Based on its National Forest Policy (2005) the Government of Suriname (GoS) aims to improve the contribution of forests to the socio-economic development of the country. As part of this, the Foundation for Forest Management and Production Control (SBB) wishes to gain insight in and knowledge on the economics of Minor Timber Products (MTP), which until present, have their role neglected as a potential forest financing mechanism (FFM).The production of timber is recognized as being the main income generating commodity from Suriname’s forests (Bhairo et al., 2009*). Present production levels, however, are too small to sustain the national forest sector and its administration. MTPs, if effectively channeled into the formal economy, may contribute to a more sustainable national forest based economy.

This research will result in improved knowledge on the socio-economic potentials of MTP’s. As such, next to the GoS, affected stakeholders are actors within all segments of the MTP product chain: producers, salesmen, retailers and consumers. However, in this preliminary stage of research, actors in the MTP product chain are mainly sources of information.MTP’s is considered an (informal) income generating activity that requires only little capital investment and short-term revenues. Effective regulation of production, trade and retail of them may directly contribute to poverty alleviation of the rural- and forest dependent people.

Carbon calculation models must be fed consistently with accurate data in order to indicate stock changes. There exist standard methods such as the IPCC model which require input values based on regional estimated averages (defaults). Input of data based on actual aboveground and belowground tree biomass measurements and soil analysis may provide more accurate data and therefore increase the precision and credibility of the outcomes.

This project will focus on the determination of the forest cover and Carbon stock assessment over time. These are essential data needed by the Government of Suriname, the main responsible to manage the country its forest resources. At present, forest cover monitoring needs upgrading and statistical data need to be improved. The two institutes involved in forest monitoring are the Centre for Agricultural Research in Suriname (CELOS) and the Foundation for Forest Management and Production Control (SBB).

This project will focus on promoting the sustainable management of the Carolina landscape in the district of Para and improving livelihoods and alleviating poverty, based on the potentials of the landscape and aspirations of local people.

The basis for action will be a Multidisciplinary Landscape Assessment (MLA), to which both formal and traditional researchers will contribute. The MLA outcomes will thus depend to a significant extent on the input of traditional knowledge about the project area. Special attention will be paid to the potential of traditional and indigenous co-management of nature, tourism, forestry and other yet to be identified potentials of the landscape.

The Suriname Forest Policy Statement (2005) lays down the Government's commitment to ‘increase the contribution of forests to the national economy and the wellbeing of present and future generations'. The Policy (section 6.7) recognizes the need to obtain foreign financial support and to create the enabling conditions for attracting this external financial support.

Adequate financing of sustainable forest management has received increasing attention in the region and globally, among others in the context of the UNFF process. As part of the formal UNFF process a Country-Led Initiative (CLI) on Forest Finance was organized by Suriname, the Netherlands and the USA in Paramaribo on 8-12 September 2008 to provide concrete technical input into an open-ended Ad Hoc Expert Group (AHEG) meeting.