Suriname pledges to shield 90% of forests, far beyond global conservation goal

BOGOTA, Colombia — Suriname’s government has pledged to permanently protect 90% of its tropical forests, a move conservationists say is among the most ambitious commitments to climate and biodiversity ever made by an Amazonian nation.

The announcement came during Climate Week in New York City. Foreign Minister Melvin W.J. Bouva delivered the pledge on behalf of President Jennifer Geerlings-Simons, who took office two months ago.

Suriname already has the world’s highest share of forest cover, with about 93% of its land blanketed in tropical rainforest. Most of that remains primary forest untouched by logging, agriculture or mining. Scientists say Suriname is one of only three countries worldwide that absorbs more carbon dioxide than it emits — a so-called “carbon sink” — making its forest