Nuravni Sallons has more than 10 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

The project taught climate smart agricultural methods to the Wit Santi Indigenous Community in Para, Suriname. Twenty indigenous families were  equippedThe  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 project also included media campaigns in local newspapers and online to raise awareness about climate change and the impact of new agricultural methods.

A second phase of the project provided child-friendly training in climate-smart agriculture for children in two orphanages, engaging them in sustainability efforts and letting them see how they can make a difference.

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 participated in the IVLP Project Climate and Energy Innovation in the Caribbean organized by the U.S. Department of State and Meridian International Center, in partnership with Global Ties Iowa, WorldOrlando, and Global Ties Miami.

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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