CASE STUDIES

Client: Government of Suriname through the 'Improving Environmental Management in the Mining Sector of Suriname, with Emphasis on Artisanal and Small-Scale Gold Mining' (EMSAGS) financed by United Nations Development Program (UNDP) and the Global Environment Facility (GEF)

Focus: Policy Development | Sustainable Mining | Regulatory Compliance

The Challenge

Small-scale gold mining is one of Suriname's most important economic activities and a major source of income for thousands of families. However, the sector also faces challenges related to environmental degradation, mercury use, land-use conflicts, occupational health and safety, limited access to finance and technology, and fragmented governance. The Government required a practical and inclusive strategy that could align stakeholders around a shared vision for responsible mining over the next decade.

Our Approach

NDE Training & Consultancy led a participatory and evidence-based strategy development process that included: stakeholder mapping and engagement, national and international policy review, analysis of environmental, social, economic, and governance challenges, consultations with government agencies, miners, Indigenous and Tribal communities, civil society organizations, private sector actors, and development partners, facilitation of technical working sessions and validation workshops, and development of strategic objectives, priority actions, implementation arrangements, and monitoring indicators.

Key Results

• ✔Developed a comprehensive national strategy and implementation framework for the period 2026–2036
• ✔Facilitated dialogue among diverse stakeholder groups with often competing interests
• ✔Identified priority interventions to improve environmental management, formalization, occupational health and safety, responsible mercury management, access to finance, and sector governance
• ✔Established a roadmap for strengthening collaboration between government, mining communities, local populations, and development partners
• ✔Produced a practical action plan with clear implementation priorities and measurable outcomes

Impact

The Responsible Small-Scale Gold Mining Strategy 2026–2036 provides Suriname with a long-term framework for transitioning toward a more sustainable and inclusive mining sector. The strategy supports environmental protection, improved livelihoods, stronger governance, and greater economic resilience while recognizing the important contribution of small-scale mining to national development. It also creates a foundation for future investments, policy reforms, and international cooperation in responsible mining. NDE Training & Consultancy brought together over two decades of experience in mining, environmental management, sustainable development, and stakeholder engagement to facilitate one of Suriname's most important policy processes for the mining sector.

Client: National Institute for Environment and Development in Suriname (currently the National Environment Authority), with support from the United Nations Development Programme and the 'Improving Environmental Management in the Mining Sector of Suriname, with Emphasis on Artisanal and Small-Scale Gold Mining' (EMSAGS) Project

Focus: Environmental Policy | ASGM Sector | Mercury Reduction | Minamata Convention

The Challenge

Artisanal and small-scale gold mining contributes approximately 40% of Suriname's gold production and supports the livelihoods of an estimated 10–15% of the population. However, the sector is also the country's largest source of mercury pollution, resulting in environmental degradation and health risks, particularly for Indigenous and Tribal communities in mining regions. At the time of the assignment, Suriname lacked a dedicated legal framework for mercury management in the sector and needed a nationally supported strategy to meet its international obligations under the Minamata Convention.

Our Approach

NDE Training & Consultancy formed part of a multidisciplinary team responsible for developing the National Action Plan through a participatory and evidence-based process that included: comprehensive review of existing studies, policies, and sector data, baseline assessment of mercury use, environmental impacts, and health risks, consultations with government agencies, mining stakeholders, civil society organizations, Indigenous and Tribal representatives, and development partners, community engagement sessions in mining-affected areas, facilitation of validation workshops and stakeholder review processes, and development of reduction targets, implementation strategies, monitoring mechanisms, and policy recommendations.

Key Results

• ✔Delivered Suriname's first National Action Plan for mercury reduction in the ASGM sector
• ✔Established a national target to reduce mercury use in small-scale gold mining by 30% over a ten-year period
• ✔Developed a comprehensive implementation framework covering legal and institutional reform, mercury reduction measures and technology adoption, public health interventions and biomonitoring, and awareness and education programs
• ✔Identified practical actions to eliminate harmful mining practices, increase retort use, improve monitoring systems, and strengthen government capacity
• ✔Achieved broad stakeholder validation and national ownership of the proposed strategy

Impact

The National Action Plan provides Suriname with a clear roadmap for reducing mercury pollution while maintaining the economic importance of the small-scale gold mining sector. The plan strengthens the country's ability to protect public health, improve environmental management, support sustainable mining practices, and fulfill its commitments under the Minamata Convention. It also establishes the foundation for future investments, policy reforms, capacity-building initiatives, and coordinated action among government, industry, communities, and development partners. NDE Training & Consultancy successfully translated complex environmental, health, and mining-sector challenges into a practical and implementable national policy framework.

Client: Suriname Conservation Foundation (SCF)

Focus: Partnership Evaluation | Sustainable Business | Strategic Development

The Challenge

After more than a decade of operation, SCF sought to assess the effectiveness of its Green Partnership Program, identify opportunities for improvement, strengthen collaboration among partner organizations, and define a clear pathway for the future of the partnership. Key areas of concern included communication, partner engagement, resource sharing, governance structure, and long-term sustainability.

Our Approach

NDE Training & Consultancy was engaged as an independent facilitator and evaluator. The assignment included: reviewing relevant program documentation, designing and administering stakeholder surveys, conducting interviews with partner organizations, analyzing data and identifying key trends, facilitating a multi-stakeholder validation workshop, and developing recommendations and strategic next steps for the partnership.

Key Results

• ✔Achieved broad stakeholder participation through interviews, surveys, and a validation workshop
• ✔Confirmed strong overall support for continuation of the partnership
• ✔Identified practical recommendations to improve communication, governance, transparency, and collaboration
• ✔Facilitated consensus on priority actions, including enhanced reporting, regular meetings, integration of sustainability goals, and development of a renewed partnership framework

Impact

The evaluation provided SCF and its partner organizations with a clear roadmap for strengthening the Green Partnership Program and enhancing its contribution to sustainable development in Suriname. The process renewed stakeholder commitment, improved strategic alignment, and laid the foundation for future collaborative environmental initiatives and long-term partnership growth. Through a participatory and evidence-based approach, NDE Training & Consultancy successfully facilitated dialogue among leading private sector organizations, translated stakeholder insights into actionable recommendations, and supported the development of a stronger framework for environmental stewardship and sustainable business collaboration in Suriname.