Totness Zee dijk Communal Center

The Totness Sea Coast Center is a community-led initiative aimed at transforming the coastal town of Totness, Suriname, into a hub for environmental education, economic development, and cultural celebration. Through a collaborative effort between residents, local organizations, and international partners, we envision a vibrant center that empowers the community, protects the delicate coastal ecosystem, and creates a sustainable future for all.

About the project

Starting point

Situation: Totness faces challenges like limited economic opportunities, environmental degradation, and a lack of educational resources.

Need: A centralized space is needed to address these challenges, foster community engagement, and promote sustainable development.

Goal: To create a Sea Coast Center that serves as a beacon of hope and progress for Totness and the surrounding Coronie district.

Support from local communities

Community Engagement: Local residents have expressed overwhelming enthusiasm for the project, volunteering their time, skills, and resources.

Partnership with Local Organizations: Collaborating with local schools, businesses, and NGOs to ensure the center meets the needs of the community.

Cultural Integration: Incorporating local traditions, knowledge, and art into the design and programming of the center.

Possible Endpoint

Successful Completion: The Sea Coast Center is a thriving hub, attracting visitors from across Suriname and beyond.

Positive Impact: The center has generated new jobs, boosted local businesses, and increased environmental awareness.

Sustainable Future: The community of Totness is empowered and equipped with the knowledge and resources to protect its natural resources and create a thriving future for generations to come.

Model for Replication: The Totness Sea Coast Center serves as an inspiring model for other coastal communities seeking to achieve sustainable development.

"Not everything that is faced can be changed, but nothing can be changed until it is faced."

James Baldwin