Tropenbos Suriname and the Centre for Agricultural Research in Suriname (Celos) discussed the developments in the forest by-products sector with non-governmental partners, the private sector and government agencies during the seminar ‘Towards certification of forest by-products in Suriname’. The focus was on the possibilities for certification in the sector, with the aim of guaranteeing the quality and safety of mainly edible products.
The seminar, held on Friday in Spice Quest, was funded by the Working Landscapes Program (WLP) of Tropenbos Suriname. WLP supports communities in the interior, particularly the Samaaka area, in developing sustainable and climate-resilient agricultural practices and other forms of livelihood, such as the production of forest by-products. The latter is currently in a dynamic development phase.
This sector, which includes honey, medicinal plants and other non-timber forest products, plays an important role in both the local economy and the conservation of the environment. Forest by-products contribute significantly to the incomes of communities in and around the forests. The production and trade of these products provide employment and stimulate economic activities at the local level and even export becomes possible, which can contribute to the national economy.
The sustainable harvesting of forest by-products is crucial for the conservation of biodiversity in Suriname. Local communities often have traditional knowledge about sustainable practices, which helps to preserve the forests, while they derive economic benefits from the available natural resources.
Positive prospects
Despite the benefits, the sector faces several challenges. There is a need for improved infrastructure, access to markets and technical support to improve the production and quality of forest by-products. In addition, there are concerns about uncontrolled and often illegal logging and the impact of climate change, which can affect the availability of these products.
However, the outlook for the sector is positive. With targeted investments in training, technology and infrastructure, the production of forest by-products can be further strengthened. This will not only contribute to the economic development of Suriname, but also to the sustainable management of the rich forest areas of the country. It is important to properly regulate sustainable forest management and the certification of forest products.
Presentations were given during the seminar by, among others, Conservation International Suriname, Celos, Amazon Conservation Team Guianas, Tropenbos Suriname, Non-timber forest products platform, Surinamese Standards Bureau and Bureau Intellectual Property. After the presentations, some of which included examples from the region, the participants discussed a step-by-step plan that will eventually have to be developed.
Awareness in society
The participants emphasized the importance of sustainability in the production of forest by-products. Several organisations working with communities indicated that they are aiming for standardisation of the entire value chain, with an emphasis on the processing of forest by-products. Further discussions will be needed on who will take the lead in developing a standard for forest by-products, certification and how this should be financed.
Collaboration between NGOs and relevant institutions working on forest by-products should also be promoted. Furthermore, the relationship between researchers and local communities should be improved. The awareness in society of the value of forest by-products should be increased, for example by stimulating sales and organising more activities about the sector. Furthermore, it was proposed to set up a central location with information about forest by-products.
Participants wondered with some concern whether standardisation and certification will not make products more expensive. With standardisation and certification it is also important that the control mechanisms are in place and functioning well. The need for stakeholders to continue to talk to each other was also emphasised. Tropenbos Suriname and Celos will make a plan to achieve the certification of forest by-products and to support the communities in increasing their production. There will be a follow-up seminar in a few months.
