Suriname's President calls for compensation for forest protectors at COP30, highlighting the need for fair carbon finance. This stance emphasizes the importance of preserving forests while balancing development.

During the U.N. Climate Change Conference, COP30, Suriname's President Jennifer Geerlings-Simons advocated for compensation for forest protectors. Suriname, with 93% forest cover and net-negative carbon emissions, is pushing for recognition of its conservation efforts. The President pointed out the contradiction between conservation and development, as the country plans to develop offshore oil projects while preserving vast rainforest areas. She stressed the importance of fair access to carbon markets, criticizing wealthier nations for delaying payments. Geerlings-Simons also acknowledged the complexities of working with Indigenous and Maroon communities, who have protested against mining and land rights issues. The President's bold claim for compensation reflects a growing recognition of the need to treat conservation as a valuable commodity, raising questions about the future of forest protection in the face of development pressures.