Suriname is located on the Northeastern coast of South America. The majority of the country’s land is in the Guyana highlands, which cover 85% of the country. The terrain consists of mostly rolling hills and a narrow coastal plain with swamps. 90% of the Surinamese population inhabits low-lying coastal areas. The economy of Suriname is heavily reliant on the services and extractive industries. Also of commercial importance are agriculture and forestry. According to the Government of Suriname, the major threats posed by climate change are flooding, drought and high winds during extreme weather events. Indigenous communities, found mainly in Paramaribo and coastal towns, and often located near rivers, are prone to flooding. Agricultural lands concentrated in the fertile coastal plains are at risk of salt water intrusion caused by flooding and sea level rise. Adaptation measures are therefore needed to protect against social, environmental and economic losses.

The National Coordination of Environmental Policy within the Office of the President of the Republic of Suriname is responsible for formulation of environmental policy and implementation of ratified conventions. Suriname has taken the initiative to move away from business-as-usual and to chart a course towards climate compatible development through an enabling framework which has included the preparation and approval of a National Climate Change Policy, Strategy and Action Plan (NCCPSAP). Suriname has also drafted a National Energy Plan 2013-2033 outlining a long-term vision and strategy to establish an efficient energy sector. Suriname ratified the Paris Agreement as of February 13, 2019 and its associated Nationally Determined Contribution can be found here.