Cerfication in Surinam

First Timber Company in Suriname Certified

Suma Lumber Company NV is the first timber company in Suriname to receive the FSC forest management certificate. The reception of this certificate is not only a break through for the company, but a national milestone for Suriname as well.

First Timber Company in Suriname receives FSC certification

Suma Lumber Company NV is the first timber company in Suriname to receive the FSC forest management certificate. The reception of this certificate is not only a break through for the company, but a national milestone for Suriname as well. It is the only and first company in Suriname to receive this prestigious certificate. With the FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) label (http://www.fsc.org), Suriname is considered one of the nations that takes the protection and sustainable use of its forests seriously. FSC is a non-governmental organization that awards its label to companies that manage their forests ecologically, economically and socially responsible. In this organization there are representatives of the forest sector, conservation organizations and indigenous people.

The Dutch Control Union Certifications (http://www.controlunion.com/certification), accredited by FSC, did the evaluation and approved Suma Limber’s actions for sustainable forest management for certification.  Therefore on 6^th June 2008 the first FSC certificate in Suriname was awarded to Suma Lumber. Suma Lumber also established a European sales company to guide the exports to Europe. “Our company can now measure up to the international standards upheld by professional companies world wide”, said Etienne Boerenveen, Director of Suma Lumber. “After 10 years of investments, hard work and preparation, this certificate is the crown on our work, yet we cannot stop here” he continued.

“The certification of Suma Lumber proves that it is possible to certify a forest company in Suriname with determination, and a reasonable sum of investment”, said Haidy Malone, WWF Guianas Forest Conservation Officer. “We hope that this example will stimulate other companies to face this challenge as well”. She said.

Suma Lumber owns several forest concessions with a total of 70.000ha. Since 1999 the company produces timber and timber products that are responsibly harvested and made for national and international markets. In 2004 Suma lumber initiated the step towards certification for its forest operation through the development of a Master Plan that would guide the process in collaboration with WWF Guianas, who acted as co-sponsor of the Plan.

The certificate is handed over to Suma Lumber tonight, 3^rd July in the presence of representatives of the Government of Suriname, forest sector and WWF Guianas. the Director of FSC Netherlands Sandra Muller will address the meeting on video.

For more information: sumaholding@sr.net           or hmalone@wwf.sr