India Extends Funding Support to Enhance Flood Resilience

in Suriname

India is proud to announce its commitment to providing funding support amounting to US$ 246,852.71 from the India-UN Development Partnership Fund for a vital project aimed at bolstering early warning services to communities in Suriname. This initiative is in direct response to a request from the Government of Suriname, as part of their efforts to enhance resilience against flooding resulting from excessive rainfall.

In light of the pressing challenges posed by climate change and extreme weather events, Suriname is in need of an advanced next-generation weather forecasting workstation. The proposed project entails the procurement and installation of an Automatic Weather Station and Automatic Water Level Stations. These additions will serve to elevate the capabilities of the National HydroMet Network, thus enhancing the monitoring of rainfall and flood situations, thereby fortifying the foundation of an effective early warning system. Additionally, a cutting-edge ArcGIS cloud-based geospatial platform will be developed to analyze areas prone to susceptibility to flooding.

During a pivotal meeting in September 2019, the Prime Minister of India engaged with leaders of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) in New York. The Prime Minister underscored the intention to foster partnerships with CARICOM countries in a manner that effectively addresses the unique needs and priorities of the CARICOM region. This commitment reflects India's unwavering dedication to strengthening its political, economic, and cultural ties with CARICOM nations.

Ambassador Ruchira Kamboj, the Permanent Representative of India, stated, "India has consistently supported Suriname through a variety of community development projects, extending concessional lines of credit, and providing humanitarian assistance whenever required. This project, aimed at establishing an early climate warning system, will undoubtedly save lives, empower businesses to adapt their operations, and safeguard valuable property."

The India-UN Development Partnership Fund, initiated by the Government of India in June 2017, stands as a beacon of support for projects in developing nations that contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals. Guided by the principles of South-South cooperation, the Fund places paramount importance on national ownership and leadership, equality, sustainability, capacity development at the local level, and mutual benefit. The Government of India has pledged a total of US$ 150 million over the next decade for the Fund. To date, the Fund has successfully supported 75 development projects spanning 56 countries.

8 August 2023

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