Environmental laws at Suriname
Suriname has developed a comprehensive legal framework to ensure the protection and sustainable management of its environment. Key components of this framework include:
Environmental Framework Act (No. 97 of 2020):
Enacted in May 2020, this Act establishes rules for sustainable environmental management in Suriname. It aims to develop a national environmental strategy and planning for sustainable development under a coordinated approach. The Act emphasizes principles such as the precautionary principle, the polluter pays principle, and the right of access to information, participation, and justice. It also provides mechanisms for environmental justice, including the detection, prosecution, and trial of environmental offenses.
Nature Conservation Act (No. 26 of 1954):
This Act provides for nature conservation in Suriname, including the procedure for declaring natural reserves. It establishes categories of wildlife, such as protected animals, game species, cage species, and predominantly harmful species, and regulates hunting practices to ensure sustainable use of natural resources.
Institutional Framework:
National Environmental Authority (NMA): Formerly known as the National Institute for Environment and Development in Suriname (NIMOS), the NMA is responsible for coordinating environmental policies, conducting environmental impact assessments, and ensuring compliance with environmental regulations.
International Commitments:
Suriname is a signatory to several international environmental conventions, including the Convention on Biological Diversity, the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, and the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands. In 2019, Suriname updated its Nationally Determined Contributions under the Paris Agreement, committing to maintain its forests as carbon sinks, achieve 35% renewable energy by 2030, and implement sustainable agricultural and transportation practices.
These legislative and institutional measures underscore Suriname's commitment to environmental protection and sustainable development, aiming to balance economic growth with the preservation of its rich natural heritage.
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