“Let us heed his wisdom, choosing the path of sustainability over that of exploitation, ensuring that our actions today pave the way, for a brighter tomorrow. Let us leave this conference, not with only words, but with a renewed sense of purpose, a shared commitment to action, and a collective embrace of ‘Peace with Nature’.”
Today, in the heart of Cali, a city alive with the beating of nature’s music, we gather as leaders and protectors of a heritage we must strive to protect.
I stand before you, grateful and honoured to echo the deep call of ‘Paz con la Naturaleza’ — Peace with Nature.
I praise the hard-working efforts of the Presidents of COP 15 and COP 16, whose leadership has lighted our path toward a shared vision, of harmony.
To our kind host, the government of Colombia, your warm welcome manifests the very spirit of “Peace with Nature”, reminding us that we are all connected, bound by a shared duty to protect our planet.
Suriname, a nation, where the Amazon’s, green landscape develops, in its pure form, has long heeded, the call for conservation.
With 93% of our land covered in vibrant, green forests, we proudly hold the title of the world’s most wooded and carbon-negative nation.
Our promise of protection is not merely an aspiration; it is woven into the very fabric of our identity.
As the first nation in our Region to align our National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan with the decisive goals of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, we stand as a beacon of bold change.
Our forests, the lungs of our planet, are not mere carbon sinks; they are where life originates, protecting many species, and providing valuable ecosystem services.
We have not only saved our natural heritage, but have also used its power for sustainable development.
Through REDD+ initiatives, and the new launch of ITMOs into the carbon market, we demonstrate that conservation and economic growth can go hand-in-hand.
Our National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan is a testament to our commitment to inclusion and sustainability.
We recognise the deep wisdom of our indigenous and tribal communities, the true guardians, of our forests.
Their traditional knowledge and practices are woven into our conservation plans, ensuring our efforts are effective and equitable.
Yet, despite, our determined commitment, we face a tough battle.
The weight of debt, the scars of the pandemic, and the growing crises of climate change and biodiversity, loss risk damaging our hard-won progress.
We stand at a cross-road, where our best effort may only be enough with the solidarity, and support, of the global community.
Nelson Mandela, once said, “It always seems impossible, until it’s done”.
Let us draw strength from his words, turning seemingly impossible challenges into opportunities, for collective action.
We pledge to collaborate with international partners, mobilise resources, and implement sustainable solutions that safeguard our forests and ensure a resilient future for Suriname, and the world.
In the words, of the great Mahatma Gandhi, “The Earth provides enough, to satisfy every man’s needs, but not, every man’s greed”.
Let us heed his wisdom, choosing the path of sustainability over that of exploitation, ensuring that our actions today pave the way, for a brighter tomorrow.
Let us leave this conference, not with only words, but with a renewed sense of purpose, a shared commitment to action, and a collective embrace of ‘Peace with Nature’.
Together, let us make, the impossible possible, securing a future where humanity and nature dance in harmony, and the symphony of life continues to echo through the ages.
Thank you! Muchas Gracias!
