Advancing Resource Management (ARM) is a Guyanese and Surinamese -owned non-profit foundation dedicated to empowering people and securing nature in the Guianas. Our founding board bring over 120 years of on-the-ground practical, academic, and policy experience.
Our Vision
Our vision is for a Guianas where equitable and inclusive natural resource management decision making sustains thriving ecosystems and shared prosperity for people and the planet, now and for future generations. We operate with the core values of integrity and accountability, collaboration and inclusivity, equity and justice, and adaptability and innovation, aligning our work with national and global sustainability goals while respecting local contexts.
Our Mission
ARM is committed to its mission to partner with communities and institutions to advance rights based and science driven natural resource management decision making: balancing ecological health, economic resilience, and intergenerational wellbeing. Through our work, we aim to demonstrate that sustainable natural resource management can create thriving ecosystems alongside resilient, equitable economies.
Our Founding Board
David is the founder of ARM and a leader in natural resource governance, climate resilience, and biodiversity conservation in the Guianas for over 25 years. He has served as Director General (Chief Executive) of the Iwokrama International Centre (Guyana), Conservation International (Guyana), and WWF Guianas, driving transformative policies and on-the-ground initiatives. His work focuses on bridging science, policy, and community engagement to ensure sustainable development in the region.
A respected voice in environmental governance, Dr. Singh has played a key role in shaping conservation strategies, climate response frameworks, and sustainable livelihood programs. His expertise spans ecosystem-based management, stakeholder negotiations, and integrating traditional knowledge with modern conservation practices. Under his leadership, ARM seeks to empower local communities while advancing evidence-based decision-making for a sustainable future.
Annette brings 20+ years of experience in advocacy, social justice, and sustainable development, with a strong focus on women’s rights, Indigenous communities, and equitable resource management. She has held leadership roles at UNIFEM (now UN Women) and Conservation International (Suriname), where she pioneered programs that link environmental conservation with socio-economic empowerment.
Her work emphasises participatory development, ensuring that marginalised groups—particularly women, Indigenous and tribal communities—have a voice in decisions affecting their lands and livelihoods. At ARM, she champions gender equity, inclusive governance, and rights-based approaches to natural resource management, ensuring that sustainability efforts benefit all stakeholders fairly.
Deep is a seasoned economist with 40+ years of experience in agricultural development, food security, and international trade. He has held prominent roles at the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), where he served as Director for Central America and the Caribbean, and chaired the WTO’s Global Agricultural Negotiations, shaping policies that impact rural economies worldwide.
His expertise lies in sustainable development, rural livelihoods, and trade policy, with a focus on ensuring food systems are resilient, equitable, and environmentally sound. At ARM, he guides financial strategy, resource mobilisation, and economic policy integration, ensuring that natural resource management aligns with long-term food security and economic stability in the Guianas.
Anton is a founding partner of North West Legal in Paramaribo, with 16 years of legal experience in Suriname and the Netherlands. His practice spans environmental law, corporate governance, and Indigenous land rights, making him a key advisor on legal frameworks for sustainable development .
At ARM, he ensures compliance with national and international regulations, strengthens institutional governance, and advises on policy advocacy, land tenure rights, and corporate accountability. His work helps bridge legal gaps in natural resource management, ensuring that sustainability initiatives are both legally sound and socially just.
Sara brings 15 years of experience in international development, conservation, and democratic governance. She has worked with Conservation International (Guyana), WWF Guianas, and the International Republican Institute, designing strategies for stakeholder engagement, policy influence, and public awareness.
Her expertise lies in strategic communication, advocacy, and participatory governance, ensuring that diverse voices—especially women, youth, and Indigenous groups—are included in decision-making. At ARM, she leads efforts to combat misinformation, amplify local perspectives, and build trust in sustainable resource management processes.
Collective Leadership for a Sustainable Future.
ARM’s board combines interdisciplinary expertise in conservation, economics, law, social justice, and governance. Our shared commitment to equity, innovation, and evidence-based solutions drives ARM’s mission to balance ecological health with economic resilience across the Guianas. By leveraging our networks, knowledge, and strategic vision, we ensure that ARM serves as a trusted partner for communities, governments, and organisations working toward a just and sustainable future.

