has already started the process of purchasing drones for the Delfstoffen Autoriteit Suriname (DAS) via the Ministry of Natural Resources. The World Bank has already indicated that it is willing to finance this project although it is not clear yet how much it would cost. The drones will be equipped with LiDAR. LiDAR, or Light Detection And Ranging (sometimes also referred to as active laser scanning) is one remote sensing method that can be used to map structure including vegetation height, density and other characteristics across a region. LiDAR directly measures the height and density of vegetation on the ground. DAS will use the drones to carry out surveillance in mining areas. This investment is seen as an important step towards better surveillance, more transparency and sustainable management of the natural resources.