Ebu Jones Criticizes Sustainable Nature Management Bill in Suriname Assembly
During the discussion of the Sustainable Nature Management Bill in the National Assembly, Ebu Jones (NDP) criticized the initiative for granting 'abnormal, unprecedented, and extensive powers' to the National Environmental Authority (NMA), which he claims contradicts the constitution and the principle of political accountability. Jones expressed concerns that revenues from natural resources, such as carbon credits, would benefit concession holders instead of contributing to national development.
He warned against influences from international organizations and NGOs attempting to control Suriname's natural resources and emphasized that nature policy should remain under government authority, not the NMA. He highlighted contradictions between the new bill and the Environmental Framework Law, which he referred to as the 'mother law.'
Jones also criticized the NMA's assigned investigative powers and raised concerns about additional responsibilities being secretly assigned to the environmental fund. The further consideration of the bill has been postponed for revisions by the initiators and legal experts.
