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 taught climate smart agricultural methods to 5% of the Wit Santi Indigenous Community in Para, Suriname. Focused on mitigating the effects of climate change, Nuravni trained 20 indigenous families, equipping them with the skills to build their own family gardens. In collaboration with technical experts from the environmental and agricultural sectors, a comprehensive 3-day training workshop was organized, covering practical gardening techniques, the construction of raised garden beds, and personalized follow-up visits to ensure the participants' success in implementing their newfound skills.

The impact of Nuravni's project extended beyond the individual families through online media platforms and local newspapers. Through these outreach efforts, climate change awareness was significantly raised within the entire community. The collaborative nature of the workshop not only taught new agricultural methods but also fostered community bonds as participants worked together on the project.

Taking the initiative a step further, Nuravni implemented a second phase of the project, extending the benefits to two orphanages with a total of 34 children. Through kid-friendly training in climate-smart agriculture and imparting skills for climate resilience and self-sufficiency, this phase not only engaged the children in sustainability but contributed significantly to their personal growth and development. By enabling them to experience firsthand the impact they can make, Nuravni empowered these young minds to become conscious and responsible citizens, marking a transformative milestone in their lives.

Nuravni was also a panelist for the IVLP Impact Awards Alumni Discussion Series panel on “Involving Community in Environmental Action” which you can read more about here.

"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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