The nature

Suriname is part of the wider Guayana Shield, a region which is one of the least disturbed tropical wilderness expanses remaining on Earth. In Suriname, nature conservation has a long history, with seven nature reserves already in place in the 1960s (then already 9,000 square kilometers, or more than 5.5% of the land). For more than 30 years now, the STINASU has been implementing nature tourism, and has been supporting educational and research activities in these protected areas. The recent establishment of the vast - about 16,000 square kilometers - Central Suriname Nature Reserve (CSNR) has put Suriname in the conservation spotlight again. Currently, about 12% of the land has a protected status, while additional areas await formal recognition as nature reserves.

Suriname?s protected areas are vast areas of intact tropical forests and streams, unique savanna and highland ecosystems, as well as extensive wetlands and beaches. Nature research in these areas can contribute a lot to nature conservation in Suriname and the wider Guyana Shield. Approximately 80% of Suriname is covered by dense tropical rainforest. These tropical rainforests house an abundance of flora en fauna, whereas numerous species are endemic to Suriname. Such species like the blue poison dart frog (Dendrobatus azureus) have attracted scientitists from all over the world.

Suriname was one of the first countries in South America to establish a nature reserves system. The country momentarily comprises of 11 nature reserves and 1 Nature Park. For more details go to Stinasu