Forest Land Acquisition for Large Scale Agriculture Development: Impacts on Deforestation Rate and Indigenous Rights in Surinam

Position Statement – June 5^th 2023

KLIK HIER VOOR NEDERLANDS

WWF does not support the conversion of intact forest landscapes in the Amazon Biome to large scale agriculture development. Land conversion to agriculture has been shown to be especially responsible for degradation and deforestation in the Amazon (footnote 1). Private acquisition of landscapes claimed by Indigenous and Tribal Peoples in the absence of a policy or law regarding indigenous and tribal land rights also causes unwarranted conflict with Indigenous and Tribal Peoples.  
 
WWF has taken note of the public announcement that the Government of Suriname is allocating nearly 350 square miles (90,000 hectares) of land in the Surinamese rainforest to the Mennonite Community near Apoera towards the border with Guyana (footnote 2). Based on evidence from other countries in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC), the Community will use these lands for agriculture development, accelerating deforestation and potential conflict with the Indigenous People who relate with these forests.
 
The impact of Mennonite agriculture in other Latin American Countries
Mennonites belong to a strict religious group that are known for large-scale farming practices of which there are already many examples in other Central and South American countries: Peru, Mexico, Bolivia, Colombia, Paraguay and Belize. The Living Amazon Report of November 2022 mentions this new phenomenon, with Mennonites increasingly occupying land for agricultural activities and being responsible for at least 4,800 hectares of deforestation in the Peruvian Amazon alone (footnote 3). The income from large-scale agriculture, developed by the Mennonites, benefits the organisation and the necessities of the community. Although initially welcomed as a boost to the local economy, there are increasing concerns over biodiversity loss, irreversible deforestation, forest fires, and friction with indigenous and tribal peoples over land rights and corruption.


Deforestation associated with the Mennonite colony Tierra Blanca 1 in Peru – Amazonconservation.org.
 
Potential environmental threat and social unrest
The rate and extent at which forest landscapes are transformed into agricultural land is unprecedented for the Guianas and would seriously jeopardize Suriname's status as an HFLD region (High Forest, Low Deforestation) Country, and certainly undermine its status as the Greenest Country on Earth with 93% of its forest intact. Furthermore, indigenous community dissatisfaction will grow over land allocation and economic activities that do not include them or address their longstanding request for land title. This concern can be related to recent events in the Para District of Suriname which caused major economic and social disruption, impacted communities and led to injury and loss of life. Beyond this, the land titling issue remains highly sensitive within society and can have serious implications for national security.


 A group from Shipyard, Belize, inspects soil in Suriname
– Adrian Barbero, Anabaptist World

Status of Land Acquisition
On May 30, 2023 a joint letter prepared by various NGOs and environmental organizations was directed to the National Assembly (Surinamese Parliament), to express concern and ask for clarification of the announced land acquisition by the Mennonite Community. The letter requested information on location and dimensions of the land and criteria for its award, while noting the risk of triggering massive deforestation. The inquiry specifically revolves around regulations concerning forestry, environmental obligations, water usage, soil depletion, infrastructure, and the contribution to the Surinamese community.
 
Concluding Recommendation
WWF notes that the final decision in relation to the land acquisition requires two further steps for finalisation, namely by the State Council and by the National Assembly.
 
We strongly request the decision makers to consider the issues in totality before making a final decision on this matter and to question themselves 'what do we want for Suriname?'. 

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