MISSION
To move all Surinamese to make wise decisions for the sustainable use of our natural resources.
VISION
To create a society that consciously works towards the continued improvement of its environment and the promotion of a green, clean, healthy Suriname.
KEY OBJECTIVES
To increase awareness among the general public on environmental issues; and
To promote sustainable development and the conservation of natural resources in Suriname.
MAJOR/CURRENT ACHIEVEMENTS
The Xenartha (sloth, anteater and armadillo) Rescue and Rehabilitation program.
Under this program the Green Heritage Fund Suriname rescues injured or very young wild animals particularly sloths and anteaters to rehabilitate and return them to the wild. Since 2005 , the organisation has rescued over 800 wild animals from difficult situations in the Urban and rural areas in the coastal plains. In August 2017, the shelter for the animals was moved from the house of the past chairman and a centre was officially opened by the Minister of Spatial Planning, Land and Forest Management in November 2018. Additionally, several organisations have joined forces to work on forest fragments in the urban and rural areas.
Dolphin Program
Since 2005, local volunteers have collected basic data on the Wild Sotalia guianensis dolphin population in the estuary of the Suriname River. The dolphin program includes collection of basic data, training of volunteers and other stakeholders, and providing education and information to the public. The goal of the program is the protection of the wild dolphin population, through the establishment of and maintenance of a sound community monitoring program that contributes to decision making in respect of the estuary of the Suriname River. From its inception, the Dolphin Program has played an important role in the development of responsible dolphin watching tourism. The direct and indirect economic benefit of the dolphin tourism is estimated to be around USD 1,000,000 annually mainly benefiting the local community. Additionally, a wide range of stakeholders have been involved in different educational and awareness activities implemented by the Dolphin Program.
Education and Research
All activities of the foundation are aimed at increasing the awareness and understanding of the general public regarding environmental issues. The organisation primarily focuses on educational activities to advocate against wildlife in captivity and creating green corridors in the city so that humans and animals can co-exist without conflicts. A petition was submitted twice to the Surinamese Parliament to ban the sale of wild animals on the streets of Paramaribo, and against wildlife trade in general. In 2010 a petition was also initiated against the support of the Suriname Government of the Japanese Whaling standpoint within the International Whaling Commission. In 2015, three billboards were placed on strategic locations in Paramaribo to raise awareness about the wild animals that belong in the wild ( Een Wild Dier hoort in het Wild). Outreach activities are conducted involving students and teachers of all educational levels. The organisation also coordinates GLOBE in Suriname, a world wide citizen education project.
