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Het Centraal Suriname Natuurreservaat - Protected Areas Programme
World Heritage Sites
COUNTRY: Republic of Suriname
NAME: Central Suriname Nature Reserve (CSNR)
IUCN MANAGEMENT CATEGORY: Central Suriname Nature Reserve
II
Natural World Heritage Site (proposed) - Criteria i, ii, iii, iv.
INSCRIBED :2000
CRITERIA: N (ii) (iv)
BIOGEOGRAPHICAL PROVINCE 8.04.01 (Guyanan)
GEOGRAPHICAL LOCATION
The Central Suriname Nature Reserve (CSNR) is located in central Suriname, 200
km south west of Paramaribo, in the District of Sipaliwini. Geographical
co-ordinates for the site are: 4ºN 56º W.
DATE AND HISTORY OF ESTABLISHMENT
CSNR was designated on July 31, 1998 and is legally protected, under the
country's Nature Protection Act of 1954. The reserve forms a corridor linking 3
former protected areas: Raleighvallen Nature Reserve (78,000ha), Eilerts de Haan
Gebergte Nature Reserve (220,000ha) and Tafelberg (Table mountain) Nature
Reserve (140,000ha). These pre-existing reserves (that are now IUCN category
II), were designated by State Resolution on April 22, 1966.
AREA: 1,600,000 hectares.
LAND TENURE: State owned.
ALTITUDE: Ranges from 25m to 1,230m (the summit of Juliana Top,
Suriname's highest peak).
PHYSICAL FEATURES
Suriname is part of the Guayana Shield a two billion-year-old Pre-Cambrian
formation that stretches over eastern Venezuela, Guayana, Suriname and northern
Brazil. The nominated site constitutes a major and representative proportion of
this physical feature. Lying between the Amazonian and Orinoco river basins, it
is a complex massif of hard, predominantly proterozoic rock-formations, with low
mineral content.
Additionally, several unique geological and physical formations occur in the
nominated site including several granite inselbergs, granitic outcroppings that
rise out of the surrounding tropical forest. These dome-shaped formations were
created during the Tertiary and Pleistocene periods, and have steep or vertical
sides and little or no vegetation on their summits. The most famous inselberg in
the CSNR is the Voltzberg Dome (250m above sea level). The 360m high Van
Stockemberg formation, is another example of a well-known inselberg in the
reserve. Such formations often posses unique vegetation, that differs from that
of the surrounding forest (Lideman and Mori 1989). A unique geological feature
in the CSNR, is the Devil's Egg, a giant boulder balanced on top of a granite
spire, that is several hundred metres high.
The CSNR encompasses the upstream watershed of the Coppename River, one of
Suriname's largest rivers and the third largest watershed in the country; as
well as a portion of the headwaters of the Curuni River and several other
headwaters. Significant tributaries of the Coppename include the
Rechter-Coppename River, the Midden-Coppename River, the Linker-Coppename River,
Adampada creek and Tanjimama Creek. Waterfalls and rapids, are features that are
also included in the nominated site. The "sulu complex" near Foengoe
Island is of particular significance. It is a 2 km long stretch of river rapids
just south of the island, that are essentially non-navigable.
Tepuis (flat topped mountains), are present on the site, particularly in the
former Tafelberg Nature Reserve. This reserve includes the most easterly tepui
in South America. In the southern portion of the CSNR, lies the Wilhelmina
Mountain range, the location of Surnime's highest peak, Juliana Top (1,230m).
CLIMATE
Suriname has a typical tropical climate, with a mean daily temperature of about
27ºC and an annual range of only 2ºC. Annual rainfall varies between 1750 and
3000 mm, and a generally high humidity prevails throughout the year. There are
two rainy seasons, one from approximately mid-April to mid-August and one from
December to January (less significant). Dry seasons occur between these two
periods. These climatic conditions contribute significantly to the high
weathering rates that occur in the region.
VEGETATION
Four broad ecological zones are identified in Suriname: the young coastal plain,
the old coastal plain, the savanna belt and the interior. The Central Suriname
Nature Reserve lies in the interior of the country (three-quarters of Suriname
is in this zone), and displays a variety of natural habitats and a rich flora.
Despite relatively nutrient-poor soils, the CSNR is dominated by pristine
primary, lowland and montane, tropical rain forest, representing one of the
largest tracts of undisturbed, uninhabited and unhunted primary forest in the
tropics. Small fragments of marsh forest exist along rivers and creeks, and
there are also areas of isolated savanna. The floral diversity of the area is
mostly as a result of region's humid climate. Due to the size of the reserve and
its inaccessibility, a detailed inventory of the vegetation occurring throughout
the site has yet to be conducted. Information is, however, available for some of
the pre-existing reserves that constitute the CSNR, and it is expected that this
is representative of much of the reserve.
The former Raleighvallen Nature Reserve contains the majority of the forest
systems present in the CSNR. Moist mesophytic forest predominates, although
swamp forest, marsh forest, liane forest, savanna forest and mountain savanna
forest is distinguished (WWF, 1993). The canopy of mesophytic forest typically
extends to a height of 30 metres, although in some instances this increases to
40-50 metres. Examples of tree species occurring in the canopies includes:
kankantri (Ceiba penandra) and ingipipa (Couratari spp.). Palms constitute much
of the understorey, including paramacca (Astrocaryum), kumbumacca (Oenoecarpus
bacaba) and maripa (Maximiliana maripa), with ferns and moss-ferns found on the
forest floor.
A unique ecosystem occurring in the reserve is the Roraima sandstone savanna,
the only one of its type in Suriname. This savanna, known as Rudi Kappel
savanna, extends over an area of 1,000ha, and is situated at an elevation of
300m (Hiwat,1998). The vegetation of the inselbergs is also unique, as
significantly differs from that of the surrounding forest. Xerophytic vegetation
occurs on and around the granite outcrops, consisting predominantly of plants
from Bromelia, Poaceae and Orchidacea families. Epilitic (growing on stones or
rocks) species of orchids are also often found (WWF, 1993). To date nearly 6,000
vascular plant species have been collected from the CSNR, with five endemic
plant species occurring on the Voltzberg Dome, and 42 endemic species collected
from other areas of the reserve.
FAUNA
Suriname is a territory that is rich in fauna. Within the country 680 bird
species, 185 mammal species, 152 species of reptiles, 95 species of amphibians
and 790 fish species have been recorded. A total of approximately 1,890
vertebrate species are known to exist in the country, 3 percent of which are
endemic to Suriname. It is believed that a significant proportion of these
species, are present in the nominated World Heritage site.
The CSNR is known to contain more than 400 of Suriname's known bird species,
including Scarlet, Red-and-Green and Blue-and-Gold Macaws, (Ara macao, Ara
chloroptera, Ara ararauna); Great Tinamou (Tinamus major), Black Curassow (Crax
alector) the Guianan Cock-of-the-Rock (Rupicola rupicola) and the Harpy Eagle.
The northern section of the CSNR is known globally as one of the best places to
see Red and Green Macaws (Ara chloroptera) and the Guianan Cock-of-the-Rock
(Rupicola rupicola).
The Reserve is also home to all eight species of Suriname's monkey, representing
seven genera and two families. These include the White-faced Saki (Pithecia
pithecia) and the common squirrel monkey (Saimiri sciureus) red howler monkey
(Alouatta senculus), black spider monkey (Ateles paniscus), red-handed tamarin
(Saguinus midas), brown capuchin (Cebus apella) the weeper capuchin (Cebus
nigrivittatus) and the black saki (Chiropotes satanas).
Viable populations of the Jaguar Panthera onca (Lr), the Giant Armadillo
Myrmecophaga tridactyla (EN) and the Giant River Otter Pteronura brasiliensis
(VU) also exist in the nominated site. Other animals that have been recorded
include the two-toed sloth Choloepus didactylus, the three-toed sloth Bradypus
tridactylus, puma Felis concolor and the tapir Tapirus terrestris.
Much of the Reserve has yet to be explored, thus the true extent of the
nominated site's diversity is not fully known. Faunal checklists are available
in STINASU offices in Paramaribo.
CULTURAL HERITAGE
Cultural artefacts have been found in the area surrounding the Coppename River,
in the Raleighvallen area, indicting that the site was inhabited during
pre-Colombian times. Archaeological material from ancestors of the Carib indians
has been found near the junction of the Linker-Coppename River, while
petroglyphs have been found along a small creek near the Voltberg Dome. The
Kwinti Tribe are believed to have settled along the Coppename river in the 17th
Century. It is considered that there is likely to be additional archaeological
material in the reserve (WWF, 1993), that may be potentially significant to
Suriname's cultural heritage.
LOCAL HUMAN POPULATION
Although there are no permanent human settlements or inhabitants within the
nominated site, there are three communities located nearby that may be affected
by the creation of the CSNR. These are the Kwinti Maroon communities of Witagron
and Kaaimanston who reside 60km north of the CSNR, alongside the Coppemame River
and the Trio indigenous community of Kwamalaamutu, who reside 100km to the south
of the CSNR border. Members of the Witagron and Kaaimanston communites have
acted as guards, porters and guides for visitors and researches at the
pre-existing Raleighvallen Nature Reserve.
VISITORS AND VISITOR FACILITIES
Access to the reserve is by river and road (to Raleighvallen only), or by air.
Travelling to Raleighvallen by road and river is the usual method of reaching
the reserve. Visitors must travel approximately 185 km south to Bitagron from
Paramaribo. Upon reaching Bitagron, a 4-5 hour boat trip up the Coppename River
to Foengo Island brings travellers to the reserve's headquarters. There are
three airstrips in the reserve.
There are less than 1000 recorded annual visitors to the CSNR, the majority of
whom are foreign. Aracari Tours a nature tour / ecotourism operator, runs tours
to the top of the Voltzberg Dome. On average four to six four-day tours
(totaling 40 guests), take place during the dry season. Other visitors include
researchers, scientists and independent adventure travellers.
Overnight accommadation facilities exist at Raleighvallen which include two
guesthouses on Foengoe Island close to the airstrip, and one research/guest
facility owned by the Forest Service. Several hiking trails exist in
Raleighvallen Nature Reserve, linking Foengoe Island to the airstrip and several
locations of interest, such as the Voltzberg Dome. STINASU is responsible for
the upkeep of the facilities at Raleighvallen and for promoting tourism to the
area. There are plans for the construction of additional visitor facilities at
Raleighvallen, although as yet these are not clearly defined.
A recently refurbished guesthouse exists at Rudi Kappel airstrip in the
Tafelberg area. Three lodges and additional tour facilities are located at the
southern airstrip of Kayser. During the dry season about four groups are
accommodated in these facilities (at Kayser). These lodges are managed by The
Foundation the Friends of Kayser.
There are several developments planned for the future that aim to address
visitor needs. The community-based "Foundation for the Resettlement of
Witagron and Kaaimanston", plans to develop facilities to transport
visitors to the CSNR by boat. These project activities are to be funded through
the UNDP/GEF Small Grants Programme. A guard station is planned at Witagron, and
two satellite stations are proposed for two of the adjacent creeks. The Witagron
station will also serve as a visitor centre and 'craft store' for tourists
travelling in the region.
SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH AND FACILITIES
The site's inaccessibility has limited the research that has been possible
in the area. Most biological research has taken place within the three
originally existing reserves that constitute CSNR. The Raleighvallen area has
been utilised for scientific study for many years, and of the three pre-existing
protected areas, it has been the main focus for most scientific research. The
geology and geography of Raleighvallen was first described by Martin (1888) and
Bakhuis (1902). Since that time botanical and zoological fieldwork by
researchers from around the world, has continued to occur. Botanical fieldwork
has studied tropical rainforest ecology (Schulz, 1960), vegetation survey
(Holthuizen and de Jong, 1977) and forest fruits (van Roosmalen). Completed
zoological studies include work on monkeys (Mittermeier (1977), Mittermeier and
Fleagle (1980), night-jars (Ingels et al., 1984), reptiles (Goin, 1971) and
Cock-of-the-Rock (Trail 1983, 1984,1985). In recent years much of the research
throughout the reserves has focused upon larger animals such as caimans,
primates and Cock-of-the-Rock (Hiwat 1998). Conservation International has
recently constructed a research station at the base of Voltzberg Dome and the
University of Florida operates a primate research station near Raleighvallen.
CONSERVATION VALUE
The Central Suriname Nature Reserve represents an example of undisturbed
tropical rain forest incorporating three existing protected areas. Suriname is
globally and regionally significant in terms of the extent of its tropical
forest cover. Approximately 90% of the country's total area is forested, more
forest cover than that in all of Central America; thus it is one of the most
forested countries in the world. The huge area of the CSNR (approximately the
size of the state of New Jersey, USA) ensures that one of the most biologically
diverse areas of the world is maintained.
As the site is uninhabited and has had little disturbance from humans, it
provides a valuable baseline for biological and ecological research useful for
the conservation of other tropical ecosystems, and has plant gene-pool benefits.
The presence of geological features (inselbergs), is also of great conservation
value.
CONSERVATION MANAGEMENT
Nature conservation and reserve management in Suriname, is the responsibility of
the Nature Conservation Division of the Forest Service (LBB). At present the
only management plan that exists for the site, relates to the former
Raleighvallen Nature Reserve portion. This was compiled by WWF in 1993, and is
implemented with the assistance of The Foundation for Nature Preservation
(STINASU). A management plan and an ecotourism plan for the whole of the CSNR is
currently being developed. Due to the site's inaccessibility, a de facto buffer
zone of 100 km width exists around the reserve.
At a national level, a "Conservation Action Plan for Suriname" was
published in 1990. This was later complemented in 1994 by the publication "
Priority Conservation Activities for Suriname". Sixteen priority
initiatives were outlined, including the preparation and implementation of
management plans for nature reserves, the training of conservationists, nature
conservation education, research on threatened species and the enforcement of
nature conservation legislation. A Concept National Environmental Action Plan
(NEAP) was drafted in 1996 by the University of Suriname's Institute for
Development, Planning and Management.
The ecotourism plan currently being prepared for the CSNR will aim to promote
sustainable ecotourism within the protected area, as part of a central component
of tourism infrastructure establishment, policy development and promotion.
Management activities will focus on the airstrips.
MANAGEMENT CONSTRAINTS
Due to the nominated site's large size and inaccessibility, threats to the CSNR
are insignificant. However with the promotion of the site and increased future
development, threats could potentially arise.
Pressures that do threaten the site primarily stem from concession activities.
Several large-scale mining and logging concessions exist or are being awarded
close to the boundaries of the nominated site. Several mining companies are
prospecting for gold to the north of Raleighvallen, in the northern portion of
the CSNR. Additionally large bauxite deposits have recently been discovered to
the west of the reserve, while several exploratory timber concessions are
located to the north and east. While these concessions mainly exist outside the
boundaries of the CSNR and its watershed, vigilance will be required to ensure
future developments or associated increased human activities do not threaten or
damage fragile and pristine ecosystems within the reserve. Reserve boundaries
are not yet marked in the CSNR, thus heightening the need to ensure prohibited
or illegal mining or harvesting activities do not occur within the protected
area.
STAFF
Current staffing levels within the CSNR are relatively low, primarily being due
to the site's isolation. At present a Reserve Manager and 3-4 guards/field
workers are employed at Raleighvallen Nature reserve. Gum Air and Aracari Tours
take tourists to Tafelberg, where 2 caretaker/managers are employed. There are
no permanent staff or guard stations at Eilerts de Haan.
Within the outline for the future CSNR management plan, the need for guard posts
at all access points to the reserve has been specified. Three locations around
Raleighvallen Nature Reserve have been identified; guard posts are also planned
for the 3 airstrips in the reserve.
BUDGET
The Government of the Republic of Suriname does not currently provide a budget
for the management of the site. Future management funds necessary to complete
and implement the management plan for the CSNR, as well as long-term financing
to support the Reserve's management is to be provided by the Suriname
Conservation Trust Fund (SCF). The SCF was established and launched by
Conservation International in 1999, with an initial $1 million endowment. It is
anticipated that by 2003, the endowment will reach $15 million, with
contributions from the GEF, WWF, UNF and UNDP. This endowment will not just be
for the CSNR, but also for field management of Suriname's entire protected area
system, with support for biodiversity conservation, management, research and
ecotourism development. Additionally in May 1999, the Global Environment
Facility (GEF) approved funding amounting to $18.33 million to support and aid
the long-term development and conservation goals of Suriname.
REFERENCES / BIBLIOGRAPHY
The nomination document includes an extensive bibliography of references. The
following are considered key:
Reichart H. A. 1993. Raleighvallen/Voltzberg Nature Reserve
Management Plan 1993 -1997. LBB, STINASU, WWF.
Adhin S., F.L.J. Baal, B. de Dijn, S.A.J. Malone, P.E. Ouboter, M.C.M
Werkhoven.1998. Draft Nationale Strategie Biodiversiteit. UNDP Subproject
RLA/92/932.
Baal, F.L.J., Mittermeier, R.A and M.G.M van Roosmalen. 1988. Primates and
Protected Areas in Suriname. Oryx: 22, 7-14.
Baal, F. L.J. 1997. Policies, legislation and orgianizational structure for
protected areas in Suriname. In J.V. Oltremari (Ed). 1998. Protected Areas in
Suriname and Guyana. FAO/ROLAC, ACT/CEMAA . p7-18.
Government Suriname. 1954. Natuurbeschermingswet 1954 (Nature Protection Law
1954 in Government Bulletin 1954 No. 26) Dutch and English texts.
Government Suriname. 1998. Natuurbeschermingsbesluit 1998 (Nature Protection
State Resolution 1998). State Bulletin 1998 No. 65
Hiwat, H.1997. Protected Areas in Suriname. In : J, V, Oltremari (Ed.) 1998.
Protected Areas in Suriname and Guyana. FAO/RDLAC, ACT/CEMAA. p19-40.
Institute for Development Planning and Management. 1996. Concept Suriname
National Environmental Action Plan. 100 pp.
Lideman, J.C. and Mori, S.A. 1989. The Guianas. In: Campbell, D.G. and Hammond
H.D. (Ed)s. Floristic Inventory of Tropical Countries. New York Botanical
Garden, New York. 375-391.
Mittermeier R. A., S. A. Malone, M. J. Plotkin, F. L. J. Baal, K. Mohadin, J.
Mac Knight, M.M. Werkhoven, T. H. Werner. 1990. Conservation Action Plan for
Suriname. Conservation International, Suriname Forest Service, WWF-USA, STINASU,
University of Suriname. 45 pp.
Stichting Planbureau Suriname. 1988. Suriname Planatlas. OAS, Washington.
UNDP. 1995. PRIF/GEF Project Proposal: Enhancing the Capacity of Suriname to
Conserve Biodiversity. 24 pp
WWF. 1993. Raleighvallen/Voltzberg Nature Reserve Management Plan 1993-1997.
World Wildlife Fund (WWF) USA and Nederland and Suriname Forest Service,
Paramaribo, Suriname. 161pp.
Werkhoven, M. C. M. and M.M. Held. 1989. Conservation of Natural Ecosystems
versus Land-Use in Suriname (Suriname Country Paper for Workshop 90: Priority
Areas for Conservation in Amazonia).
Werkhoven MCM, P.E. Ouboter and K. Mohadin.1997. Area profiles dossier for the
Workshop (Selection Protected Areas.University of Suriname 4 July 1997).
Environment Research Center, University of Suriname, Paramaribo. 42 pp.
DATE February, 2000
Document URL: http://www.wcmc.org.uk/protected_areas/data/wh/suriname.html
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