About us - The Folk(s) behind the Foundation
The jungle, my natural habitat
I have spent many nights in the jungle, since before I can remember. Most memorable were our annual trips to ‘Bakhuys’ which required at least an 8-hour drive through treacherous terrain. ‘Mozes Creek’, was one of our favorite spots where we would set-up camp along the banks of the rapid and ‘ajumara’ filled creek. My father spent many months in the interior of the country, often in very remote and pristine locations, dispatched as a geologist for the Geological Mining-services Department of Suriname. Consequently the most unique places in the rainforest, became our family-vacation destinations. I have also very fond memories of our trips to the Berlijn creek, Saramacca river, and the Brokopondo Reservoireach with abundant wildlife and unique geographical features. Back in those days visited by few.
As urbanization encroached to the south and west of Paramaribo, those familiar landscapes, were noticeably changing. GPS units and 4wd vehicles became standard equipment and people were not intimidated by the green walls of the jungle. Overfishing and hunting resulting in a reality where catching fish became increasingly more sparse, spotting wildlife was not a given. More common were the sights of litter alongside the roads and creeks and traces of wood logging and gold mining activities. In our quest for the pristine jungle we went further and further south, deep into the amazon. Initially by car or boat, but ultimately seeking alternatives ways of reaching those unspoiled areas. This resulted in several kayak expeditions, which started in sandbars in creeks, only accessible by helicopter. The journeys over those pristine rivers and rapids, while paddling over schools of fish, and spotting capibara, tapirs, jaguars, otters, ocelots, caiman, anacondas, and countless types of birds, made me realize that I needed to actively protect our forests and wildlife. I contemplated this idea for years, while making more trips with locals and foreigners and executing social projects in remote villages. In the meantime it also dawned on me that we don’t really know a lot in detail about the tropical forest’s biodiversity.
Finally I initiated Stichting Green Conservation in 2022 a foundation with as main objective the conservation and rehabilitation of our forests, biodiversity and waterways. I also believe that research and education on the tropical biodiversity will be of enormous value to us all, and that with the implementation of green technology, we can manage our forests more sustainable. I am convinced that the work of the foundation will contribute to the much needed local and global climate action.
Even though I realize that many places will never be as I remember them from my childhood, I am, through the foundation, taking environmental action now. I hope to contribute to a tropical forest our children and many generations to follow can, will and shall cherish.
Pieter Sonneveld
Founder / Chair of the Board
Stichting Green Conservation
Boardmembers
Pieter Sonneveld
Nicole Tjin A Djie
Pieter Sonneveld
Pieter is a data-driven managing director equipped to strategically lead and direct program operations. Able to continuously evaluate approaches and adapt plans based on new data enables him to consistently meet the set objectives.
Pieter, the chair of the board of the foundation, is articulate in communication and skilled in building co
Pieter is a data-driven managing director equipped to strategically lead and direct program operations. Able to continuously evaluate approaches and adapt plans based on new data enables him to consistently meet the set objectives.
Pieter, the chair of the board of the foundation, is articulate in communication and skilled in building consensus ensuring succes of initiatives and projects. He is a dedicated manager with experience in achieving tangible results and crossteam collaboration. Proactive and excited to partner with like-minded individuals to achieve goals is one of his personal characteristics. Throughout his career he has gained expertise in analysis and quantitative problem solving and is dedicated to growth and improvements guaranteeing successful completion of special projects.
His dedication to nature preservation and biodiversity research making use of the application of innovative technical solutions and overall project management skills are the driving forces of the foundation Stichting Green Conservation, which he initiated.
Nancy del Prado
Nicole Tjin A Djie
Pieter Sonneveld
Nancy del Prado has a MSc. Degree in Law and has worked at the environmental agency in Suriname (NIMOS) as an environmental lawyer for over 8 years. Other work-related activities include consultancy to the InterAmerican Development Bank on projects related to environmental management, energy, Indigenous Peoples, and tourism in Suriname.
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Nancy del Prado has a MSc. Degree in Law and has worked at the environmental agency in Suriname (NIMOS) as an environmental lawyer for over 8 years. Other work-related activities include consultancy to the InterAmerican Development Bank on projects related to environmental management, energy, Indigenous Peoples, and tourism in Suriname.
For over 20 years she has been a part-time lecturer in Environmental Law at the Anton de Kom University and has been providing support and advise as an independent consultant in Environmental Law and Policy since 2011. In that capacity, Nancy has contributed to the development of environmental legislation for Suriname.She is born and raised in Suriname.
"Nature education and green technology offer us an opportunity to build a sustainable future in which economic prosperity and environmental protection go hand in hand. By spending time in nature and appreciating its beauty we not only increase the appreciation and awareness of our natural surroundings, we can inspire individuals to become active participants in conservation efforts. By understanding and recognizing its value we deepen our commitment to safeguarding our natural resources, our own wellbeing and ensure a sustainable future for all living beings.
Innovative green technologies offer us an opportunity to build a sustainable future. By embracing these technologies, we can reduce our carbon footprint, protect our natural resources, and create a healthier and more prosperous world for future generations.
I believe that the work of the foundation will make a major contribution towards education, research, and innovation in the field of biodiversity conservation in Suriname."
Nicole Tjin A Djie
Nicole Tjin A Djie
Nicole Tjin A Djie
"Born and raised in Paramaribo, I’m grateful that I grew up in Suriname's natural beauty. When I was young, I had no words to describe my connection with nature. Looking back to my childhood, it was defined by surrounding myself with plants, flowers and seeds and filled with moments of wonder at the beauty of nature. When in the interior
"Born and raised in Paramaribo, I’m grateful that I grew up in Suriname's natural beauty. When I was young, I had no words to describe my connection with nature. Looking back to my childhood, it was defined by surrounding myself with plants, flowers and seeds and filled with moments of wonder at the beauty of nature. When in the interior of Suriname there is the sheer joy of hearing the gentle flow of creeks, seeing the vibrant colors of wildflowers, and the chorus of animals creating a symphony that never fails to captivate me. To this day my most treasured moments are the sounds of birds and insects at sunrise and sundown while being surrounded by nature. In those moments, my mind is calm, my being is joyous and there is inner peace knowing that I am part of something much larger than myself. It is these moments that inspire me to contribute towards the protection of Suriname's natural treasures. And now I can describe the profound connection I feel with my environment. It is my soul needing and thriving on the tranquility and inner peace that nature here provides abundantly.
As I witnessed the beauty of Suriname's landscapes, I also became acutely aware of the urgent need to preserve them. With 93% of Suriname covered by the Amazon rainforest, this ecosystem is not only precious but essential for the health of our planet. The forests of Suriname are a vital habitat for countless species and play a crucial role in regulating the Earth's climate. Me joining this organization stems from a love for nature and a commitment to its conservation. I believe it is the responsibility of us all to protect Suriname's natural heritage for future generations. Whether through advocacy, research, or hands-on conservation efforts, I support and work for the overall goal of preserving Suriname's ecosystems".
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