The Pier, Suriname River, Suriname. Credit: Natalie Boodram.
The 17th meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP17) to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) is taking place from October 19 to 30, 2026. Decisions made at COP17 will help shape global action on biodiversity conservation and management. CANARI is supporting Suriname’s biodiversity negotiators to prepare for and participate effectively in CBD COP17.
About the project
CANARI is providing support to help ensure that at COP17 Suriname can continue to effectively represent its national priorities, advocate for national and regional interests and contribute meaningfully to international decisions on biodiversity conservation and sustainable use.
CANARI is working with Suriname’s Ministry of Oil, Gas and the Environment (OGM) to identify and prioritise key COP17 negotiating issues for Suriname. Through training and capacity building, CANARI will strengthen the knowledge, skills and competencies of biodiversity negotiators and civil society stakeholders. Further support will be provided through on-site coaching, mentoring and coordination during COP17.
The project is funded by Alinea International, under the Biodiversity Governance Innovation Programme, which is supported by Global Affairs Canada.
How will this project benefit the Caribbean region?
This project will strengthen Suriname’s capacity as a proactive and influential actor in global biodiversity negotiations. By building the knowledge, skills and preparedness of biodiversity negotiators and stakeholders, it will help Suriname to champion ambitious biodiversity commitments and contribute to regional environmental diplomacy and cooperation among Caribbean countries.
What activities are we undertaking to achieve this?
CANARI will:
- Enhance COP17 readiness by identifying and prioritising critical negotiation issues and developing practical briefing materials to guide the COP delegation;
- Design and deliver training to strengthen negotiation, diplomacy and advocacy competencies for biodiversity negotiators and civil society actors including Indigenous and Tribal Peoples; and
- Provide direct COP17 support including on-site coaching, mentoring and coordination assistance.
More information about this project
Contact Thérèse Yarde, Biodiversity and Ecosystems Programme Manager, at therese@canari.org.
Related programme
At-A-Glance
Aim: Enhance the negotiation and advocacy skills of Suriname’s delegation to CBD COP17
Timeframe: July – November 2026
Budget: CAD41,700
Funded by: Alinea International
Location: Suriname
Related Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):
 |
 |
Related CANARI programme:
Biodiversity and Ecosystems