Climate Change Adaptation Investments for the Resilience of Paramaribo
Technical Assistance
Paramaribo’s historic center was designated by the UNESCO as a World Heritage Site in 2002. Developed during the 16th and 17th centuries, it is considered an exceptional example of the fusion of European and indigenous South American culture, architecture, and construction techniques. This concentration of historical and cultural heritage buildings, monuments, and urban sites endows the area with the potential to lead the city’s sustainable development.
However, the iconic site is in urgent need of protection against increased flooding caused by climate change. Flooding from the Suriname river occurs as sea level rises during spring tide, during tropical storms, and by the rainfall-induced accumulation of water. The frequency as well as the intensity and extent of flooding are expected to considerably increase, and the economic losses associated with a single flooding event with a 100-year return period are estimated at US$ 125 million. The reconstruction of a 220-meter-long flood wall currently in state of decay is very much needed to avoid this scenerario.
This project seeks to reconstruct the flood wall and introduce a 220-meter-long pedestrian pathway along the river, rehabilitate a water taxi station, enhance the mangrove growth along the shoreline and provide training in integrated planning practices for climate adaptation. The pedestrian pathway has high recreational and economic value as it interconnects the Central Market, Waterfront tourism area, the Water Taxi station and a main bus hub.
The main expected results are increased protection against flooding for buildings, citizens, and livelihood in the World Heritage Site. These interventions will benefit approximately 14,000 people (7% of the total population of the city) and avoid economic losses from flooding events. Furthermore, the cultural and historical buildings located within the area represent over $100 million in irreplaceable monumental assets as deemed by the UNESCO, which will be protected from the effects of sea level rise. The improved flood protection for the water taxi station will benefit at least 36 water taxis providing additional connectivity to the city centre, as well as promote accessibility through the implementation of the pedestrian pathway. Additionally, increasing flood protection aims to strengthen the investment environment and ignite the World Heritage Site economic growth potential in the form of tourism development, and private sector participation, attracting social and commercial activities.
