Tree spotters training

The forests of Suriname, if managed properly, have the potential to provide a sustainable income for the people of Suriname from timber harvesting operations. However, at this time, there is a shortage of trained persons equipped with the appropriate knowledge needed for the development of effective forest production while at the same time managing the forest in a sustainable manner.

WWF recognized this need for trained forest operational personal and started the first Tree Spotter training program in 25 years in Suriname. Tree Spotters are trained forest operators who are able to identify trees by their size, shape, skin, smell, sap, and leaves.

This project was done in collaboration with the Foundation for Forest Management and Forest Control(SBB Stichting voor Bosbeheer en Bostoezicht), Ministry of Regional Development, "Platform Houtsector Suriname" (PHS), NGOs engaged in forest-based community development, various forest-based communities, Center for Agricultural Research in Suriname (CELOS), Jan Starke Opleidings en Ontspannings Centrum (JSOOC), and NV GIS Sat Suriname.

The goal of this training program was to build capacity within the Forest Service of Suriname and to promote further sustainable forestry development in the country. The graduated are now able to support this process, through the knowledge and skills they acquired. The project was implemented in the coastal region and the hinterland of Suriname. The SBB implemented the training, which was completed in May 2006.

In July 2006, 10 trainees of this course received their certificates. The training was conducted by the internationally renowned tree spotter and field botanist, Frits van Troon, assisted by ecologists and the last remaining Surinamese tree spotters of SBB.  They will also use Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Global Positioning Systems (GPS) to aid them in their forest management duties.

With this training and advanced tools, the spotters will be able to select those trees for harvesting that are marketable and meet the National Forest Policy requirements for tree cutting operations. This selection process is a part of the spotters' awareness program. Under this awareness program, the spotters train loggers in proper forest management that will reduce waste in the logging operations taking place in the Surinamese forest.

At the end of the training, the new spotters' capacity to identify 250 of the most prominent tree species in Suriname was tested. Some of the graduates will be offered employment at the SBB, therefore strengthening the capacity of the institution. Others will be employed by NGOs to do biodiversity inventories.

WWF encourages information sharing. We are building a system of sharing conservation information that reaches across borders. With this system, people can share knowledge and real life experiences with others so that the richness of the Guianas forests remains protected from damage and destruction.