengers, including children, must complete an online Immigration Custom Form (ICF) before traveling to or from Suriname.
The form can be filled out up to three days before arrival, enabling background checks to enhance border security.
Airline and airport staff have been briefed on the digital form, which aims to reduce manual paperwork.
The ICF is designed to streamline customs and immigration processes, according to the Suriname Communications Service (CDS).
More information can be found at https://icf.sr