On April 19, 2024, the Ministry of Land Policy and Forest Management (GBB for its Dutch acronym) celebrated the 35th anniversary of the Western Hemisphere Shorebird Reserve Network (WHSRN) in Suriname. This celebration marked the inclusion of Bigi Pan MUMA, Coppename Monding Nature Reserve, and Wia Wia Nature Reserve into the WHSRN network 35 years ago, expanding its reach beyond North America. These sites, crucial for shorebird populations, are located along Suriname’s coastline and provide vital habitats for migratory shorebirds during the non-breeding season.
The celebration included opening remarks by Lizzie Schueler, the President of Manomet, Ms. K. Tajib-Rakimoen, the Deputy Director of Forest Management, and Ms. C. Sakimin, the Acting Head of the National Forestry Service (LBB). Rob Clay, the Director of the WHSRN Executive Office, acknowledged the ongoing commitment to shorebird conservation and presented Ms. K. Tajib-Rakimoen with a 35th-anniversary certificate, along with a statue representing a Whimbrel, a key species in the WHSRN sites in Suriname.
Left: Rob Clay, Director of WHSRN Executive Office, presenting the 35th Anniversary certificate and a commemorative Whimbrel statue to Ms. K. Tajib-Rakimoen, the Deputy Director of Forest Management and Ms. C. Sakimin, the National Forestry Service Acting Head. Right: Rob Clay presented several commemorative certificates to thank key stakeholders involved in conserving the local WHSRN sites. Photos: Arne J. Lesterhuis.
In 1989, during the designation event of the WHSRN sites, a plaque was installed on the property of the Ministry of Land Policy and Forest Management confirming the commitment to conserving natural resources. This plaque was restored and unveiled again during the 35th-anniversary event, symbolizing the continued commitment to the future.
The event honored several individuals who played critical roles in the designation of the WHSRN sites in Suriname, including Muriel Held, Stanley Malone, and Kris Mohadin. The celebration continued with unveiling a WHSRN sign at the Zeedijk in the Nickerie district, where the Bigi Pan MUMA site is located. This sign informs locals about the international importance of Bigi Pan MUMA for migratory shorebirds.
Rob P. Clay, Director of WHSRN Executive Office, Deputy Director of Forest Management Ms. K. Tajib-Rakimoen, District Commissioner of Nickerie, Mrs. Senrita Gobardhan, and Manomet’s President Lizzie Schueler. Photo: Arne J. Lesterhuis
These sites’ conservation efforts have been made possible through collaboration with various local and international partners. Organizations such as Manomet/WHSRN, GBB, LBB, Stichting Natuurbehoud Suriname (STINASU), The Nature Conservation Division (NCD), New Jersey Audubon, Vrienden Natuurbehoud Suriname, Green Heritage Fund, Fauna Conservation Suriname, and the Anton de Kom University have shown enduring commitment to conservation, underscoring the power of collective action in preserving our planet’s natural heritage.
Thank you to everyone who has supported and contributed to these sites’ success over the past 35 years. The WHSRN Executive Office is excited about commemorating more milestones in the future and invites everyone to celebrate 35 years of dedicated stewardship and the invaluable contributions of these remarkable sites to biodiversity conservation.
Birdwatching at Bigi Pan. Photos: Rob Clay.
Cover Photo: Flock of shorebirds along the Suriname coastline, mostly Short-billed Dowitcher (Limnodromus griseus). Arne J. Lesterhuis.
