The BIO-PLATEAUX Conference on Transboundary River Basins in the Guiana Shield brought together more than 150 participants in Paramaribo, Suriname, from October 31 to November 2, 2024. The event was marked by collaborative discussions on the shared challenges and potential for sustainable management of the region’s vital water resources. This conference succeeded in fostering regional cooperation, underscoring the Guiana Shield's importance as a critical ecological and hydrological zone spanning Suriname, the Brazilian State of Amapá, and French Guiana.
A High-Level Assembly of Regional Authorities
The event opened with a high-level meeting with authorities of Suriname, Brazilian State of Amapá and French Guiana, in presence of President of Suriname, Mr Chandrikapersad Santokhi. Customary authorities, local communities, municipal and territorial representatives, research institutions and NGOs from French Guiana and the Brazilian State of Amapá also joined the conference to voice their perspectives on issues ranging from water quality and essential services to biodiversity preservation and climate resilience. Their insights highlighted the critical role that communities play in regional water management and conservation.
Landmark Agreements for Sustainable Water Management
At the conference, two historic documents were signed:
- A Bilateral Arrangement on Water Quality Monitoring: This agreement between Suriname and France seeks to strengthen water quality monitoring in the transboundary river basin monitoring. Collecting valuable data aim to guide pollution prevention.
- A Joint Declaration to Establish a Regional Observatory: This declaration sets the foundation for a Regional Observatory to improve knowledge of water resources and biodiversity across the Guiana Shield and strenhgten cooperation across borders.
Engaging Roundtables and Field Visit on Shared Challenges
The three-day conference featured thematic discussions through roundtables and working groups that focused on pressing water and biodiversity issues. Experts, institutions, and community representatives tackled diverse topics, including:
- Climate Change Impacts: Working groups discussed strategies to address droughts, floods, and other climate-related impacts.
- Water Quality & Contamination: Discussions centered on tackling pollution sources and safeguarding water quality, with particular attention to community health and ecosystem services.
- Essential Services: The crucial role drinking water supply, sanitation, and waste management for communities health across the Guiana Shield was discussed.
A highlight of the BIO-PLATEAUX Conference was the field visit to the Brokopondo Dam, an emblematic example of the intricate relationship between water and energy (water-energy nexus) within the Guiana Shield. Operational since 1964, the hydroelectric dam spans approximately 1,560 km² and has a production capacity of 180 MW, making it a crucial energy resource for Suriname’s socioeconomic development. Tts scale also underscores a shared challenge across the Guiana Shield: how to generate sufficient energy to meet development needs while sustainably managing natural resources.
Building a Sustainable Future Together
The BIO-PLATEAUX Conference represents a milestone for the Guiana Shield region, paving the way for closer cooperation and sustainable transboundary water management. With the new agreements and continued collaboration, the Guiana Shield stands ready to meet the challenges of water security, biodiversity preservation, and climate resilience for future generations.
Credit picture: Collectivité Territoriale de Guyane (CTG).