Suriname has few data on its forests due to limited well-funded research and monitoring institutions. The country aims to gather much needed data to effectively make decisions, plan and manage forests. Suriname’s forest contributes to the world’s climate change as one of two carbon negative countries globally and it harbors the world’s fourth largest amount of freshwater resources.
Why is forest cover so important in Suriname?
Suriname is the most forested country on Earth, with 15.2 million hectares of forest, representing 93% of the country’s total land surface – a percentage of intact forest unmatched by any other country. The forests possess a significant amount of quality freshwater resources, categorizing Suriname as the 4th largest country of water resources worldwide. The vast chunk of forest has the ability to capture the harmful gas carbon dioxide responsible for the planet’s global warming.
Besides the global importance, the forests are essential for Suriname’s citizens who like to visit pristine areas to rest, and for recreation and sports.
What are the current treats to the forest?
There is an increasing trend in illegal logging which is currently attributing to forest loss in Suriname. Pressures on the forest are caused by wood logging, small-scale goldmining, agriculture and infrastructure development.
What factors shape the problem?
Although logging activity is regulated, there are still illegal logging activities occurring in both community forests and concessions under management of private companies. The root of the problem is that the authorities are hampered in surveillance and enforcement activities because they are understaffed and underfunded. In this reality, people can easily access the so-called “forest belt” which is located in the savannah and lowland forest ecosystems and can be reached by roads about 40 km from the capital city Paramaribo.
