2. CURRENT STATUS OF NWFP IN SURINAME

2.1 Legislation and regulations

In Suriname, NWFP are normally referred to as `forest by-products' and are mentioned in the following legislative documents (Asraf & Hilgerink, 2000):

• Timber Act 1947 (expired in 1992);
• Act on the Suriname Forest Service (LBB) - 1947 (expired);
• Act on Balata (1952-GB no.58): Act on regulations for harvesting of natural gum of Bolletrie,Manilkara bidentata Sapotaceae,as a forest by-product;
• Nature Conservation Act 1954;
• The Forest Management Act 1992;
• Development Plan for Suriname 1993-1996 and 1999-2003; and
• Negative list resolution (1999) regarding export of plants and animals.

The Forest Management Act 1992 regulates forest exploitation and management, logging, primary wood processing and collection of forest by-products. The authority appointed to enforce this act under the Ministry of Natural Resources is the Foundation for Forest Management & Production Control (FMPC), known in Suriname asStichting voor Bosbeheer en Bostoezicht(SBB). Most of the activities of this management authority were formerly with the Suriname Forest Service (SFS) known asDienst Bosbeheer(LBB).

The Department of Nature Conservation (DNC) of the SFS is the management authority for wildlife and nature reservations. This department keeps records of trade in wild animal species. It is also the management authority for the Convention on International Trade of Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna (CITES). Inclusion of the DNC in the SBB is being considered for the near future. At the moment, SBB is in charge of the management of forest by-products of plant origin.

2.2 Definition of NWFP and related terms

FAO itself does not have one term or definition for NWFP and discussions on this subject are still ongoing (Vantomme, 2000).

The International Expert Consultation on NWFP, held in Indonesia in 1995, defined NWFP as "goods of biological origin other than wood, as well as services, derived from forests and allied land uses" (FAO, 1995a).

Another definition used by FAO (1995b) defines NWFP as "all the biological material (other than timber and firewood) that may be extracted from natural ecosystems, managed plantations and semi-wild trees growing on farm-lands and be utilized within the household, be marketed, or have social, cultural or religious significance". Both plant and animal products are included. This definition describes the forest and similar land uses in a more comprehensive way and sets limits as to what can be considered a NWFP.

In an attempt to harmonize terminology related to NWFP and a global definition of NWFP, FAO proposed a new definition of NWFP. According to this proposal, "NWFP consist of goods of biological origin other than woods derived from forests, other wooded land and trees outside the forest." (FAO, 1999b)

This definition contains the three essential elements of a NWFP (FAO, 1999b):

•Non wood: All woody raw materials are excluded;

•Forest: NWFP are derived from forests and similar land uses, including plantations, shifting cultivation plots or other agroforestry systems;

•Products: Corresponds to goods, which are tangible and physical objects of biological origin such as plants, animals and their products. Forest related services such as eco-tourism related activities, bioprospection and hunting are excluded.

In the Surinamese Forest Management Act of 1992, NWFP are actually referred to as `forest by-products', which are defined as "all products of plant origin, which can be collected without bringing any damage to the tree, plant or forest" (Forest Management Act, 1992).

The Forest Management Act does not clearly define what is actually meant by "...without bringing any damage to the tree, plant or forest". It is not clear what kind or extent of damage or what causal effect is allowed.

Not included in this definition, and therefore not regulated by the Forest Management Act, are fauna and forest related services. However, the Act includes small woods used as tools and household equipment, woodcarvings, lianas and tree bark.

Another problem arises in that different interpretations can be given to the term `forest'. `Forest', according to the Forest Management Act (1992), includes "All land, grown with trees, shrubs and other vegetation, that is suitable for wood harvesting and/or collection of forest by-products and/or supports the protection of soil, maintains the stability of living environment or recreation, inclusive all land that is reforested or that can to the judgment of the Minister, contribute to the realization of these objectives, this and other excluded:

• Open land within a forest stand of which the surface of the open land is larger than the surface put down in an act.

• Land used for agriculture, mining, buildings, permanent communities or other purposes not included in this Act, unless this use or purpose does not disagree with any enforced national or regional development plan as meant in the planning Act.

• Land /areas pointed out by the Nature Conservation Act of 1954".

Based on this definition it is difficult to determine where to draw a definite line between agricultural-based products and forest products.

Since land used for agriculture is excluded from the definition of what constitutes a forest, products collected on shifting cultivation plots cannot be regarded as forest by-products. Also, products considered internationally to be NWFP such as fruits and medicinal plants are not only collected in rainforests but are sometimes also collected or produced from plants or parts of plants from commercial plantations, household backyards, shifting cultivation plots or agroforestry systems.

Due to these discrepancies in definitions in the legislation of Suriname on forest by-products and agricultural products, a clear line between statistics is difficult to make. In the case of fruit, for example, Maripa (Maximiliana maripaDrude)and Awara (Astrocaryum segregatumDrudesyn.A. vulgareMartius) are collected in the forest but statistical data is kept by the Department of Statistics of the Ministry of Agriculture (grouped under `fruits').

When human intervention through domestication, cultivation and/or breeding has occurred, the products are usually considered as agricultural-based products and therefore placed under the responsibility of the Ministry of Agriculture. The term `by-product' refers to the way the products are valued rather than or specifying the type of a given product. Collection of products in the forest indicates that they are derived from a biological organism that genetically can still be considered a wild type because it can freely crossbreed in the wild. These products are therefore placed under the responsibility of the Ministry of Natural Resources.

Another aspect related to the definition of NWFP concerns the inclusion of forest services. These forest services result from biological processes such as the release of oxygen and uptake of carbon dioxide by the tropical rainforest and the positive effect on water supply and the global environment. Although this term is sometimes used when referring to activities related to eco-tourism, no official definition for forest services is yet available in Suriname. As both the terms NWFP and forest by-products refer to goods from forests, forest services are not included in this study. However, the potential value of forest services should not be ignored but rather taken into account when promoting the NWFP sub-sector.

Following FAO (1995, see above), NWFP are defined in this study as follows:

"NWFP consist of goods of biological origin other than wood, as well as services, derived from forests and allied land uses".

This definition is more comprehensive and has also been adopted, although not officially, by some of the actors in the forest sector in Suriname. Animals and services related to the forest are included, as is the broader land use perspective when considering the NWFP.

2.3 Classification of NWFP

A major problem is the existence of different classification systems used for forest products as defined by Surinam law. For international trade purposes, a clear and internationally accepted categorization of groups of products in Suriname is therefore required.

For the purpose of this study five main classes and eight related categories of NWFP were developed which group products with similar uses (see Table 1). For the purpose of this study, only the first three classes were considered.

Table 1: Overview of NWFP classes and categories used in this study

2.4 Organizations and Institutions involved in the collection and analysis of statistical data

Governmental organizations

Data related to NWFP and forest by-products in Suriname are recorded by the following governmental institutions:

Department of Nature Conservation (DNC), Suriname Forest Service (SFS/LBB), Ministry of Natural Resources

DNC collects data on the trade of wild animal species which is recorded according to the CITES trade rules. As this department issues permits for trade in wild animals and collection of plants, it also keeps records regarding licenses issued by the Ministry of Natural Resources (licenses to export animals and forest by-products as well as hunting licenses).

The main aim of data collection for DNC is to have an overview on the:

• earnings for the Ministry of Natural Resources;
• trade volumes; and
• number of species exported (relevant for the scientific authority in order to take counter measurements when the population is declining).

The collected data is used by the Ministry of Natural Resources, through the DNC, to determine the total quota of animals to be exported as well as the quota per exporter. The quota for Suriname for export of animals is also determined by CITES on advice of Suriname. Analysis of population changes of animals is not yet done. The statistical data that is collected is not adequate to perform this analysis.

As part of its responsibility as a CITES Management Authority, DNC developed preliminary export regulations concerning plants and flowers in order to prevent that certain wild plant species become endangered due to their export. The objectives of these regulations are to:

• prevent the overexploitation of wild plants as a result of their export;
• assure the provision of socio-economic benefits in a sustainable way (e.g. employment, income, earnings of foreign currency); and
• define the number of plants and animals that can be exported per person or group of persons with or without a permit and the value of these products.

However, no information on plants is kept or processed at the moment and no permits regarding plants have been issued for the year 2000.

Monitoring of wildlife and plant populations is not yet done because of lack of:

• personnel;
• information on population status and trends regarding protected species;
• research; and
• funds to carry out monitoring activities.

DNC is in the process of developing a database for population analysis and management. The type of data to be collected regarding the protection, conservation and preservation of plants and animals can be seen in the example in chapter 4. For management of the resource, data on the value, volume, weight, number, family, genus, species, location of collection and/or production of exported products are important.

Foundation for Forest Management & Production Control (FMPC/SBB), Ministry of Natural Resources

SBB is the appointed authority for forest management and control. It is, among others, in charge of forest by-products of plant origin. In the future, DNC may be incorporated into SBB.

Data collection on NWFP by the SBB aims at:

• obtaining an overview on the use of NWFP in Suriname;
• collecting revenues for the government from the export of NWFP as a natural resource;
• preventing the illicit use of natural resources; and|
• promoting the sustainable use of forests.

National Herbarium of Suriname (BBS), Anton de Kom University of Suriname (AdeKUS)

BBS is in charge of the botanical determination of exported plant species. It verifies if exported species are on CITES appendices 1 or 2. This division of the AdeKUS does not keep records on NWFP, for which permits are requested or issued. BBS is a potential point for data collection.

National Zoological Collection in Suriname (NZCS), AdeKUS

NZCS determines the exported animal species and verifies if these species are on the CITES appendices 1 or 2. This division of AdeKUS does not keep records on NWFP, for which permits are requested or issued. NZCS is a potential point for data collection.

Center for Agricultural Research (CELOS), AdeKUS

CELOS has developed a forest management system which aims to regulate timber production.

Veterinary Department, Ministry of Agriculture

The Veterinary Department issues animal health certificates, which are mandatory to obtain permits for export of live animals. Other activities include quality control of bushmeat for export and disease monitoring. Data are submitted to the Department of Agricultural Statistics of the Ministry of Agriculture.

Department of Plant Protection and Quality Control, Ministry of Agriculture

The department issues health certificates for plants and related products. Disease monitoring on the national level is one of its main activities but due to shortages of personnel and materials these activities cannot be carried out adequately. Data collected mainly concern agriculture-based products. Some products derived from forests are categorized as plants or plant parts from the non-traditional ornamental sector, including medicinal plants. Data are submitted to the Department of Agricultural Statistics of the Ministry of Agriculture.

Customs Service of Suriname, Ministry of Finance

All official exports and imports pass through the customs service. The customs service uses the international product classification system: the Harmonized Commodity Description and Coding System (HS). This system consists of an eight-digit-code grouped by similar uses: the first four digits are internationally used, the following two are determined by the European community and the last two are defined by Suriname. This multipurpose international nomenclature was developed by the World Customs Service and adapted to the Suriname situation. The changes were made in 1994 in consultation with different parties such as Ministries, consumer groups and exporters, and resulted in the Act on Customs Tariffs (1996).

The customs service also maintains an automated system referred to as the ASYCUDA coding system. This system is based on customs tariffs and is the only officially automated database system in Suriname used for collection of international trade statistics. The ASYCUDA system has the same 21 sections as the HS that was issued by the Customs Co-operation Council.

There are no specific headings referring to NWFP or forest by-products in the HS or in the ASYCUDA system. For further information on the ASYCUDA and HS system, see also chapter 2.5.1.

In addition to DNC and SBB, statistics are kept and/or distributed by the:

• General Bureau of Statistics (ABS) of Suriname, Ministry of Planning and Development; and
• Department of Agricultural Statistics of the Ministry of Agriculture.

Non-governmental organizations

World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF)

WWF finances studies on forest management, wildlife exploitation and conservation.

Conservation International (CI)

CI Suriname conducts and funds studies related to nature conservation, biodiversity, medicinal plants and traditional knowledge on medicinal plants. Recently, the Suriname Conservation Foundation was established with the objective of managing the `Central Suriname Nature Reserve' and other nature conservation activities and projects. This foundation supports all activities related to conservation and preservation of biodiversity in Suriname.

Between governmental and non-governmental organizations, information is exchanged regarding procedures or protocols which are needed to acquire permits especially for NWFP animals. However, there is no formal collaboration structure for information exchange.

Private sector organizations

Odany Jewa

Odany Jewa is a well-known, registered, private company in Suriname producing traditional herbal medicines and promoting the use of medicinal plants.

Association of animal exporters

This association brings together exporters of wildlife. However, not all exporters are members of this association.

Other small businesses

Small-scale enterprises mostly consist ofindigenous communities or groups within these communities that are involved in wildlife collection. Most of the products are sold to registered exporters.

However, sometimes these products are also sold to non-registered, but well paying, exporters and smuggled to Guyana and French Guyana. Control on poaching is almost impossible. As these products do not pass through the customs service, no data is collected on this illegal trade.

Figure 1: Diagram of the institutional infrastructure related to statistics on NWFP in Suriname.

2.5 NWFP OF MAJOR NATIONAL IMPORTANCE

Information on NWFP was gathered from statistics of the ABS, a literature review, and personal communications/interviews. For further information on NWFP in Suriname see also FAO (1999a, in prep.).

2.5.1 ASYCUDA Database

As already stated in chapter 2.4, products included in the ASYCUDA database are not referred to as NWFP. However, based on the definition of NWFP and the description of the different species and products in the ASYCUDA database, NWFP included in the database could be identified and are listed in Table 2.

Table 2: NWFP listed in the ASYCUDA database

Sources: Ostendorf (1962); Chatten & Karg (2001)

2.5.2 Export data

Based on the export value and volume data provided by ABS, some important NWFP have been identified which were exported between 1996 and 2000. Other data recorded include product code and description, exported value and importing country.

Table 3 lists major NWFP exported between 1996 and June 2000. The codes and description are derived from the ASYCUDA system.

The most important exported NWFP in terms of the exported value are Macaws and Parrots.

Table 3. Exports of NWFP between 1996 and June 2000

Source: Chatten & Karg (2001)

2.5.3 Local trade and consumption

No statistics on local trade or consumption could be found, although various studies describe how indigenous maroon and native communities depend on forests for their subsistence and what kind of forest products are used (Ostendorf, 1962; Verwey, 2000); FAO, 1999a). These communities use NWFP as a source of food, fuel, fiber, medicine, oils and construction materials. See Table 4 for a list of examples of NWFP used by indigenous people and maroon communities.

Table 4: Examples of NWFP used by the indigenous people or maroon communities

Source: Ostendorf (1962); Verwey (2000); FAO (1999a)

Local trade in NWFP can be observed at different markets in Paramaribo and other districts. NWFP are bought and sold from people coming from the interior and cities. Organizations supporting local communities include the NGO-Forum and the National Woman Movement (NVB).

A short summary was made from different studies conducted by students from the Department of Agriculture, AdeKUS on forest products mostly sold by maroons or indigenous people in the markets in Paramaribo. Most products for medicinal use or rituals are sold as a mixture of different herbs processed or preserved according to traditions and rituals. Awareness of the value of traditional knowledge is growing and it is possible that communities might not provide information on the ingredients if proper protection of the traditional knowledge is not regulated.

Table 5: Examples of NWFP sold at markets in Paramaribo

2.5.4 Summary

NWFP in Suriname are undervalued and their potential is not yet fully exploited.

The definition of forest by-products, as NWFP are referred to in Suriname, differs from the definition(s) used by FAO and other organizations. It is recommended that the following definition for NWFP in Suriname be used:

NWFP of Suriname consists of goods of biological origin other than wood, as well as services, derived from forests and allied land uses.

Discrepancies in NWFP categories may lead to some confusion. A clear classification and uniform description should therefore be used. The following main classes of products are proposed based on the use of the product:

• Class 1: Live animals or plants derived from the forest
• Class 2: Parts of animals or plants derived from the forest
• Class 3: Products derived from animals or plants from the forest
• Class 4: Forest related services
• Class 5: Other forest related products not directly derived from animals or plants but which are the result of natural and other biological processes in the forest

There is an institutional infrastructure for forest management, which includes NWFP. While SBB is the institute responsible for these matters, it is not actively involved in data collection or development of regulations for NWFP. It is recommended that an appropriate institutional infrastructure for statistical data collection and analysis for NWFP be developed.

No socio-economic statistical data or consumption data is available. Data on local trade could be acquired from inventories at the different markets in Paramaribo or relevant districts. This should be done on a regular basis. As the awareness of the value of traditional knowledge is growing, information on NWFP used by indigenous people or maroon communities might not be made available if proper protection of the traditional knowledge is not regulated.