How about we delve into the story of Weg naar Zee? It is more than just a road to the sea. Weg naar Zee is a resort in Suriname’s Paramaribo District. Its name literally means “road to the sea”. This resort tells tales of Hindu pilgrimage sites, oil discoveries, and determined mangrove restoration.
Weg naar Zee has a significant East Indian population. In 2012, the census recorded 16037 residents. For the Hindu community, Weg naar Zee is a particularly meaningful place. The oldest open-air crematorium in Suriname was built here in 1968. It is frequently used by Hindus.
Close to the crematorium lies a Hindu pilgrimage site. A private organization built it. You will find impressive Hindu gods there. The pilgrimage site welcomes everyone. A respectful attitude is expected. Donations for maintenance are appreciated. Note that it can be crowded on days with religious services. Visits after 6 PM are discouraged.
Did you know that Weg naar Zee holds a secret beneath its surface? In 1968, oil was discovered here. Staatsolie has been exploiting it since the 1990s. In 2012, estimates suggested 11 million barrels remained.
However, Weg naar Zee faces environmental challenges. Climate change causes rising sea tides. Deforestation increases the risk of flooding. In 2015, a mangrove conservation effort began. Professor Naipal from Anton de Kom University of Suriname leads this project. The goal is to increase mangrove forests near the coast. Mangroves offer stabilization. They reduce erosion.
The method involves building narrow wooden dams. These dams trap sediment. Mangroves are then planted. This helps to break waves. It also captures sediments.
In 2022, Weg naar Zee received a distinguished visitor. UN Secretary-General António Guterres came to Suriname. He symbolically planted a mangrove tree here. That same year, the project became a national initiative. It is called the Mangrove Rehabilitation Project Weg naar Zee. President Santokhi officially launched it on July 30, 2022.
Weg naar Zee also has an agricultural side. A large part of the resort is dedicated to agriculture. This area is known as the “vegetable garden” of Paramaribo. However, human activity converted mangrove areas into farmland, fishing ponds, and settlements. The loss of mangroves made the coast vulnerable. Flooding and erosion became major threats. Some areas lost up to 27 meters of land in a single year. This displaced residents. It also destroyed livelihoods.
Before 2015, no mitigation measures were taken. Conservation International Suriname supports Professor Naipal’s Building with Nature Project. Weg naar Zee is the most endangered community by sea level rise in South America and the Caribbean. Wooden dams are built. They allow water to penetrate. This traps sediment. Mangroves are then replanted. This project is a successful adaptation to climate change.
The plan is to assemble 12 more sediment-trapping units. These will be placed along the coast of Weg naar Zee. The goal is to stop land degradation. This uses ecosystem-based adaptation techniques. Through education, the communities will learn about mangrove restoration. They will also understand the benefits of ecosystem restoration projects. Scientific research will inform future adaptation initiatives.
So, as we stand here, remember Weg naar Zee. It is a place of faith, resources, and resilience. It demonstrates Suriname’s commitment to preserving its natural heritage.