The Amerindian Peoples Association’s Mapping and Monitoring Coordinator, Linburg Pearson, recently participated in a cross-border exchange with the Association of Indigenous Village Leaders in Suriname (VIDS) and the North Pakaraimas District Council (NPDC) in Suriname. The exchange was aimed at strengthening Indigenous territorial monitoring efforts and brought together mapping staff to learn firsthand how communities monitor their lands and respond to environmental threats.
Back in October 2025, VIDS Mapping Team visited Guyana and participated in a training session in Kurukubaru and took part in field monitoring activities, including a visit to an illegal operation along the Ireng River. As a result, partners in Suriname expressed interest in developing similar monitoring systems and requested APA and NPDC’s support to facilitate training on monitoring tools and data collection.
From January 17-19, 2026, Pearson and NPDC’s Project Coordinator, Kemal Robinson, facilitated a workshop in Suriname with participants from eight villages in Suriname’s East Marowijne District. The sessions focused on building foundational knowledge, as participants were in the early stages of setting up their monitoring systems. Detailed, step-by-step training was provided on the structure and operation of NPDC’s monitoring system, along with areas for improvement.
Participants received hands-on training in using Locus Maps for data collection, including capturing GPS points, tracks, photos, and written descriptions. KoboToolbox was also introduced as a tool for creating surveys and collecting monitoring data. While Locus Maps was more readily adopted, participants gained a basic understanding of KoboToolbox, with plans for continued technical support from APA, NPDC, and the platform’s developers.
Feedback from participants highlighted the value of the exchange and the practical skills gained. APA and NPDC will continue to provide support as requested to further develop and strengthen community-led monitoring systems in Suriname.