When people think of forest-rich nations, they often imagine
Brazil’s Amazon basin or the rainforests of Indonesia. But the country most
widely recognized as the “Land of Forests” is actually Suriname,
a small South American nation with one of the highest forest cover percentages
on Earth. Suriname stands as a global model for biodiversity, conservation, and
climate stability—with over 93% of its land still blanketed in untouched
tropical rainforest.
A Nation Covered in Green
Suriname’s forests are part of the vast Guiana Shield,
one of the most pristine ecological regions in the world. These forests are
home to:
- Towering
old-growth trees
- Hundreds
of bird species
- Rare
mammals such as jaguars, tapirs, and giant river otters
- Unique
plants found nowhere else on the planet
Because so much of Suriname remains forested, the country is
one of the world's few carbon-negative nations—meaning it absorbs more
carbon dioxide than it emits.
Why Suriname Earned the Title “Land of Forests”
Suriname is known by this title because:
- Over
93% of the country is covered by forest—the highest proportion of
forest cover in the world.
- Large
areas remain intact and undisturbed by human activity.
- The
government has made long-term commitments to preserving its natural
landscapes.
- Indigenous
and tribal communities help protect vast wilderness areas through
traditional stewardship.
This extraordinary level of forest conservation has earned
Suriname global recognition in environmental and climate discussions.
A Biodiversity Haven
The forests of Suriname shelter an impressive diversity of
wildlife. Scientists estimate that:
- Over 1,500
plant species thrive in its forests.
- More
than 700 bird species have been documented.
- Mammals—from
jaguars to primates—still roam freely in many protected areas.
These rich ecosystems also provide vital water sources,
regulate the climate, and support local livelihoods.
Commitment to Conservation
Suriname has placed millions of hectares under protection.
Key conservation areas include:
- Central
Suriname Nature Reserve (a UNESCO World Heritage Site)
- Brownsberg
Nature Park
- Galibi
Nature Reserve
These protected areas help maintain ecological processes,
safeguard wildlife, and preserve the cultural heritage of Indigenous peoples.
A Model for the Planet
In an era when deforestation threatens ecosystems worldwide,
Suriname stands out as a global role model. Its ability to maintain such
remarkable forest cover highlights the importance of strong national policies,
community involvement, and sustainable development.
Suriname’s story is a powerful reminder that protecting
forests is not just an environmental issue—it is a pathway to a healthier
future for the entire planet.
Sources of Reference
- Food
and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO).
Global Forest Resources Assessment (FRA 2020) – Reports that Suriname has one of the highest percentages of forest cover in the world (over 93%).
https://www.fao.org - UNESCO
World Heritage Centre.
Central Suriname Nature Reserve – Provides information on the biodiversity and ecological importance of Suriname’s largest protected area.
https://whc.unesco.org - Government
of Suriname – Ministry of Spatial Planning and Environment.
Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) Submission to UNFCCC – Details Suriname’s status as a carbon-negative country and commitments to conservation. - World
Bank – Climate Change Knowledge Portal.
Data on Suriname’s land cover, forest resources, and environmental indicators.
https://climateknowledgeportal.worldbank.org - Conservation
International.
Suriname: Protecting the Guiana Shield – Highlights biodiversity, ecosystems, and conservation programs in Suriname.
https://www.conservation.org
