From June 21 to 27, 2026, the International Office for Water participated, alongside French government agencies and their Surinamese counterparts, in the interministerial canoe mission organized by the Subprefecture of Saint-Laurent-du-Maroni. The week-long journey up the river, from Saint-Laurent-du-Maroni to the villages of Talwen, Antecume Pata, and Pidima, brought together representatives from the prefecture, the French Embassy in Suriname, security forces, and environmental and diplomatic authorities from both countries.
OIEau took this opportunity to present the BIO-PLATEAUX initiative and its approach to establishing a sustainable framework for cross-border cooperation between France and Suriname for the integrated management of water resources.
Throughout the mission, the delegation engaged in discussions with riverside communities, government representatives, and—as the highlight of the week—with the river’s traditional authorities: the French and Surinamese Wayana Grand Mans, the Grand Traditional Council, and the Mulokot Association. These meetings underscore the central role of local representation in building cross-border cooperation rooted in the realities of the territory.
This phase confirmed the shared interest of stakeholders in the cross-border basin in a collaborative approach to water management, combining hydrological knowledge, crisis preparedness, and cooperation.