Mon Sep 29 10:27:16 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a summary of the text and a rewritten news article from the provided information:

**Summary:**

Suriname has pledged to permanently protect 90% of its tropical rainforests, making it one of the most ambitious climate and biodiversity commitments by an Amazonian nation. This pledge, exceeding the UN’s 30×30 target, was announced at Climate Week in New York City, ahead of the COP30 climate summit in Brazil. The country aims to strengthen conservation laws, potentially recognizing Indigenous and Maroon ancestral lands and expanding ecotourism and carbon credit opportunities. A $20 million commitment from environmental donors will support the initiative. However, concerns remain about the lack of legally recognized Indigenous and tribal land rights, illegal mining, logging, and weak enforcement, which could undermine the effectiveness of the pledge.

**News Article:**

**The Hindu: Suriname Aims to Protect 90% of Rainforest, A Bold Step for Amazon Conservation**

**NEW YORK – September 29, 2025** – Suriname has announced a groundbreaking commitment to permanently protect 90% of its tropical rainforests, positioning itself as a leader in global conservation efforts. The pledge, unveiled during Climate Week in New York City by Foreign Minister Melvin W.J. Bouva on behalf of President Jennifer Geerlings-Simons, significantly exceeds the UN’s “30×30” target and marks a pivotal moment for the Amazon region.

Suriname, boasting the world’s highest forest cover at 93%, is a vital carbon sink, absorbing more carbon dioxide than it emits. The government aims to update conservation laws by year-end, potentially granting recognition to ancestral lands of Indigenous and Maroon communities, descendants of escaped enslaved Africans. This framework intends to enhance ecotourism and participate in the carbon credit market.

“We understand and accept the immense responsibility of stewarding over 15 million hectares of tropical rainforest,” President Geerlings-Simons stated, emphasizing the nation’s commitment to preserving its valuable ecosystems.

A $20 million pledge from environmental donors is set to support the effort, creating local jobs linked to forest protection. Conservationists laud the move as setting a new standard for the Amazon, which has been grappling with deforestation.

However, the ambitious plan faces challenges. Hugo Jabini, a lawyer from the Saamaka Maroon community, points out that Suriname is the only country in the Western Hemisphere that doesn’t legally recognize indigenous and tribal land rights. He warns that illegal mining, logging, and road building continue to threaten the rainforest and the communities that depend on it.

Sirito Yana Aloema, president of the Organization of Indigenous Peoples in Suriname, echoed these concerns, highlighting the need for enforcement and for recognizing Indigenous communities as the forest’s legal guardians. He warned that weak infrastructure, corruption, and the allure of illegal mining could undermine these conservation efforts.

“To protect our forests, we need to be in the forest,” Aloema stated. “The best people to do this are the Indigenous people and the Maroon people.”

While hailed as a significant step forward, the success of Suriname’s pledge hinges on addressing land rights issues, strengthening enforcement, and providing sustainable alternatives to resource extraction with international support. The world will be watching as Suriname attempts to translate its ambition into a tangible reality on the ground.

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