Our stakeholders and partners

Partners and Participants

Mandate, Interests and responsibility related to this project

Role during project implementation

Ministry of Natural Resources (Natuurlijke Hulpbronnen, NH) in particular the Geology and Mining Department (Geologische Mijnbouwkundige Dienst, GMD)

Develops, implements and controls natural resources and mining policies and regulations; Issues mining concessions and licenses for large- and small-scale mining.

Implementing Partner along with NIMOS / Senior beneficiary. Co-chairing member of the Project Board. Responsible and accountable for managing this project, including the monitoring and evaluation of project interventions, achieving project outcomes, and for the effective use of project resources; Lead the Stakeholder Platform; Delegate resources and executive mandate to designated Responsible Parties for an effective delivery of project outputs. Engage in Outcomes 1-2-3-4.

National Institute for Environment and Development in Suriname (Nationaal Instituut voor Milieu en Ontwikkeling in Suriname) (NIMOS)

Formulates and enforces national environmental legislation and regulations; coordinates and monitor compliance

Implementing partner along with MNR/ Senior beneficiary. Co-chairing member of the Project Board / member of the Local Advisory Committee (LAC). Engage in Outcomes 1-2-3-4.  Provide ongoing advice on environment and development matters; conduct environmental monitoring activities through the Environmental Planning and Information Office. The EPIO will participate in the participatory monitoring of environmental conditions under output 3.1; conduct a biodiversity assessment in areas surrounding demonstration sites of Brokopondo North of Lake under output 1.3; participate in the updating of the Gonini portal related to mining areas mapping (output 1.3), and forest and forest carbon mapping with SBB (output 1.3)

Suriname Foundation for Forest Management and Production Control (SBB)

SBB is the National Forestry Authority for achieving sustainable rational utilization of Surinamese forests through an efficient professional organization in continuous consultation with the relevant stakeholders. It is an executive organ of the Ministry of Natural Resources.

The SBB will benefit from training under Outcome 1, and will also participate in monitoring efforts, together with EPIO, under outcome 1, including the efforts to update the Gonini platform with ASGM related information.  SBB will also be a participant in the Stakeholder Platform of the project.

Environmental Office within the Cabinet of the President

Leads national coordination for environmental issues in Suriname

Will support the project by supporting the strengthening of the enabling conditions such as pursuing ongoing legal reforms of the Mining Code and institutional reforms (e.g. creation of MINAS), ratification of international environmental treaties e.g. Minamata.  Contributes to the development and enforcement of laws and regulations under Outcomes 1 and 2, as well as the development of financing mechanisms

Inter-ministerial Advisory Commission (IMAC)

Comprised of permanent secretaries of 17 Ministries, IMAC is a body set up for reporting and joint decision-making on environmental projects and issues

The project will work with the Inter Ministerial Advisory Committee (IMAC) to assist in defining a better mechanism for systematic coordination on environmental and mining issues, which will enable key participating ministries to make mining – related decisions that duly consider environmental concerns, and prevent the adoption of counter-productive policies.  IMAC will also benefit from high-level training on environmental impacts of ASGM (output 1.1.), and will participate in the TSA exercises under output 2.3.

Commission for Regulation of the Gold Sector (Commissie Ordening Goudsector, OGS)

Regulates the mining sector by registering small scale miners and ASM operations, re-establishing government authority and controlling ASM sites

Participate in the Local Advisory Committee for the MTECs and in monitoring of the implementation of ERM practices by registered miners. Register miners for the project; the OGS will also play a key role under output 1.1 and 1.3, which is concerned with strengthening institutional, legal and regulatory capacity as well as enforcement capacity.  Tools such as the land mapping (output 1.3) the TSA (output 2.3), will feed in to their ongoing enforcement work.  OGS will also be called upon to assist in the design of financing instruments for long-term rehabilitation, as well as to participate in discussions with gold buyers under Output 3.5 designed to increase the demand for ER gold.

Ministry of Health

The Ministry of Health is responsible for the health care policy and its implementation in Suriname. The Ministry's work is mainly realized by its executive agencies. In addition, the Ministry conducts supervision and inspection of executive agencies.

The Ministry of Health will participate in the deployment of the MTEC's supportive incentive schemes.  Ministry of Health with provide cofinancing to the project's outcome 3 in support of the Medical Mission (MZ), which will provide key medical services through the MTECs.

Ministry of Regional Development

The Ministry of Regional Development, administers the ten districts of Suriname and is oversight, monitoring and guidance to the Districts of Suriname’s districts, coordinating development activities and governance in these areas. Furthermore, the Ministry is mandated to develop and improve the livelihoods and living conditions of the Indigenous and Tribal Peoples (ITP) and communities in the districts and particularly the interior. This through policy development, promote and enhance citizen participation in the decision-making processes at different local level of resorts and district; maintain relationships with the central government dignitaries and ITP;

The Ministry of Regional Development will participate within the project through livelihoods development of Sustainable Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFP) and horticulture production systems, facilitate stakeholder engagement   and participation of ITP within local level decision making structures of the project and project implementation

Partners and Participants

Mandate, Interests and responsibility related to this project

Role during project implementation

University of Applied Science and Technology (UNASAT) Mining School

UNASAT will benefit from training and support for the development of curricula related to environmentally responsible mining practices under Output 1.1.  UNASAT will also benefit from experiences in the MTECs related to mining extension and will provide staff and expertise for the deployment of mining extension services.  Mining School students may be invited to intern with the project

Anton de Kom University of Suriname, Departments of Environment, Geology, Herbarium and National Zoological Collection

ADEKUS will participate in the output 3.5 activities, through the Herbarium for the monitoring of biodiversity and forests, as well as participate in the biodiversity assessment.  AdeKUS will also be represented on the project's Stakeholder Platform to provide ongoing technical guidance.

Tulane University (in consortium with ADEKUS)

Will contribute all general data collected and analysed on mercury use in Suriname including that pertaining to the areas surrounding project sites, collaborate on biodiversity monitoring and in public awareness and heath education as it relates to the use of mercury.  Tulane university will also be contributing to the efforts to develop a RMSAP through contributions focused on mercury recovery at tailing sites, and contribute to regional knowledge sharing.  Tulane University is a cofinancing partner for this project.

Partners and Participants

Mandate, Interests and responsibility related to this project

Role during project implementation

Local Governments of Brokopondo and Sipaliwini: District Commissioner (Districtscommissaris- DC), Health and Environment Officers

Represent national government; Responsible for the governing, formulating and implementing of all policies at a local scale, responsible for enforcement and delivery of government programs

Will participate in the Local Advisory Committee and provide advice on the delivery of project activities.  Participate in Output 3.3 activities on the identification and implementation of alternative livelihoods activities, in community-based monitoring activities (output 3.1) and in all project monitoring and supervision activities.

Partners and Participants

Mandate, Interests and responsibility related to this project

Role during project implementation

Medical Mission

The objective of the foundation is to promote and secure physical-, mental- and social well being of the population in the interior of Suriname according to primary health care principles.

The MZ will use the MTEC to deliver key social and health services to miners and mining communities, including information on sexual and reproductive rights; access to basic medical services for women and children, family planning; medication, urgent care, vaccination; support to sex workers; test and lab facilities for HIV/AIDS, Zika, malaria; awareness raising campaigns on clean drinking water and hygiene and on the impacts of mercury and other chemicals on health

Suriname Environmental and Mining Foundation (SEMIF)

Implements awareness-raising and education activities regarding socio-economic and environment matters in mining areas.

SEMIF will participate in the Stakeholder Platform and will also be engaged in discussions related to the development of financing instruments under Output 1.2.

Artisanal Gold Council (AGC)

The AGC is a Canadian based NGO that works directly with Artisanal and Small-scale Gold Mining communities and local experts to develop integrated and practical solutions.  They provide awareness, training, education, and capacity-building with a focus on improved practices, governance, livelihoods, health, environment, gender equality, market access and development. 

AGC is expected to manage at least one of the MTEC sites as a Responsible Party (pending confirmation).  AGC will be responsible for providing mining extension on environmentally responsible practices, as well as for the design and operationalization of the MTEC including its incentive scheme, along with other partners.  As such, AGC will also participate in project structures (Stakeholder Platform and Local Advisory Committee) and in all activities related to knowledge sharing under Outcomes  3 and 4.

Alliance for Responsible Mining (ARM)

The ARM is an international NGO whose mission is to “transform the ASM sector into a socially and environmentally responsible activity, while improving the quality of life of artisanal miners, their families and communities”.  ARM works through the promotion of standards, policies, and activities in direct linkages with miners.

ARM is expected to manage at least one of the MTEC sites as a Responsible Party (pending confirmation).  They will be responsible for providing mining extension in relation to environmentally responsible practices, as well as for the design and operationalization of the MTEC including its incentive scheme, along with other partners.  As such, ARM will also participate in project structures (Stakeholder Platform and Local Advisory Committee) and in all activities related to knowledge sharing under Outcomes  3 and 4.  ARM will also be a key technical partner for work to promote adoption of the Fairmined Standard or another standard that is deemed relevant (output 2.1) and activities under Output 3.5 related to demand for Environmentally Responsible Gold.

World Wildlife Fund (WWF)- Guianas

WWF is dedicated to biodiversity conservation.  In the Guianas area, WWF focuses on forests, climate resilience and food security.

World Wildlife fund will partner with ARM in the management of an MTEC site. WWF is providing cofinancing support to this project. WWF will also be invited to share lessons learned from its other projects related to mining and the environment.

Conservation International (CI) - Suriname

CI seeks to empower the Surinamese society to responsibly and sustainably care for nature and global biodiversity. The organization's work is focused on supporting the national policy for green economic development by supporting land use planning and demonstrating the value of ecosystem services in Suriname.

Conservation International will participate in the TSA exercises under output 2.3 focusing on the demonstration of the value of ecosystem services, by providing data, information and technical advice. CI will also be invited to share lessons learned from its other projects related to mining and the environment.

Intergovernmental Forum on Mining

The IGF is a multi-state institution that focuses on promoting dialogue towards improving resource governance and decision making by governments. It provides a number of services to members including: in-country assessments; capacity building and individualized technical assistance; guidance documents and knowledge sharing events and venues.

 The IGF has supported the mining policy framework on which this project is building and will be working with the government of Suriname towards improving the regulatory framework governing the sector as it relates to the management of the environmental impacts of ASM gold mining.

Amazon Conservation Team (ACT) Suriname

The mission of ACT is to protect the Amazon rainforest with the involvement of indigenous communities located in the area; ACT integrates, protects and shares traditional knowledge and skills among communities.  ACT has experience in developing a Land Management Program to address and identify existing threats in the region, and in deploying participatory monitoring through its Ranger program.

The ACT will provide technical advice for the development and implementation of the participatory monitoring aspects of the project, under Outcome 3.1. ACT will also be called upon to provide advice on the inclusion of indigenous knowledge and will assist with local consultations during the identification of alternative livelihoods activities under Output 3.3.

Canadian International Resources and Development Institute (CIRDI)

The institute is an academic institution offering expertise in natural resources management and in particular focusing on extractive industries.  The CIRDI is funded by the Canadian government and has partnered with the IGF to support assessments and training in Suriname and other countries of the region.

The CIRDI is expected to provide targeted technical advice, information and methodologies, as well as training materials to support Outcome 1 on the development of institutional and technical capacities related to the ASGM sector. 

Partners and Participants

Mandate, Interests and responsibility related to this project

Role during project implementation

Traditional authorities of Nieuw Koffiekamp and Compagniekreek and their communities

Lead communities in self-governance

Traditional authorities will participate in the Local Advisory Committees of the MTECs, and will also serve as relays for information targeting local beneficiaries.  They will be consulted on all aspects of project implementation and will help coordinate the identification of local project participants, as well monitor the implementation of project activities. Any activities carried out that affect or involve traditional authorities will be dependent on Free and Prior Informed Consent (FPIC).

Wan Mama Pikin

WMP is a local NGO who seeks to improve the prosperity and well-being of poor and vulnerable groups in Suriname's interior through the implementation of sustainable development activities. 

The local NGO can be called upon to assist with community mobilization, identification and strengthening of producer groups under Output 3.3, to help develop and implement alternative livelihood activities for local communities

Women’s group Nieuw Koffiekamp “ Oema Fu Du Sani”

Promotes community development, especially for women in Nieuw Koffiekamp including support to income generating projects

This local NGO can be called upon to assist with community mobilization, identification and strengthening of producer groups under Output 3.3, to help develop and implement alternative livelihood activities for local communities, especially with women. 
 They will also assist in providing knowledge and widened awareness among villagers about the negative impact of gold mining (pollution, health risks)

Foundation for Development of Nieuw Koffiekamp (Stichting ter Ontwikkeling en Opbouw Nieuw Koffiekamp)

Contact point for community development projects in the village

The association will represent the village in the Local Advisory Committee and participate in the awareness raising activities of the project, as well as in the achievement of all outputs under Outcome 3.

Community Committee (CC) of Nieuw Koffiekamp

The committee acts as an intermediary between the Nieuw Koffiekamp and IAMGOLD (the concession holder) for community related issues

The CC will be called upon for mediation and liaising with IAMGOLD / Rosebel at local level. 

Organization of Small-Scale Gold miners such as Makamboa Lingisi Mining NV

Guarantee steady access to mining areas within the concession where gold presence is assured; adhere to the agreement and Represent the interest of ASM gold miner

Will be called upon to represent the interest of small-scale gold miners in the Local Advisory Committees, to support the identification of lead miners and miner beneficiaries, including through registration and creation of associations; will benefit from training and will share experiences with mining techniques and act as an intermediary organization for the roaming portion of the MTEC trainings.

Partners and Participants

Mandate, Interests and responsibility related to this project

Role during project implementation

Rosebel Gold Mines N.V. (RGM), daughter company of IAMGold, multinational

Large Scale Mining Company

Support by giving permission to introduce environmentally responsible mining techniques in their concessions; Support for alternative livelihoods strategies for the local mining and traditional communities; participation in the design of incentive schemes and provision of co-financing to support community social and environmental activities

NewMont Mines

Large Scale Mining Company

Support for alternative livelihoods strategies for the local mining and traditional communities; participation in the design of incentive schemes and provision of co-financing to support community social and environmental activities

Central Bank of Suriname

Central Bank of Suriname is responsible for delivery of key macro-economic policies, for the collection of gold royalties and for the delivery of gold certificates to sellers and buyers.

The CBvS will participate in the project's activities under output 1.2 to design and explore financial, fiscal and other economic incentives for environmentally responsible management of mining sites, as well as on activities under Output 3.5 related to increasing the demand for ER gold that meets international standards and activities targeting gold buyers.

Partners and Participants

Mandate, Interests and responsibility related to this project

Role during project implementation

UNDP – Suriname

UNDP has been operating in Suriname since 1994 supporting the Surinamese Government and the people to achieve national goals. UNDP’s substantive focus in Suriname is as follows: Democratic Governance, Social Development and Environment and Natural Resource Management.

UNDP will be the GEF Implementing Agency and will oversee all activities of the project, in collaboration with the project board, project management unit and other partners. UNDP will be a member of the Project Board as Senior Supplier. UNDP will undertake supervision and oversight, monitoring and evaluation in support of all project outcomes, technical backstopping, and provide targeted services to support the National Implementation Modality.