A search for ecologically sustainable solutions.

As a result of human activities and decades of agricultural production, the natural water cycle has been disrupted. One of the outcomes of this is current climate warming. This warming causes extreme weather conditions, characterised by prolonged periods of intense rainfall and extensive drought and heat. In Suriname, floods and flooding have caused problems for several years. One of these affected areas is the Coronie district, where agricultural production is an essential source of income.

Due to the prolonged drought, this district struggles with limited access to freshwater sources, which negatively affects agricultural production. Because Coronie borders the coastline, it has long faced the threat of the sea. The district has already lost significant land to the sea. The mangrove forests, which serve as natural seawalls and habitats for fish and bee populations, are slowly being destroyed by the force of the water. Despite the construction of a sea wall to counter this threat, the soil of the hinterland remains vulnerable to salinisation from rising seawater.

This sub-study on water management in Coronie district focuses on an in-depth analysis of the causes and consequences of water problems. Using a nine-week fieldwork in Coronie, the current situation of agriculture and water management was thoroughly mapped. This fieldwork included resident involvement, as their input is of great value to the study. In addition, a literature review was conducted to analyse the historical development of Coronie. The ultimate goal is to explore various strategies that could serve as possible solution directions to address water issues. Based on conceptual sketches and drawings, a draft proposal is presented for sustainable water management solutions in Coronie.