Green Heritage Fund Suriname (GHFS)

About us

The Green Heritage Fund Suriname (GHFS) was established in October 2005 and is a charitable nonprofit. The Foundation was established due to our belief that the image of Lucia (Bradypus tridactylus) should not be used commercially, and with the idea that a non-profit charity could reinvest all earnings in programs that would help improve the fate of animals.
Thus, the Foundation’s first program was born, the Xenarthra Program. The second and perhaps more well known initiative of the Foundation is the Dolphin Program. In 2005 a group of friends began to make regular trips in the Suriname River Estuary stopping at the beach of Braamspunt. Over time these outings developed into a regular research and monitoring activity. They also helped to encourage dolphin tourism which yields benefits for the local community.

Our Mission
Green Heritage Fund Suriname is moving all Surinamers to make wise decisions for the sustainable use of our natural resources.

Our Vision
Our vision is to create a society that consciously works towards the continued improvement
of its environment and the promotion of a green, clean and healthy Suriname.

GHFS Programs:
• Xenarthra Program: The Xenarthra is the order of animals that includes the sloths (2 species), armadillos (9 species) and anteaters (3 species). The Xenarthra Program of the foundation is involved in the shelter, care, rehabilitation and release of these animals. This means that orphaned and distressed animals are adopted temporarily until they are healthy and prepared to be returned to the forest.
• Dolphin Program: Since 2005 a group of local volunteers have collected basic data on the wild Sotalia guianensis dolphin population in the estuary of the Suriname River. This dolphin program has been involved in the collection of basic data, training of volunteers and other stakeholders, and providing education and information to the general public. The protection of the wild dolphin population through establishment and maintenance of a sound community monitoring programme that contributes to decision-making in respect to the estuary of the Suriname River.
• Education & Information Program: All activities of the foundation are aimed at improving the awareness and the understanding of the general public regarding environmental issues. To create a more informed citizenry through education (formal and informal training) and information with regard to the values of nature conservation by institutionalizing a nature conservation ethic.
• Green Community Development: To establish and maintain a program that records and promotes positive values, practices and knowledge about the environment in collaboration with the groups from which this knowledge originates.

Monique Pool is the Founder & Director and Saskia Soekirman is the Managerial Assistant of the Green Heritage Fund Suriname (GHFS).

For other net participants we can offer an expert guidance through trained staff, give an expert opinion, procure expert information and establish new contacts in the field of our work.