How and How Well Does Surinamese Tribal Governance Function, and What Can Be Learned from It for Governance Quality?
Suriname currently lacks a formal joint governance structure that holds authority over the residential areas of tribal communities and their natural resources (such as gold and timber). This finding emerges from public administration researcher Ine Apapoe’s doctoral research. Traditional and modern government systems operate separately, often working at cross purposes. “Joint dual governance is in everyone’s interest, especially for the traditional community. The lack of a cohesive structure allows private interests in both modern and traditional governance to undermine the public good,” says Apapoe.
Good Governance
Apapoe conducted her research on the implementation of modern, traditional, and dual governance in Suriname against the backdrop of the increasing global focus on the role of traditional communities in governing the lands they have inhabited for centuries. The long-standing debates over land rights for Indigenous and tribal communities are particularly significant not only in Suriname but also in other parts of the world. The presence of valuable natural resources often leads to conflicts, demanding cooperation between government authorities and tribal leaders to find a way to govern these areas and manage their resources effectively, with a specific focus on good governance.
Dual Governance
Apapoe’s research has practical implications for government decisions regarding the exploitation of natural resources in traditional areas. Her findings provide insight into addressing the land rights issues of traditional communities. Apapoe proposes a formal dual governance structure, where modern and traditional governance bodies jointly make decisions about and have authority over natural resources within the residential areas of traditional communities. “Dual governance should lead to sustainable investments from the resources in these sectors, fostering development in Suriname’s interior. It is essential that this dual governance system has a legal foundation and operates in alignment with key values of good governance, such as integrity, democracy, and mutual respect,” Apapoe explains.
Research with the Ndyuka Maroons
Apapoe conducted her research in Suriname with the Ndyuka Maroons. To examine and analyze the relationship between modern and traditional governance, she selected three case studies: logging, gold mining, and education. She reviewed policy documents, reports, legislation, newspaper articles, and conducted interviews with policymakers and staff from the Surinamese government, members of the Ndyuka traditional leadership, and other experts. Through this approach, she aimed to develop an understanding of Suriname’s governance organization and how the Ndyuka community is governed through modern, traditional, and dual (a combination of modern and traditional) governance structures.
More information on the thesis