Nuravni Sallons has over ten years of experience in environmental advocacy and climate change. She received her bachelor's degree in environmental science and is working towards a master's degree in business administration with a specialization in strategy, entrepreneurship, and leadership. 

In 2019, she founded Aurae Opus, the Foundation for Climate, Environment and Sustainable Development in Suriname. The foundation aims to share climate change awareness and it supports sustainable community development among minority groups and youth. Nuravni represented Suriname at the UNFCCC COP 18 in Doha, Qatar in 2012, the Youth Climate Change Conference 2017 in Jamaica, the United Nations Youth Climate Summit 2019 at the UN HQ, and the AlumnieTIES Santiago Seminar on Municipal Environmental Resilience and Inclusiveness in 2023. 

IVLP Impact Award Project: Building Climate Resilient Indigenous Communities - Strengthening Minority Groups in Times of Climate Crisis

Nuravni's project aims to teach climate smart agricultural (CSA) methods to 5% of the Wit Santi Indigenous Community in Para, Suriname with the goal of decreasing the impacts that climate change is having on the community's food security. Her project will organize a 3-day training workshop for more than 20 families in collaboration with technical experts from the environmental and agricultural sectors. After completing the training, participants will build a community garden.

"I believe that I have a mission to accomplish on earth. Therefore, I am going to leave behind a sustainable legacy for my descendants and the future generations." - Nuravni Sallons

IVLP Exchange Experience 

Nuravni was a participant in the IVLP Project Climate and Energy Innovation in the Caribbean organized by the U.S. Department of State and Meridian International Center.

Nuravni's exchange experience led to the development of her IVLP Impact Award Project: "There was a fieldtrip to the Wetlands of Orlando. These wetlands were showcasing how land was recovered by creating wetland ecosystems with the aim to filter wastewater. This concept proved that regenerating land could help create sustainable thriving ecosystems, and eventually help combat climate change."

U.S. Communities Visited

Washington, DC; Miami, FL, Orlando, FL; Iowa City, IA

Country: Suriname

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