Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) protocol to President Jennifer Simons in the ballroom of the new building of the National Assembly. The document clearly states that decisions regarding areas where Indigenous communities are located may not be made without the free, prior and informed consent of the local communities.

The chairperson of the VIDS, Muriel Fernandes, spoke of a historic moment for the Indigenous people in Suriname. “Today we write history. After years of discussions, research and tribal consultations we present a document that brings the voice, the knowledge and the values of.our people together. What we present today is not just paper but it is also a manifest of respect, justice and partnership,” said Fernandes who added that the FPIC protocol is a living document and that it was inspired by the traditions of the Wayana, Trio,

Lokono, Kari’na ánd other Indigenous communities. It contains guidelines for governments, companies and social organizations.

Fernandes made it clear that the protocol is not the end of a process but the beginning of a new chapter. “The next step is legislation and rules for carrying out the principles of this protocol.

Land Policy and Forest Management (GBB) Minister Stanley Soeropawiro (GBB) called the presentation an important moment. “To me the FPIC principle is a fundamental tool for sustainable development. It means that communities have the right to give their permission or to refuse when decisions that affect their surroundings, culture or way of life are made,” said the minister who added that his ministry contributed to the process via the ASL2 program and with the support of the World Bank, the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

President Jennifer Simons praised the initiative of the Indigenous communities. “I want to thank the Indigenous communities because with this document they are making it clear what they think and what they want. It provides a starting point. The objective of the government is to actually solve the most important problems surrounding the Indigenous and tribal communities,” said President Geerlings who added that the government is working towards recognizing the Indigenous communities as the inhabitants and securing their land rights. The president called on the VIDS to speed up the process of democracy and determining the borders of the Indigenous territories so that talks about these things could be resumed.