Vulnerability and Capacity Assessment Report Weg Naar Zee

Self-made dam by owner of pilgrimage

Vulnerability and Capacity Assessment Report Weg naar Zee

Risk analysis based on possible effects of Climate Change 2014

Compilers:

Blinker, Humphrey (Disaster Management Officer / Focal point CC Suriname Red Cross)

Commissioned by SGP Suriname

Contents Risk analysis based on possible effects of Climate Change 2014 ...... 0 List of Abbreviations ...... 2 List of graphics ...... 2 List of Pictures ...... 2 Methodology...... 3 Community Baseline ...... 4 Baseline results ...... 6 Analyses ...... 6 History of Weg naar Zee ...... 14 Observations in terms of CC trends ...... 16 Seasonal Calendar ...... 20 Threats ...... 22 Plan of Action following the Hazard and Risk Scenario ...... 25 References ...... 27 Glossary ...... 28

List of Abbreviations

SIDS Small Island Developing States IPCC Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change UNFCC United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change GHG Greenhouse Gas UNEP United Nations Environment Programme NIMOS National Institute for Environment and Development in Suriname CVCA Climate and Vulnerable Capacity Assessment SGP Small Grants Programme CADRIM Red Cross Caribbean Disaster Risk Management Reference Centre VCA Vulnerability and Capacity assessment MUMA Multiple Use Management Area CCA KAP CC Adaptation survey on Knowledge, attitude and practices NGO Non-Governmental Organization CC Climate Change List of graphics Figure 1. Map of the location Weg naar zee Figure 2. How familiar are individuals to CC topics Figure 3. Most dangerous climate hazard affecting communities Figure 4. What factors cause global warming and CC Figure 5. Sector perceived to be most responsible for CC issues Figure 6. Which of the following global warming and CC will have an impact on Figure 7. Factors responsible for community inaction to CC issues Figure 8. What can be done about CC Figure 9. Mitigation practices by individuals / households Figure 10. How prepared are communities to handle climate related disasters Figure 12. CC adaptation strategies within the community Figure 13. Age range of respondents Figure 14. Climate trends; Temperature observation Figure 15. Climate trends; Precipitations observations

List of Pictures Picture 1. A part of the pilgrimage area Picture 2. Funereal pile at Weg naar zee Picture 3. The absence of mangrove at the coast Picture 4. Work in progress; bank protection Picture 5. A glance of what is left ashore Picture 6. Continuous land loss Picture 7. What was once a bank protection Picture 8. The current coast line Picture 9. Demolition bank protection (build by owner pilgrimage) Picture 10. Demolition bank protection (build by owner pilgrimage) Picture 11. Demolition bank protection (build by owner pilgrimage) Picture 12. Demolition bank protection (build by owner pilgrimage) Picture 13. Demolition bank protection (build by owner pilgrimage) Picture 14 The height of the dike is outdated Picture 15 pathetic view (work in progress and already the demolition process starts)

Methodology

The Caribbean Climate Change Adaptation Tool for Awareness, Assessment and Adaptation (3CA methodology), was developed by the Red Cross Caribbean Disaster Risk Management Reference Centre (CADRIM) to be used in order to assess Communities vulnerabilities and Capacities. The Community Assessment (Vulnerability and Capacity Assessment - VCA) is an investigative (participatory if possible) process. It is designed to assess the risk that people face in their local areas, as well as the resources and skills the community have to cope and recover from adverse events. The output is not only an assessment of the community risks and capacities, but also the development of micro-project regarding solutions to build resilience as well as to adapt to and mitigate the impact of Climate Change, in order to reduce the frequency and the impact of disasters.

The results of the VCA are based on direct observation and interaction with community members over a period of time in which de data has been recorded and analysed through the following activities:  Direct observations during visits to the community,  Structured and semi-structured interviews with community members  Focus group meetings with target audiences  Mapping of hazards, vulnerabilities, capacities and resources  Brainstorming as a team and  Quick surveys.

The intention of this study is to obtain insight of the community and the environment they reside. In addition to acquire possible solutions provided by the residents themselves in order to implement these to enhance risk reduction.

Community Baseline

Official Community Name: Weg Naar Zee

Common name: Weg naar Zee

Location of Community (www.maphil.com)

Weg naar Zee is a resort in Suriname, located in the Paramaribo District.

Administrative classification Administrative region (level 2)

Subregions n/a South 5° 50' 43" N North 5° 54' 51" N West 55° 15' 26" W East 55° 12' 19" W Minimal elevation 0 m Maximal elevation 0 m Land/Water Coastal 15.83 sq miles (41 km²)

Municipality:

The total population of the area which is counted for the Weg naar zee at the 2012 census was 16,037. Part of the population is farmer and fishermen, but many residential areas have been developed for commuters that work in Paramaribo. Apart from a few larger residential projects, ribbon building is the dominant settlement pattern in the area and the majority of people live along the main roads in the area. There is in general a decrease in population when going further away from Paramaribo to the coastal line. The area where this report focuses on is near the coastal line in and around the pilgrimage moving to the funereal pile area. The estimated population in this area was around the 500 households.

Fig. 1. Map of the location of Weg naar Zee

Main access route: The main access route to Weg naar Zee is through the main road, Weg naar Zee (crossroad from the Kwattaweg). The accessibility to this area is by all means of transportations. The road is paved and in perfect condition. There are other routes that lead to the area. These are by several crossroads leading to the main road, the Kwattaweg. Also the area can be reach through the Atlantic Ocean.

Population The population consists of individuals of different races, such as Hindustani, Javanese, afro Africans, Europeans e.o.

Economic activities

Within the Wetland Area hardly any land use is found, except for the so-called “fish holes”, which are used for extensive swamp fishery and for hunting. Within the Dry land Area virtually all sand and shell ridges are being used for agricultural purposes. The dominant land use is horticulture, while also animal husbandry for dairy milk is being practiced, but this land use is confined to the wider ridges. The clay soils are utilized far less, with only extensive grazing (for milk and meat), small scale cultivation of tree crops and bananas, and horticulture. Apart from agriculture, much land in the Dry land Area is used for residential development in smaller and larger projects.

Tourism The pilgrimage area is a great attraction for tourism. Also Suriname residence visits the place very often.

Baseline results

Introduction The CCA KAP survey and analysis template were developed by the Red Cross Caribbean Disaster Risk Management Reference Centre (CADRIM) to support the use of the John Hopkins Baseline/end line survey tool for CC in communities. This report describes the results of beliefs, knowledge, attitudes and actions on local risk management in the selected community. The report indicates the method used and the results obtained, as well as a description of the resources that have been used to collect information and how the results of this research were processed.

General Objective Collection of general information on CC Adaptation, Knowledge, Attitude and Practices of the community as well as to identify the extent to which the community is aware of and coping with this change.

Gathering of information The information of this survey was gathered from interviews with community members of Weg naar zee (the survey concentrated more in the area of the coastal line). The backgrounds of the respondents were fishermen, farmers, visitors, housewives e.o. The questionnaire which was used for the interview consisted of 18 questions divided into demographic, knowledge, attitudes, behavior and practices. This questionnaire is currently used in various countries in the Caribbean.

Results The following information was gathered from 25 interviewees during March, 2014. The interview was done under seven (7) females and eighteen (18) males who lived in the area between 15 and 25 years.

The collected information is processed and analyzed as follow:

Analyses

In the beginning it seemed as if the community Weg naar zee, was not aware of terms such as CC. As the interview progressed it was obvious that it was only the term used to describe the subject was unknown (Fig. 2.).

Question one (1) How familiar are individuals to CC topics

5 Totalresponse no. 0 Not at all Slightly Neutral Fairly Very familiar familiar Series2 familiar familiar

Fig. 2. How familiar are individuals to CC topics 6

The community is well aware of disasters that may occur in this area.

Quesiton fifteen (15) Most dangerous climate hazard affecting communities 30

10 Totalresponse no. 5

Yes No Not sure

Fig 3. Most dangerous climate hazard affecting communities

Based on the survey results the hazards this area is exposed to are Tropical storms (Severe Winds) and flooding followed by coastal erosion and salt water intrusion. The last few years it has been evident that severe winds were active in the Community Weg naar zee. The responses were there for more focused on the presence of severe winds (see fig.3.).

Quesiton three (3) What factors cause global warming and Climate Change

Totalresponse no. 10 Not sure 5 No Yes 0

Fig. 4. What factors cause global warming and CC

Based on the reponses of the inerviewees it was certain that they are aware that the climate is changing, however they dissociate from belonging to the group of contributors (see agricultural production; The answer to this question were “no” or “not sure” Fig 4). Accoording to the respondents, industrial activities are the main contributors to the CC followed by ddeforestation, traffic and polluting of the atmosphere.

Question six (6) which of the following do you think global warming and Climate Change will have an impact on

100% 90% 80% 70% 60% 50% 40% 30% Not sure 20% No 10%

0% Yes Totalresponse (percentage)

Fig 4. Which of the following do you think global warming and CC will have an impact on

It is clear that at Weg naar zee the community is very concerned (44% of respondent; see fig. 7.), with changes in weather pattern (most not aware of the term CC). It is therefor evident that 44% of respondents very interested, following 28% of fairly interested, respondents want to obtain more information about CC and its impacts on the environment (See fig. 6.). The thoughts are scattered though of how urgent the need is for action to be taken in order to address CC related issues (fig. 7.).

Question seven (7) Question eight (8) How do respondents feel about Respondents interest in learning the issue of CC (%) more about CC (%)

0% Not at all Not at all 20% 0% concerned 20% interested 44% 20% Slightly 44% 8% Slightly concerned interested

Neutral 28% Neutral 16%

Fig. 5. How do respondents feel about issue of CC Fig. 6. Respondents interest in learning more about CC

Question nine (9) How respondents feel about urgent actions to address CC (%)

0% 0% Not at all urgent 31% 27% Slightly urgent Neutral 42% Fairly urgent Very urgent

Fig. 7. How respondents feel about urgent actions to address CC

According to the results presented in figure 8, the most responsible sectors /stakeholders for addressing CC issues (See factors responsible for community inaction to CC issues figure 9 on the following page ) is the Government; as major reponsible stakeholder towards its citizens. This thought is followed by the private sector, which they stated is responsible for adding to the issues of CC.

Question thirteen (13) Sector most responsible for addressing CC 18

14 12 10 8 6

4 Totalresponse no. 2 0

Sectors/Institutions

Fig. 8 Sector most responsible for addressing CC

The respondents don’t see them self as the ones taking action against the treat of CC. The reason for this is that they are not (fully) aware (see fig. 9. And fig. 10.) of what kind of action could be taken to prevent CC of happening and or against the effects of CC. This is one of the main reasons why people are very concerned (44% see fig. 5.) of the fact that it is happening.

According to the respondents the Government is the main group being responsible for making decisions about CC and reducing the risk of climate hazards, followed by the private sector (industrial) as for they are the main contributors to the existing problem.

Question fourteen (14) Factors responsible for community inaction to CC issues 20 18

14 12 10 8

6 Totalresponse no. 4 2 0 Lack of Lack of Lack of Lack of People are People don’t knowledge interest or external support from too busy know what commitment assistance government to do

Yes No Not sure

Fig. 9. Factors responsible for community inaction to CC issues

It is very interesting to see how the community identifies itself in a rapid changing environment with the focus on CC. Figure 9 above shows a variety of circumstances leading to the community not being able to prepare and or being aware of the change in environment and therefor the cause of being greater at risk.

The graphic can be analyzed as to be “people don’t know what to do” because of the following reasons: - People are too busy; the majority of the community exists of Farmers and Fishermen and the other part working in jobs out of the community. - Lack of knowledge; if we think of interest and or education level - Lack of interest and commitment ; other preferences

The lack of knowledge, is the highest reason given why people don’t know what to do.

Question eleven (11) what can be done about CC A number of A few things things I can do I can do 0% 12% Neutral 4%

Nothing at all I can do Very little I can 48% do 36%

Fig. 10. What can be done about CC

Although the community itself does not know, there are few actions that are taken that contribute to the mitigation of the effects of CC. So we see that the community fully participates in calls for mitigation of the excessive use of energy; putting lights off when not in use, using fluorescent instead of bulb light and using low energy appliances (see fig. 11.).

Question sixteen (16) Mitigation practices by individuals /households 30 25 20 15 10

Totalresponse no. 5 Not sure 0 No Yes

Fig. 11. Mitigation practices by individuals / households

The overall conclusion taken is the lack of external support which execerbates the disability position of the community regarding the implementation of mitigation strategies. The community exercises some of the practices seen in figure 11 based on television and radio messages.

Nevertheless, it is very alarming to know that 64% of the community is not prepared on any pending disaster (See fig. 12.). The reason for this varies from person to person, from lack of knowledge to lack of Government and or external involvement in the community.

Question five (5) How prepared are communities to handle climate related disasters

Very prepared 0% Neutral 4% Fairly prepared 20%

Not at all prepared 64%

Slightly prepared 12% Fig. 12. How prepared are communities to handle climate related disasters

The graphic underneath (fig. 13.) shows clearly the (non) involvement of the community in activities taking place in their communities. Other than “river bank defenses, the community is not aware or not sure of any activities taking place. In the case of “river bank defenses”, it is because part of the community (closer by the coast), repeatedly defended them self against coastal erosion by constructing defense systems (dikes).

Question eighteen (18) CC adaptaiton strategies within the community 100% 90% 80% 70% 60% 50% 40% 30%

percentage(%) 20% 10% 0%

Yes No Not sure

Fig. 13. CC adaptation strategies within the community

History of Weg naar Zee

When we talk about Weg naar Zee mostly people refer to the pilgrimage “Weg naar zee” and or the funereal pile. The pilgrimage Holy ground, under the leadership of mr. Bajnath, was established in the 80s with the aim of providing the population of Indian origin a location where they could do their prayers and be able to take a holy bath in the sea adjacent. This would, according the aim of the foundation, behold the strong connection with the land of origin, India.

Picture 1. A part of the pilgrimage area

The pilgrimage provides employment to several people (maintenance, supervisors etc.). For the past two years the foundation is running a care hotel, to care for senior citizen. This care hotel is income generating for the pilgrimage. Daily more than one hundred visitors visit the area. Two third of these visitors are for religious activities.

The “Oedraisingh Varma Crematie oord” is a other important spiritual pilgrimage area located in Weg naar zee at the coast line. Daily cremation of deceased citizens of Suriname with Indian descent is taking place. Furthermore it is an attraction place for tourist and other visitors coming from elsewhere in Suriname and from other countries.

Picture 2. Funereal pile “Oedraisingh Varma” at Weg naar zee

Some highlights of events 14

Year Events 1982 Establishment of mr. Bajnath in the current area 1884 Operationalization of the Pilgrimage. This has been established by the foundation headed by mr. Bajnath. At that time the foundation owned 10 acres of land. 1992 According to mr. Bajnath was the year the loss of land started. Before that there was land acquisition. In his opinion yes, deforestation of the parwa and mangrove was a fact. The process even started then. Removing the “natural protection” only accelerated the process. At this time he had lost 1 km of land. 1992 Mr. Bajnath constructed a dijk to protect his land against loss of land. 1998 Few more meters and the sea is right beside the pilgrimage. DWT august 1998 2010 Highest water level in the sea. The coastal area, even so Weg naar zee was inundated 2012 In the perception of mr. Bajnath the sea level raised within 20 years with 1 meter. His knowledge is based on the fact that he needs to adjust the height of the dike every 5 years as the sea water reaches the top of the dike. 2012 Establishment of the care hotel for senior citizen, run by the pilgrimage. 2013 Weg naar zee ones again flooded. Farmers lost most of their crops. DWT may 2013 2014 At this time what is left of the 10 acres of land of the foundation is 4 acres of which the foundation is struggling to protect by constructing own dikes

Observations in terms of CC trends

Historical profile

Age range: 18-24☐ 25-30☐ 31-40☐ 41-50☐ Over 50☐ How long have you lived in this community: Less 5 years☐ 5-10☐ 10-15☐ 15-20☐ 20-25☐ Over 25☐ Average

Climate Trends/changes: Environment

1. Have you noticed any change in temperature? ☐ yes ☐ no ☐ uncertain Times are hotter ☐ yes ☐ no ☐ uncertain Times are cooler ☐ yes ☐ no ☐ uncertain 2. Have there been changes in the weather patterns? ☐ yes ☐ no ☐ uncertain Has rainfall increased ☐ yes ☐ no/decrease ☐ unchanged Has drought increase ☐ yes ☐ no/decrease ☐ unchanged Has there been more severe ☐ yes ☐ no/fewer severe ☐ unchanged winds winds Has floods increased ☐ yes ☐ no ☐ unchanged Are severe winds stronger ☐ yes ☐ no ☐ unchanged Additional comments ☐ yes ☐ yes ☐ uncertain Are seasons predictable as ☐ yes ☐ no ☐ uncertain before Have the seasons changed ☐ yes ☐ no ☐ unchanged How long have you noticed these changes? More than 10 years ago ☐ yes ☐ no ☐ uncertain 5-10 years ago ☐ yes ☐ no ☐ uncertain 1-5 years ago ☐ yes ☐ no ☐ uncertain

CC: Livelihood

5. Have the temperature change changed the way you conduct your business ☐ yes ☐ no 6. Do you are a family member own a farm (commercial, kitchen garden) ☐ yes (fishing) ☐ no 7. Have you or the family member suffered tremendous loss from climate hazard ☐ yes ☐ no 8. What are your additional traditional crops/livestock Cassava ☐ yes ☐ no Lenti (Oerdi) ☐ yes ☐ no Long beans ☐ yes ☐ no Peppers ☐ yes ☐ no Pumpkin ☐ yes ☐ no

Rice ☐ yes ☐ no Plantain ☐ yes ☐ no Chicken ☐ yes ☐ no Goat ☐ yes ☐ no Sheep ☐ yes ☐ no Other Leafy vegetables ______9. Are you rearing the same livestock and cultivating the same crops as before? ☐ yes ☐ no Which crops/livestock are you no longer ______cultivating 10. What factors influenced your decisions to change your (farming activities) Change in rain pattern? ☐ yes ☐ no Increased dry periods/less water ☐ yes ☐ no Increased temperature ☐ yes ☐ no Change in market demand ☐ yes ☐ no Weather events (frequency/intensity) ☐ yes ☐ no Cost of production ☐ yes ☐ no Lack of external intervention ☐ yes ☐ no 11. How has temperature or rainfall influenced your usual pattern of activities? Increased the cost of items goods/services Increased the cost of utility –cooling systems ☐ yes ☐ no Higher temperatures ☐ yes ☐ no Unpredictable weather ☐ yes ☐ no Increase in dry period-water scarcity ☐ yes ☐ no

CC- Gender

12. Have climate related hazards influenced any change in gender roles recently? ☐ yes ☐ no ☐ unchanged 13. If yes, which climate related hazard impacts mostly on gender role in recent times? Drought ☐ yes ☐ no ☐ uncertain Floods ☐ yes ☐ no ☐ uncertain Warmer temperatures ☐ yes ☐ no ☐ uncertain How has recent climate events changed the roles of men and women in the home/community More women participating in ☐ yes ☐ no ☐ uncertain planning events Livelihood dynamics ☐ yes ☐ no ☐ uncertain More responsibilities for women ☐ yes ☐ no ☐ uncertain More responsibilities for men ☐ yes ☐ no ☐ uncertain Created more opportunities for ☐ yes ☐ no/less opportunities ☐ unchanged women for women Created more opportunities for ☐ yes ☐ no/less opportunities ☐ unchanged men

Climate and Health Has heated related stress affected your community ☐ yes ☐ no ☐ uncertain in past years Has heat related stress affected members of the ☐ yes ☐ no ☐ uncertain community in recent times Were you or members of your community affected ☐ yes ☐ no ☐ uncertain by vector borne diseases in the past (dengue) Were you or members of your community affected ☐ yes ☐ no ☐ uncertain by vector borne diseases in recent times If you answered yes to recent occurrences above, ☐ yes ☐ no ☐ uncertain are these incidents frequent or occasionally (heat related stress, affected by dengue) Any other recent health issues related to climate ______

CC-Family/Community

14. Has recent climate events changed the structure of the community ☐ yes ☐ no ☐ uncertain 15. Have the actions of community members changed with recent climate events ☐ yes ☐ no ☐ uncertain 18. With respect to more recent climate events/changes, has the community Made lifestyle changes ☐ yes ☐ no ☐ uncertain Created new social groups ☐ yes ☐ no ☐ uncertain Participated in CC education ☐ yes ☐ no ☐ uncertain activities Adaptation plans ☐ yes ☐ no ☐ uncertain Changed building structure ☐ yes ☐ no ☐ uncertain Developed new coping strategies ☐ yes ☐ no ☐ no

Analysis

The majority of participants were in the range between 25 and 30 years as seen in the figure. The amount of years spending their lives within the area varies between one and over 25 years.

Age range of participants

25 20 15 10 5 0

18-24 25-30 31-40 41-50 over 50 Numberofinterviewees Age range

Fig. 14. Age range of participants

Regarding the observations of climate trends in particular the temperature, more than 90% of the participants indicate of experiencing warmer nights and summers during the last four to seven years.

Q1. Observations of climate trends: Temperature

100% 80%

60% no 40% 20% 0% Last 7 - 4 yrs. Last 10 - 7 yrs. Over 10 yrs.

responses

Fig. 15. Cliamte trens; Temperatire observation

In light of precipitation it is determined that within the last 10 years dry periods have increased. In addition more frequent storm events have occurred. as well as shorter rainy seasons but increased in density. Very clear is the risk of flooding within this area.

Q2. Observations of climate trends: precipitation 100%

90% 80% 70% 60% 50% 40% No change 30% 20% Last 2 - 1 yr.

Responses Percentages in 10% Last 4- 2 yrs. 0% last 7 - 4 yrs. Last 10 - 7 yrs. Over 10 yrs.

Fig. 16. Climate trends; Precipitations observations 19

Seasonal Calendar

Events throughout the year imply to us when to prepare; what are the best times to put on awareness activities and training or implement projects. Based on yearly events human activities can be determined. In this seasonal calendar the focus was more on the economic activities of the community than the social side.

Icons? Topic Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Peak rainfall X X X X Severe X X X X X X X X X X X X winds Warmer X X Months Cooler X X X months Peak dry X X X X X periods Highest high X X X X X X X tide Lowest low X X X X X tide Livelihood Agriculture Peak X X X X X X planting season Peak X X X X X X X X X X X X growing season Peak X X X X X harvesting season Fishery Peak Fishing X X X season Tourism X X X X X X X X X X X X peak

As throughout Suriname on the basis of the seasonal calendar it is clear that the economic activities are associated with the weather seasons. The rainy season is largely used for agricultural purposes.

Similarly like in the rest of Suriname the high tides occur twice a month. Together with the rainy seasons there is a constant threat of flooding. Upon inquiry the interviewees indicated that they are more concerned about the treat to severe winds then the threat of flooding. In recent years these have been increased in quantity.

Severe winds: past and present JAN 2 DEC FEB 1.5

NOV 1 MAR

0.5 Severe winds (past) OCT 0 APR Severe winds (current)

SEP MAY

AUG JUN

JUL

Fig. 17. Observed trends of severe winds

In the past severe winds were likely experienced between April and July. This is the same period of the annual long rainy season in Suriname. Currently these winds occur throughout the entire year (see fig. 17. red severe winds (current)). As one of the respondents clearly stated. He mentioned that in the past years (last 2 to 5 years) the frequency in servere winds increased as result the increase in stronger waves.

Threats

Anthropological activities are the main contributors for the potential damage to the area and the ecosystem with its biodiversity. Within the coastal area certain activities are taking place which are potential contributors to the destruction of the ecosystem and its biodiversity in this particular area. Several examples have been posed by different interviewees, namely:

- According to interviewees, periodically removing of the mangroves enhances the erosion of the coastal line. They assume that the mangroves keep the soil together.

A collage of photos to illustrate the problem

Picture 3. The absence of mangrove at the coast Picture: 4. Work in progress: Bank protection

Picture 5. A glance of what is left ashore Picture 6. Continuous land loss

Picture 7. What was once a bank protection Picture 8. The current coast line

Picture 9. Demolition bank protection (build by owner) Picture 10. Demolition bank protection (build by owner)

Picture 11. Demolition bank protection (build by owner) Picture 12. Demolition bank protection (build by owner)

Picture 13. Demolition bank protection (build by owner) Picture 14. The height of the dike is outdated

Picture 15. Pathetic view (work in progress demolition starts)

The following threats have been identified for the different sectors:

- Sea level rise. Increased water level might disrupt the infrastructure within the area and therefore affect the livelihood of individuals within the tourism, fishery and agriculture sector.

- Farmers might have to seek for salt tolerant crops if their land is often flooded with sea water.

- The impact of CC will be experienced beyond the three sectors mentioned above. The community of Weg naar Zee is prone to flooding which might induce conditions as such affecting the health of the community through different evolving waterborne or airborne diseases.

- Most interviewees also had their concerns about the increasing in frequency of severe winds. In the absence of trees at the coast line, heavy winds are a mayor issue of damage to housings.

Plan of Action following the Hazard and Risk Scenario

There for prone to risks (second National Communication to the United Nations Framework Convention on CC (2013).

The Hazard and Risk scenario gives an indication on what could or may happen in the future according to circumstances present in the community / area and secondary data gathered from references. It is there for of eminent importance that possible actions must be undertaken to minimize the risk. Below in the chart are the most likely hazard to occur and the possible mitigation and or adaptation measures:

Hazard – Scenario Damage and or injury What is not good What is the cause Possible actions to reduce or eliminate risk - Damage to Destruction of the mangrove The mangrove species, - Awareness sessions for Flooding; biodiversity causing at the coastal side occurring within the area community members on because of sea economic decline is utilized by several the importance of a level rise (First (Fishery and Absence of a good people for building protective coastal area. National Communication Tourism) functional dike construction purposes Also on the effects of 2013) - Change in vegetation CC and Disaster Risk because of intrusion Reduction. These of salt water awareness sessions can (agriculture etc.) be done by institutions/ organisations such as NIMOS etc. - Replanting of forest mangrove to protect the coastal area. The University is the institute for such mitigation measures.

- Awareness Reinforcement of the mangrove cultivation - Adaptation Measures on livelihood (farming and fishing) - Establishment of an early warning system - Construction of a good functioning dam Severe winds - Damage houses, Poor house constructions Community is - Training community trees and other experiencing damage due members better infrastructures The absence of wind to storms causing entire constructing their house. - Injuries to people breaking tools , such as trees trees uprooted and blown - Training community - Damage crops etc off roofs. members is Disaster preparedness - Construction of a wind breaking dam, such as planting trees or the construction of a wind shield. Pollution of drink water - Health issues to - Proper waste - absence of an - Awareness on waste sourge animal and humans management system adequate management and (trash cans etc) management hygiene promotion. system - Placing of waste barrels or trash cans. - Installation of proper latrines or faces processing toilets (Certain areas within the Weg naar Zee community) - - - - 26

References  Dasgupta, S., B. Laplante, C. Meisner, D. Wheeler and J. Yan. 2007. The Impact of Sea Level Rise on Developing Countries: A Comparative Analysis. World Bank Policy Research Working Paper 4136. 51 pp.  Mangnus, M. 2006. The Implementation Possibilities of Renewable Energy in the rural areas of Suriname. MSc. Thesis. Utrecht University, Utrecht. The Netherlands. 94 pp.  National Institute for Environment and Development in Suriname (NIMOS), S. Naipal and C. Becker. 2005. The First National Communication under the United Nations Framework Convention on CC. Republic of Suriname. 94 pp.  UNEP (United Nation Environment Programme), 2008. CC in the Caribbean and the Challenge of Adaptation. UNEP Regional Office for Latin America and the Caribbean, Panama City, Panama. Printed in Panama City, in October 2008. 103 pp.  United Nations Framework Convention on CC (UNFCCC). 2007. CC: Impacts, Vulnerabilities and Adaptation in Developing Countries. 68 pp.  First National Communication ( 2005)  Second National Communication (2013)  Red Cross Caribbean Disaster Risk Management Reference Centre (CADRIM); Caribbean CC Adaptation Tool for Awareness, Assessment and Adaptation or 3CA methodology. 2012  Red Cross Caribbean Disaster Risk Management Reference Centre (CADRIM); The CCA KAP base/end line survey and analysis template in conjunction with the John Hopkins University.

 VCA Toolbox with Reference Sheets. International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies 2007

 Preliminary environmental and social impact assessment Weg naar Zee; A study done by Staatsolie Maatschappijn Suriname N.V. 2D Seismic 2012

 Secondary data research Satnarain, Gaitrie MSc. Climate Change expert;

 Group discussions

o Key persons; Mr. Bajnath o Community members

Glossary

Brainstorming: The gathering of as many ideas as possible in a short period of time, usually to solve problems.

Capacity (C): Combination of all the strengths and resources available within a community, society or organization which may reduce the level of risk, or the effects of an event or disaster.

Disaster: Serious interruption of the functioning of a community or society which causes loss of human life and/or important material, economic or environmental losses which exceed the capacity of the affected community or society to manage the situation using their own resources.

Direct Observation: A process of observing objects, people, events and relationships.

Emergency: A situation of a threat or actual hazard which requires an almost immediate response, to prevent or reduce harm.

Hazard (H): A potentially damaging physical event, phenomenon or human activity, that may cause the loss of life or injury, property damage, social and economic disruption or environmental degradation.

Livelihoods: The way people use the resources they have available to support their lives. For most people this means the method of earning cash income.

Mitigation: Structural and non-structural measures undertaken to limit the adverse impact of natural hazards, environmental degradation and technological hazards.

Mapping: A visual form to get an overview of the main features of an area in relation to its surroundings (Spatial map). It can also show dangers and exposed homes, services and infrastructure (Hazard and Vulnerability map); or resources and skills available in the community (Capacity Resource Map)

Risk: Probability of harmful consequences or expected losses (deaths, injuries, property, livelihoods, interruption of economic activity or environmental deterioration) as a result of interactions between natural or anthropological disasters and conditions of vulnerability. It is sometimes expressed as (HxV)/C =R

Seasonal Calendar: Visualization over the course of the year of weather patterns, social and economic conditions, festivals and other seasonal activities.

Vulnerability (V): The conditions determined by physical, social, economic and environmental factors or processes, which increase the susceptibility of a community to the impact of hazards.

Gender Balance (GB): Gender equality; based on the United Nations Declaration of Human Rights

Precipitation: refers to any form of water vapor which condenses in the atmosphere then falls under gravity (rain, sleet, snow, hail, fog/mist)

Climate hazards: Any naturally occurring event over that is influenced by atmospheric factors (drought, rain, flood, hurricane, storm, and tornado)