Although populations are small, the cultures of the people of the countries of the Guianas are diverse and includes Indigenous and Tribal (Maroons) cultures which give society liveliness and colour. The large majority of the populations of Suriname and Guyana live in the capital cities and coastal areas. The hinterland, with its vast forests and countless rivers and creeks, are home to the indigenous and tribal peoples.

Most of the Indigenous and Maroon people live in small communities and depend on what nature provides for their livelihoods. Livelihoods in these communities include traditional framing, hunting, small-scale agriculture, local tourism. Some of these communities are now transitioning into a life influenced by developments in the coastal areas and abroad. Their traditions, customary rights, and rituals, however, remain closely linked to biodiversity conservation. WWF supports local, Tribal, and Indigenous communities to help safeguard the natural resources, ecosystems and access to resources on which their livelihoods depend.