ALTERNATIVE INCOME 

With the support of Wildlife & People Suriname, the Kwinti communities are now shaping their own ecotourism initiative. The project has been set up with inclusive participation and emphasizes the empowerment of women. Roles within the initiative include guiding, hospitality, crafts, and nature conservation, among others. This ensures that the benefits remain local and strengthens the management and protection of nature.

Since the CSNR was established, the Kwinti community has not actively been involved in the management of the reserve and benefitted sufficiently from the ecotourism activities exploited in the reserve. Ecotourism offers a promising alternative. Currently, tourism in the region is largely dominated by external parties. Local involvement is limited and often reserved for men, exacerbating gender inequality and excluding women from economic opportunities. 

From the outset, this initiative has been driven by the community itself, fostering a strong sense of ownership and responsibility among the Kwinti. With long-term support from WPS, the focus is on strengthening local governance, monitoring, and expanding opportunities within their ecotourism program.