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WWF Guianas Highlights 2008

WWF Guianas Sustainable Natural Resources Management Project 2007 - 2011 WWF Guianas

Index

Protected Areas Management 2

Gold Mining Pollution Abatement 4

Sustainable Forest Management 6

Freshwater Conservation and Management 8

Species Conservation and Management 11

Marine Turtle Conservation 13

Environmental Education and Communications 15

Index Website: www.wwfguianas.org WWF Guianas

Foreword WWF Guianas Highlights 2008

WWF Guianas is pleased to share with you a glimpse of its project activities, accomplishments and events for nature conservation and sustainable development in 2008, through the “Highlights 2008”. By reading this document one will be able to gain information on the various activities and areas in which World WildLife Fund has pursued its conservation program in the Guianas.

The Guianas is one of the few regions in the world where so much of nature is still in its pristine state and thus offers enormous opportunities for the promotion of sustainable development. The countries are endowed with small multicultural populations that exert little pressure on the region’s natural resources.

However, major challenges do exist for the custodians of the region’s socio- cultural and natural patrimony. With the ever increasing international attention on “climate change” and its global effects, greater consideration is slowly being given to the fact that standing forests store significant quantities of carbon. The conservation of such forests is therefore imperative in the fight against global warming and climate change. It is in this context that we in the WWF family firmly support the initiatives of President Jagdeo of Guyana and top level government officials of Suriname in their efforts to get remuneration for their large areas of well managed tropical forests. WWF’s support to the CLI (Country Lead Initiative) meeting held in September 2008 in Paramaribo in Suriname is testimony to our commitment to this just cause. We in the Guianas, as in the case of the net- work, will continue to support the governments of Guyana and Suriname in building capacity so that the expertise needed in the international negotiations on the Climate Change Protocol and the countries can successfully negotiate the desired results.

Last year was also important for the development of “sustainable ecotourism” in Suriname, with the official opening of the Berg en Dal ecotourism project. WWF firmly believes in the importance of ecotourism as an instrument for sustainable development in the Guianas and therefore supports vigorously various projects of this kind. Our support for the Tonka Island project in Suriname is another example that truly reflects our belief. In the past WWF Guianas supported government led ecotourism projects, but currently our directional change is towards the ventures taken in the private sector. This is due in part to our recognition of the seriousness of the private sector to develop the ecotourism sector as well as its potential to promote sustainable development in the Guianas.

In 2008 there was a major breakthrough in forest conservation in Suriname and Guyana. The first Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certificate for sustainable forest management in Suriname was awarded to Suma Lumber, a medium sized timber company, with a concession of 60,000 ha. Later that year, Guyana achieved a similar distinction when the Iwokrama International Center for Rainforest Conservation and Development was FSC-certified for its total area of 371,000ha. This achievement is particularly rewarding after the unfortunate de-certification of Barama in 2007.

In Suriname WWF was made widely visible in the media to a large audience through our investment in an 11-episode television series. In a creative way many themes supported by WWF were portrayed. These included sustainable forestry, ecotourism, marine turtle protection, support to management of protected areas and impacts of gold mining among other issues. Similarly, in Guyana stakeholders were made aware of the many issues through television interviews and news- papers articles that received national coverage. In French Guiana much was done by WWF to create awareness on the devastating effects of illegal gold mining.

However, there are still some monumental tasks that we need to address with respect to sustainable development in the Guianas. Poverty is still widespread in the region and nowhere is it more manifest than in the unsustainable use of the natural resources and more specifically through the negative impacts of illegal gold mining in the hinterlands. These impacts affect nature and people, with mercury poisoning progressing slowly throughout the generations. The effects of the seeming indifference of various governments will only be discussed in the future as the symptoms of current casualties are now not visible. Waterways, watersheds and vast areas of land are already polluted and almost useless. French Guiana is by far the most advanced of the 3 Guianas in addressing the problem: since January 2006 there is a ban on the use of mercury and authorities are trying to tackle illegal gold mining in Parc Amazonien and surroundings. WWF Guianas stands willing and indeed fully committed and prepared to support a change of the status quo, but is fully aware that this can only occur if there is an interest and willingness for collaboration among all stakeholders.

I sincerely hope that this bird’s eye view of our work in the Guianas provides some understanding of the nature and scope of our work as well as the challenges we face; and that it would simultaneously motivate you to become a willing partner in our conservation efforts as we strive to improve the lives of present and future generations. Please read and enjoy the 2008 edition of our Highlights.

Dominiek Plouvier Regional Representative WWF Guianas

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Protected Areas Management

Management planning and implementation for Kaieteur National Park WWF Guianas is giving much needed financial and technical support to the National Parks Commission and Kaieteur National Park board to enable the management of Kaieteur National Park (KNP). The Kaieteur National Park is the first Protected Area established in Guyana, in the year 1929, and is famous for the majestic Kaieteur Falls, along with valuable minerals, and endemic and rare biodiversity, many yet to be discovered.

Since its establishment, Kaieteur National Park has been without an integrated management plan for the entire 1 park. This WWF funded project will extend over a 2 /2 year period an shall provide resources for the develop- ment and initiate implementation of an integrated management strategy for Kaieteur National Park. As part of this support, options for tourism development and other income generation opportunities will be investigated New protected areas map produced by WWF and pursued. Guianas, to be used as a quick reference tool. A vital component of this project is a strong focus on stakeholder participation within all aspects of devel- opment management strategies for the park. It is planned that stakeholders including community members of Chenapou Village, tourism operators, other user groups and regulatory bodies will participate in all levels of the project. The Environmental Protection Agency will play an important role in guiding the management planning process during the project. It is hoped that at the end of the two year period, a well defined strategy will be developed to ensure holistic and effective management of the park, with minimal negative impacts and improved benefits for peoples and communities adjacent to the park. Yolanda Vasconcellos - General Manager, National Parks Commission said: “We are excited for the opportunity we have now secured, a management plan for any protected area is a very essential tool to help management in terms of planning and managing a park or area. This management plan will allow for the examination of the baseline data that has already been obtained and will further allow us to expand our work to the wider park, and set the tone on the way forward.”

MARIPA-G a new management tool for protected areas The management of protected areas is easier said than done. Training of personnel and knowing what and how to manage an area, is inevitable. In 2005 a tool, MARIPA-G, to support the management of protected areas in the Guianas was developed by a large group of experts. MARIPA-G stands for Monitoring and Assessment with Relevant Indicators of Protected Areas of the Guianas. It can be used to solve the problems associated with the management of Protected Areas by developing methods to estimate the efficiency of the current management activities, and to take into account results of these evaluations to improve the future management. A section of the gorge at the Kaieteur National Park in Guyana.¶. The evaluation of the efficiency of a protected area management system has to highlight the strengths and the weaknesses of its management. Propose solutions and the actions to be taken to mitigate the weak- nesses while leaning on the strengths. Lastly it must improve the management of the protected area so that it can better support its objectives, conservation, education and awareness, scientific research and so on.

MARIPA-G indicators were developed during a series of meetings held in Guyana, Suriname and French Guiana with funding by WWF. The findings were presented at three regional symposia. There the indicators were adapted and improved until the decision was made to test them in an existing protected area, Kaw-Roura Swamps in French Guiana. The experience learned that the tool evolves according to the specific context of a protected area and adaptations can be made for the existing indicators, both in their formulation and scale. In French Guiana, the very first test of the MARIPA-G tool starts in January, 2009 with the Tresor Nature Reserve.

Tonka education center Tonka Island is located at the Brokopondo Lake in Suriname and is known for its eco tourism activities. Frits van Troon unfolds the plans for the education Frits van Troon, tree spotter and owner of the island, has taken the initiative to have his knowledge of plants center at Tonka Island. and trees transferred to the younger generation. As such he has established the Panda Foundation to teach youngsters more about the flora of Suriname.

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Together with WWF Guianas he developed a project that seeks to train school children in recognizing trees and plants. As part of the project activities the development of a tree spotting guide is included. All trees on the already existing nature trail will be identified, described and photographed. In a partnership with the Alcoa Foundation lodging facilities are established for these children, while Suriprofs, an NGO in Holland, is funding the construction of a field laboratory where the actual trainings are provided. In doing so the Panda Foundation is hoping for a clear division of commercial activities from social projects on the island.

The project aims at enhancing the appreciation for the forest and its biodiversity by making field trips to Tonka Island affordable for children from all parts of the country. The training sessions are set up in such a way that the children learn about the establishment of the Lake and the impact on the local communities. WWF Guianas award of recognition given to They will also visit the hydro power dam; have recreation time in the Lake, such as fishing in order to have Frits van Troon for his life long contribution to nature the fun element in the education process. conservation in Suriname.

Berg en Dal: nature education center at eco tourism resort WWF Guianas has different approaches to implement its awareness programs. Through the use of mass media, it is relatively easy to reach the urban public. However, it is also important to reach people living in forested or wilderness areas where nature is abundant and or affected by industrial or commercial activi- ties, because they can be at the forefront of conservation action.

Such an opportunity was seized with the development of the new ecotourism facility of Kersten Tourism Foundation (KTF) at Berg en Dal, a former agriculture plantation. The facility offers an eco resort, cultural and heritage center and adventure center. In mid-2008, KTF extended an invitation to WWF Guianas to assist it in development of an information centre for the resort. The obvious opportunity to reach rural communities led to the establishment of the WWF Guianas “Tigrikati” education center, located at the Berg en Dal: WWF ‘Tigrikati’ education center. adventure park.

Tigrikati education centre is designed to educate selected groups, such as school children from the surrounding areas of Klaaskreek and Brownsweg, in the principles of nature conservation, whilst providing information on the work of WWF Guianas. The centre features information packages on sustainable forest management, gold mining pollution abatement, species conservation, protected area management and much more. Models to demonstrate relatively complex environmental management concepts are present. One such model is a fully functional small scale gold mining operation and flowing river complete with a sluice box.

This collaboration is a win-win situation, as it increases the reach of WWF and supports the promotion of Small-scale model of gold mining operation that nature conservation in line with income generation and community development. pollutes a river, a visual tool to educate visitors about the impacts of mercury pollution.

View of Tonka Island located at the Brokopondo Lake in Suriname.

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Gold Mining Pollution Abatement

Demonstration of better techniques Benzdorp in the Marowijne district in Southern Suriname along the border with French Guyana has been one of the most productive gold-bearing villages of Suriname since the initial discovery of gold in the late 1800’s. Since then small scale mining is one of the major economic activities in this district. With constantly attractive world market prices for gold, more miners increase their efforts and expand their operations in search of this precious metal. The concession covers an area of approximately 138,000 hectares. The property comprises four rights of exploration; three of 40,000 hectares each and one of 18,000 hectares with the latter having two rights of exploitation covering 3,000 hectares each. The village’s population consists of about 85% Brazilians and the remaining 15% are local Surinamese miners. The methods that these miners use to retrieve gold involve the addition of large quantities of mercury. In one of those methods, Chupa dera, mercury is added to form an amalgam (mixture between gold Within the retort the mixture of gold and mercury and mercury) within the sluicebox. Significant amounts of the mercury are transported to the environment, (amalgam) is heated. The poisonous mercury vapors by the water that is added to the sluice box during this process since not all the mercury adheres to the gold. are caught and transferred through the drain to a Often miners handle the mercury bare handed, causing them to be exposed to this poisonous metal. cold water basin, thus condensed to the liquid mercury. The recovery of mercury in the retort is The use of techniques that significantly reduce the use of mercury is needed to reduce the environmental approximately 85%. and social impacts of gold mining in the region. One of the techniques WWF promotes is the use of the retort. Therefore Grassalco NV started implementation of a WWF funded project, to demonstrate the use and functionality of the retort to miners of the area. The retort is currently priced at U$175, a small invest- ment that recovers 85% of mercury each time it is used. Its lifespan is approximately 1 year. There is a need for information among miners for improved techniques and their safety during work. “With continuous information sharing and demonstration of environmentally friendly techniques, we will be able to change the mind set and the approach of the miners, to take better care of themselves and the environment”, said Nathalie Emanuels, WWF Gold Mining Pollution Abatement Coordinator in Suriname.

Field demonstrations of mercury free gold mining techniques: a rich regional experience The effects of gold mining are felt locally as well as regionally. WWF’s gold mining pollution abatement project therefore addresses these impacts at both these scales. This strategic approach relies particularly on our capacity to exchange information and experience among the three countries. These regional exchanges are particularly important for the gold mining sector, because it affects social, sanitary and environmental issues.

Garbage: another serious environmental problem of To strengthen and deepen this regional exchange, WWF, in November 2008, organized a visit of a Surinamese which responsible miners are aware. It is collected and Guyanese delegation, composed of public and private stakeholders to French Guiana. The main and centrally disposed of. objective was to share experience on mercury-free techniques for gold mining. Since January 1st, 2006, the French law formally forbids the use of mercury for gold mining. Thus, to comply with this regulation, the local mining sector has adopted a range of different mercury free techniques.

During the trip, the delegation visited several mining operations that use various mercury free techniques. The mining technique used in French Guiana is different from the systems in the other Guianas. The first method utilizes high pressure jets to disintegrate the particles and a grill to screen the large particles. This system is more efficient than the conventional one due to the separation of particles based upon the differences in specific gravity and not on particle size in the sluice box. This allows the heavier gold particles to settle faster than the lighter particles of the same size. Further, the method eliminates the use of a gravel pump which has very high maintenance costs. It also allows for topsoil removal and storage and stripping of overburden which would allow easy rehabilitation. The final stage of processing of the gold concentrate is done via shaking tables. The second method includes the use of centrifuges. These are less expensive and are available in Brazil. The third system in referred to a “long tom” which is essentially a small sluice box fitted with matting and Dual sluice box system in a medium scale riffles. This is the cheapest method and can only be used as a primary concentrator, to remove the coarse gold mining operation in Benzdorp. gold particles. The tailings from this equipment still have a large percentage of gold and needs further upgrading on either a shaking table or a centrifuge.

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The technical reflection by the visiting delegates after the demonstration focused on one key question: how to transfer the mercury free techniques and rehabilitation practices to Guyana and Suriname, taking into account their specific characteristics in terms of law, economy, and environment? As the rich exchange between participants demonstrated, no “ready made” answer exists to addressing mercury use on gold mining. The regional struggle against gold mining pollution is clearly a work in progress. A member of the Surinamese delegation underlined this by stating: “We need to continually improve the gold mining practices, and offer alternatives to mercury. We need to convince people now. For that, exchanging information and experience is vital.”

Support for water management in gold mining sites The techniques employed by artisanal and small-scale gold miners have an enormous effect on the environment of the Guianas. The washing of the ore is essential to retrieving gold. Large amounts of water for this stage are taken from often diverted creeks. As the gold is washed the used water is often released to the environment and nearby waterways, causing these to be polluted with mercury and mud. This causes the turbidity to rise to such levels that aquatic species die in multitudes and renders the water Tailings management is a crucial factor in the virtually unusable for human consumption. reduction of environmental pollution caused by gold mining. In support of its mandate to reduce the impact of gold mining on the bio-physical environment, WWF Guianas provided technical and financial assistance to the Guyana Gold and Diamond Mining Association (GGDMA). This support was designed to assist the small and medium scale miners in improving their tailings management practices. Tailings are the materials left over after the process of separating the valuable gold fraction from the worthless fraction of ore. The project is of a practical nature through the establishment and demonstration of tailings ponds and practices. The project commenced in July 2008 and will conclude in January 2009.

Another part of the project is the training and use of a water quality testing kit. With this tool the miners’ Association can monitor its members and provide them with the necessary assistance to ensure that they comply with the regulatory requirements. “WWF is fully committed to continue working with all the various stakeholders in the mining sector in Guyana in a collaborative manner to ensure that some of the major threats to the human and physical environment are minimized”, said Rickford Vieira, WWF Guianas regional gold mining pollution coordinator. “The tasks are WWF Guianas/GGDMA grant signing 23rd July 2008 undoubtedly enormous but WWF Guianas will continue to make gold mining pollution abatement one of the cen- in Georgetown, Guyana. tral planks of its regional environmental conservation program for the benefit of present and future generations.”

Education and awareness for gold mining sector in Guyana WWF Guianas launched an Environmental Education and Awareness Program for the small and medium scale gold mining sector in Guyana on 29th April 2008. The program aims to improve environmental education and awareness in the gold mining sector over the next four years. Specifically, it identifies ways for improving the design, coordination and delivery of education and training activities to support the achievement of the targets outlined in WWF Guianas 2007-2011 project proposal.

Regional importance of ban on mercury in gold mining sector in the Guianas On Tuesday and Wednesday, 20th and 21st May, 2008 WWF hosted a regional small-scale gold mining work- shop at the Grand Coastal Inn, Le Ressouvenir, East Coast Demerara. The theme of the workshop entitled “Improved Management of the Gold Mining Sector” attracted participants from Guyana, Suriname, French Guiana and Brazil as well as several international experts from Canada, the United Kingdom and Columbia. Illegal gold mining camp site in French Guiana. The topics addressed included a review of the regional gold mining sector, fair trade and standards for gold, mercury issues and mercury free techniques and the rehabilitation of mined out sites. WWF Guianas recognizes the importance of While numerous issues confront the mining industry in the Guianas, the focus of the WWF Guianas Program the sector and is confident that working is to determine the most appropriate methods and approaches to abate the environmental footprints mercury free is achievable without caused by the gold mining sector. In particular, mercury, used widely for concentrating gold particles, has compromising the contribution of gold mining been singled out for special attention as an environmental and health threat. Other environmental issues to the economies of Suriname and Guyana. that need equal attention are the aspects of tailings management and the rehabilitation of mined-out sites.

Website: www.wwfguianas.org Page 5 WWF Guianas

Sustainable Forest Management

Suma Lumber certifies 60,000ha Suma Lumber Company NV is the first and only timber company in Suriname to receive the FSC forest management certificate. The achievement of forest management certification is not only a break through for the company, but a national milestone for Suriname as well. With the FSC certification of one of its timber companies, Suriname is considered a serious player in the process of protection and sustainable use of its forest resources.

FSC is a non-governmental organization that awards its label to companies that successfully demonstrate that they manage their forests in an ecologically, economically and socially responsible manner. In this Sign to commemorate the event. organization, members are composed of representatives of the forest sector, conservation organizations and indigenous people.

The evaluation was carried out by Control Union Certifications accredited by FSC, who approved Suma Limber’s actions for sustainable forest management for certification and therefore granted them the first FSC certificate in Suriname, on 6th June, 2008. Suma Lumber also established a European sales company to guide the timber exports to Europe. “Our company can now measure up to the international standards upheld by professional companies world wide”, said Etienne Boerenveen, founder 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. Minister Michael Jong Tjien Fa hands over the FSC certificate to the Suma Lumber management. Suma Lumber owns several forest concessions with a total of 60,000ha. Since 1999 the company produces timber and timber products that are responsibly harvested and processed for national and international markets. In 2004, in collaboration with WWF Guianas, Suma Lumber initiated the step towards certification for its forest operation through the development of a Master Plan that would guide the process.

Mr. Michael Jong Tjien Fa, Minister of Land-use Planning and Forestry handed the certificate over to Suma Lumber on 3rd July in the presence of Dominiek Plouvier, Regional Representative of WWF Guianas and representatives of the Government of Suriname, the forest sector and WWF Guianas technical staff. The Director of FSC Netherlands Sandra Muller addressed the meeting via video.

Forest certification for Iwokrama International Centre for Rainforest Conservation and Development The concept of forest certification in Guyana was introduced during the late 90s when the need for certification was still not widely supported. However, in the years following with the growing demand The FSC flag given by Dominiek Plouvier to Suma for certified products on the North American an European markets and the heightened awareness of Lumber. sustainable forest management, the Government of Guyana sought to revise forest management policies and guidelines to include SFM practices in forest management and also forest certification in Guyana. A national certification process was initiated which was later spearheaded by Guyana National Initiative on Forest Certification (GNIFC). Forest certification is a market based mechanism whereby products from well-managed forests are identified. If a company wants to receive this prestigious label, it will have to submit voluntarily to the rigorous standards set for this process. The Iwokrama International Centre for Rainforest Conservation and Development complied with these regulations and achieved FSC certification for its entire concession area of 371,000 hectares in April 2008 with assistance from WWF. At present, Iwokrama is moving towards GFTN (the Global Forest and Trade Network) membership to further solidify its position as a sustainably managed company and is now operating in partnership with Tigerwoods Guyana Inc. (TGI) and the community of Fairview.

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Continued WWF support for Iwokrama will be in the form of funding to promote the effective management of the Iwokrama Forest to maintain forest certification, a project scheduled to come on stream in the first quarter of 2009. Given the governing principles under which the company operates, WWF is assured that the certification of Iwokrama will achieve great success and sustainability.

Financing for intact forests as carbon reservoirs The current focus of the Kyoto Protocol is on countries with high deforestation rates to earn carbon credits for replanting forests. Even the REDD (Reduction of Emission of Deforestation and Forest Degradation) initiative aimed at replacing the landmark Kyoto Protocol on climate change after it expires in 2012, is designed to benefit countries with high rates of deforestation and forest degradation. Thus, there are currently no incentives for countries with low rates of deforestation and degradation. This can be seen as encouragement for countries with low deforestation rates like those in the Guianas to cut down their forest in order to gain access to current carbon markets. There is therefore need for a system which credits the avoidance of deforestation and recognizes the trade-offs between leaving forests intact as a carbon reserve while exploiting the forest resources for social and economic development.

At the top in Bali in December 2008, the President of Guyana, H.E. Bharat Jagdeo, stated that a proposal from his government to leave Guyana’s forests as a standing reserve in the fight against climate change, Forest Stewardship Council suggests that a market mechanism should be established to ultimately compensate for the bequest of their forest resources and that in the absence of such a framework, his request for some form of payment The FSC is an internationally recognized for the services is the best thing on the table. membership-based non-governmental organization (NGO) with a governance WWF will sign a contract prepared to assist the GOG in quantifying carbon in Guyana’s forests. To this end, structure based on participation, democracy, two consultants will be hired; one short term consultant for three short contracts of two to three weeks equity and transparency. The FSC seeks to duration. The other a long term consultant, will coordinate the project for a period of one year. The short guarantee full verification of product legality term consultant is an internationally renowned expert on carbon issues and will provide guidance to the and the assurance that these products were project coordinator. obtained from sustainably managed forests. The project is scheduled to commence in the first quarter of 2009. It is envisaged that the results will be used to put forward a strong case for countries such as Guyana to receive just compensation for keeping their forests in its current pristine state.

Negotiations between WWF Guianas and the responsible ministers in Suriname are also underway, to support the government of that country.

A forest operation at Suma Lumber.

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muSataopern ietsoFreshwaterFr Conservation and Management

Research to improve water management Nickerie in West-Suriname is well known for its large scale production of rice. The vast area that this crop covers is drained by many natural and man made waterways. Initially, irrigation water for the rice production was derived from the Nanni swamp. However, population growth, intensified harvesting, and increased polder building in new areas resulted in frequent water shortages. This led to the development of the Multi Purpose Corantijn Canal Project (MCP), which was mostly completed in the early 1980’s.

In periods of water shortages, freshwater is diverted from the Corantijn River at Wakay into the Corantijn Canal to irrigate the northern part of the MCP area. Irrigation of the MCP area depends on three resources, Sluice in the MCP canal. the Corantijn Canal, the Nanni swamp and the Nickerie River. To make full and efficient use of these resources without harming the environment, up to date information regarding these water resources is required.

Proper water management without having access to current data is impossible and can result in disaster. This occurred in the past, e.g. flooding due to dam break, salination of rice fields due to pumping of brackish water, low harvest due to water deficit, overuse of freshwater from the Nanni swamp, etc. Therefore, WWF Guianas in collaboration with the new MCP management developed a project to that defines a holistic approach for sustainable integrated water management in the MCP area. The project has two phases. In the first phase a study on the technical and financial feasibility on application of remote sensing devices will be done, to enhance the efficiency of irrigation to the rice fields. Also experiments are conducted on environmental friendly alternatives on maintenance of freshwater canals. The management recognizes the fragmentation of responsibilities amongst governmental agencies, and MCP canal in the Corantijn River supplies water for therefore strives to partner with the Ministries of Agriculture, Public works, Regional Development, the rice fields in Nickerie. Anton de Kom University, Nature Conservation Division and farmers.

During phase 2 a baseline study of the biodiversity and the hydrology in the MCP canal and in the surrounding areas will be done. High tech equipment will be purchased and placed for data collection for appropriate water management. This data should result in a water management model, a tool for MCP to work with. In order for the model to be fully operational and viable, social aspects are also included in the general framework of the proposed integrated water management model. As such environmental aware- ness programs together with training of personnel of all responsible partners are key actions.

“This collaboration on this project offers us the perfect opportunity to combine business with conservation”, said Minu Parahoe, WWF Guianas freshwater coordinator. “We place a strong emphasis on training of personnel and environmental awareness of all partners in this project.”

Advancing the monitoring of Guyana’s Freshwater Resources A two year project, funded by WWF Guianas, which commenced in November, 2007, sees the strengthening the ability of the Ministry of Agriculture’s Hydrometeorological Service (Hydromet) to manage Guyana’s freshwater system. The project so far has seen procurement of three water quality meters and most recently a completed training program for Hydrological Technicians. The latter was made possible through collaboration with the Caribbean Institute for Meterology and Hydrology (CIMH) and the University of Guyana. The course was conducted over an eight month period, and included training of present Hydromet Service and Drainage and Irrigation staff and a few independent participants. The independent participants also have the opportunity to work within the Hydromet Service upon successful completion of the course.

The CIMH’s Hydrological Technicians Course includes theoretical and practical components to ensure a Installation of the Automatic Water Level Recorder good understanding and improved practical skills in water resource monitoring and data interpretation. and Rain gauge at St.Cuthbert’s Mission, as part of The course would have normally been conducted at CIMH in Barbados, however to maximize the benefits the hydrology technicians’ field assignment. of running such a course, the program was conducted in Guyana. The University of Guyana partnered with Hyromet to conduct some of the classes, together with CIMH lecturers who spent about two months in

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Guyana to conduct part of the classes and field training. The course concluded in early December and participants will graduate in early 2009. This training contributes greatly to the monitoring, conservation and management of Guyana’s freshwater system.

Hydromet’s mandate includes monitoring and evaluating water and weather resources in Guyana. The Hydromet Service functions is to collect, process, archive and make available water resources, weather and climate data throughout the country. This is particularly significant since Guyana, known as the “Land of Many Waters” is greatly influenced by its numerous water systems and resources. Also effective monitoring of water systems can aid in better management of the anticipated impacts of climate change, as increased rainfall and flooding are predicted.

Arapaima management plan in North Rupununi, Guyana The 2007 government approved, community-based Arapaima Management Plan is being implemented by the North Rupununi District Development Board (NRDDB) and WWF Guianas, together with Fisheries Department, Ministry of Agriculture. WWF Guianas has worked with the NRDDB from August 2007 to resuscitate the Fisheries Committees, conduct arapaima population surveys and raise awareness of local people in the Rupununi about the implications of Arapaima Management Plan.

The Arapaima Management Plan (AMP) is designed around a community-based approach and harvestable Resistivity field exercises at Carifesta Avenue, quota system. This management plan allows for both the species to return to an ecologically healthy Georgetown, as part of the hydrology technicians’ population and for communities to benefit from this highly marketable species. For a harvestable quota to field assignment was courtesy of Hydro- be determined the population of the arapaima needs to be assessed to ascertain its abundance. meteorological Department.

During the months of January 20 - February 13, 2008, the fifth arapaima population count, the first following the formal approval of the plan, was conducted in managed water bodies of the North Rupununi. Fourteen fishermen, WWF Freshwater Officer and a Fisheries Officer of the Ministry of Agriculture participated in this recent arapaima count. Previous to this count the last survey was conducted in January 2004. According the AMP, population assessments should be conducted annually during the October/ November period. However, weather patterns and high water levels in ponds proved unfavourable for surveys at the stipulated time.

During this 2008 survey, out of 210 ponds named in the Arapaima Management Plan 149 were surveyed. From the 149 ponds surveyed in 2008, 2739 individuals, of body length 1m and over, were counted. 1568 were juveniles while 1171 were adults. In order to compare data of the 2004 counts, only ponds from counts of the same time period are analysed. A part of the Survey team- North Rupununi Fishermen, WWF Guianas Freshwater Officer and Based on this comparison, there is an almost a three fold increase in the density of arapaima observed in Fisheries Officer. 2008 from 2004. The distribution of the population remains mostly unchanged. A higher portion of the population is found from the region above Rewa (Monkey Inlet) down to the Essequibo River (see maps). One of the main concerns over the last seven years in assessing the arapaima population has been the ratio of juveniles to adults. Since surveys started in 2001, the juvenile population has always been below the adult, this is usually the reverse in normal, healthy populations where the ratio of juvenile: adult should be 3:1. In 2004, the juvenile: adult ratio was almost equivalent (0.95:1); however, in 2008 the ratio is now 1.3:1. This indicates that the population is beginning to shift slightly, not only in increasing numbers but also in a slow return to healthy population dynamics. The coming years of implementation of the plan will show how well management can help in maintaining this trend and restoration of health populations. Though not included in the totals, hatchlings/ young arapaima were also observed in fourteen ponds dur- ing the survey period; the sizes vary from between 8 to 12 inches.

In mapping the distribution of arapaima and overlaying the 2004 and 2008 data it would first appear that the population density has decreased. However, this can be attributed to the fact that this species migrates over long distances, hence it can be inferred that the population has dispersed into more ponds. Hence A Fisherman counting arapaima in a managed lake in reduced densities were observed in ponds that previously showed higher densities and vice verse. the North Rupununi in Guyana. While there are signs that small numbers of arapaima can be found in ponds closer to more human

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populated communities, there is also the issue of illegal harvesting. Communities have also highlighted the problems of juveniles being trapped in drying ponds and pools as water recedes from the savannah during the dry season, this maybe part reason for low juvenile numbers. The next counts are scheduled to begin in January, 2009

The NRDDB has not started harvesting and sale of arapaima, according the management plan, however efforts are being made to set systems in place to ensure the management of arapaima and building the base for a sustainable business. Two residents of the North Rupununi, one a fisherman, and trained arapaima counter, are now being trained as Fisheries Officers at the Guyana School of Agriculture. The Ministry of Agriculture is facilitating this training, with the help of WWF Guianas, as part of the management of inland fisheries, including arapaima.

Chart 1: Comparison of the densities (number per hectare) of arapaima counted in 2004 and 2008.

A managed lake in the North Rupununi where arapaima are counted.

Map 1: A comparison of the density of arapaima observed in water-bodies along the three main rivers during the counts of November 2001 to January 2008.

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Species Conservation and Management

Species Population Assessments The Guianas are blessed with extensive forests, rivers and wetlands. There are also diverse beaches and off shore habitats. Not surprisingly therefore there are many populations of wild animals and plants. As part of its efforts to support sustainable use of all natural resources, WWF assists Government agencies to monitor local wildlife populations in order to avoid levels of exploitation that may threaten biodiversity conservation. In 2008, WWF supported a number of studies and programmes in Suriname on wild species population trends. These included a regional workshop on bird population assessment methodologies, public awareness activities on the increased protection and registration of the popular song bird, Oryzoborus crassirostris, locally called the “twa twa”, and giant otter assessments in the Kaburi Creek. In Guyana, The giant river otter (Pteronura brasiliensis) is one of population surveys were undertaken on the giant anteater and black caiman. A 4-day visit was also paid the species of interest for conservation. to the Upper Rewa and Rupununi Rivers in October to assess the need for research into giant river turtle populations in the North Rupununi in 2009. The results of the surveys on such flagship species will be used to guide wildlife biologists and conservation managers in decision making with regards to effective protection and management of forest biodiversity.

CITES Workshops The management and control of wildlife in commerce, more specifically, wildlife in international trade, is an important component of the WWF Species Conservation Programme. As such, WWF provides support to the Wildlife Management agencies of the Governments of Guyana and Suriname to build capacity to facilitate effective monitoring of the movement of wildlife across their borders. Technical support focuses on improvement of wildlife conservation legislation, policies and administrative procedures. Compliance with multilateral and international agreements as they pertain to wildlife conservation is also an important objective of the WWF Species Conservation Programme. In August, 2008, and as part of the technical support, the WWF Species Conservation officer conducted a 2-day training workshop on CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Fauna and Flora) Management and Trade Control for Customs Officers, Airport Police, Forestry and Fisheries Managers. The workshop focused on CITES and its Giant Ant eater (Myrmecophaga tridactyla). relevance to the Guianas region. The newly revised and not yet completed Guyana Wildlife Management Regulations and Species Protection Act, were studied to enable officers to prepare for the new regulations. Introduction to general wildlife management principles and discussions on the roles of the various agencies in local and international trade control were also addressed. Training also occurred in the use of the WWF Wildlife Trade Control posters and identification manual. It is hoped that CITES and Wildlife Trade Control workshops will be more frequently conducted in the future. The workshop was implemented in collaboration with the Guyana Wildlife Management Division. The Customs Division kindly facilitated this process through the provision of conference facilities and communications with most of the participants.

Association for Tropical Biology and Conservation (ATBC) One of the largest scientific conferences on tropical biology was held in Suriname in June 2008. This conference attracted more than 800 scientists from around the globe. The theme for 2008 was “Past and Recent History of tropical Ecosystems: Cross-Continental Comparisons and Lessons for the Future”. Whilst WWF is not a research institution, we were pleased to be afforded the opportunity to participate in the meeting and showcase our work on rural community involvement in conservation. WWF Guianas hosted two symposia (“Evaluating the Changing Roles of Traditional Communities in Forest Management and Conservation”) each 1.5 hrs in length. Twelve (12) talks were sponsored with presenters coming from either within the WWF network (Indonesia, Colombia,Tanzania) or from partner organizations whose projects have been supported by WWF Guianas ( Guyana: Iwokrama, North Rupununi District Development Board; and Suriname: Amazon Conservation Team, Solom, a local NGO based in Nickerie; and a local community of Marshall Kreek). Naturally, several of the presentations described their community-based natural resource management work undertaken in collaboration with WWF Guianas. All presentations can be accessed via the WWF Guianas website. Manatee at the Guyana Zoo (Trichechus manatus).

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Nature Clubs In economies where the State or Government does not have capacity to monitor and manage its extensive wilderness areas and biological diversity, the role of forest-based communities as co-managers of their natural resources, can be extremely important to conservation.

Nature clubs, even when focused on children, can be an important tool to reach broader sectors of the community who themselves play significant roles in conservation.

Nature clubs facilitate information sharing, awareness raising, community training for conservation, development of avenues for discussion and consultation, project implementation and establishment of early warning indicators to monitor emerging biodiversity threats.

WWF Species Conservation Objective To build capacity in forest communities in order to create opportunity and expertise for CBNRM (Community Based Natural Resources Management) or Community Based Co-management of Natural Resources. Youngster observe a marine turtle hatchling on its way to the ocean at Galibi Nature Reserve. Primary areas of focus include: 1. Training in Wildlife Management 2. Introduction to National Wildlife and Environmental Conservation Legislation and Policies 3. Environmental threat assessment 4. Leadership skills including public speaking and awareness raising 5. Project development and implementation

Indicators of success and Performance Targets 1. Increased understanding of conservation issues: assessed via community and school consultations 2. Development and successful implementation of at least one conservation project in 30% of the communities where clubs have been working within 18 months 3. At least one project successfully completed in 50% of the communities within 24 months. 4. Participation of club members in public speaking events within 18 months.

Display of WWF Guianas’ awareness material.

Right: Children reading from the WWF produced book ‘The Green Family’.

WWF set up an Environmental Corner at National Library in Guyana that caters for children 7 to 14 years. WWF Guianas Environmental corner at the Activities involve viewing of nature documentaries, reading material and learning activities based on National Library in Guyana. material developed by WWF Guianas.

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Marine Turtle Conservation

Marine Turtle Fun Day There are at least 4 species of marine turtles nesting on the beaches of the Guianas. Of these species, the giant leatherback, Dermochelys coriacea, or the aitkanti as it is known in Suriname, and the green turtle, Chelonia mydas, or krape, are the most abundant. The turtles nest in the thousands along the Marowijne or Maroni estuary, on the Matapica beach of Suriname and on the beaches of Cayenne and the Amana Nature Reserve of French Guiana, and the Shell beaches of Guyana.

Unfortunately, due to the harvesting of the turtle for its meat, collecting of eggs off beaches, deliberate and incidental capture by fisheries, destruction of nesting and foraging habitats, all species of marine turtle are considered either vulnerable, threatened, endangered, or critically endangered by turtle specialists and conservation organizations around the world. In order to halt the decline of turtle populations worldwide, WWF and many other conservation organizations are investing significantly in raising awareness on the plight of turtles in order to promote positive attitudes towards turtle conservation.

In June 2008 a marine turtle fun day was organized in Santa Rosa, Guyana. The event was designed to attract persons from a wide range of communities in the Santa Rosa district. The event was initiated and funded by WWF but implemented in collaboration with the GMTCS (Guyana Marine Turtle Conservation Society). The primary objective of this event was to expand the information base on marine turtles in the Younger children engage in marine turtle arts and surrounding communities and thus encourage community-based conservation action. The attractions of crafts at marine turtle fun day in Guyana. the day were turtle educational indoor and outdoor games such as turtle bowling and bingo, place the tail on the jaguar and otter, showing of nature movies, turtle quiz events with the opportunity to win a wide variety of prizes, and presentation of results for the school art, poetry and essay competitions.

Marine Turtle Conservation Camps Whether they be weekend or summer events, camps or children’s workshops bring children together to learn about marine turtles and increase understanding about the threats to the species and their conservation opportunities. The WWF Regional Marine Turtle Coordinator successfully ran 2 two-day marine turtle conservation children’s camps in Guyana in 2007 and due to the success of these camps, two more camps were held in August 2008.The turtle camps were held at the Guyana Zoo and involved structured PowerPoint lectures, indoor and outdoor educational games to re-enforce the theory presented, crafts and art, group consultations and debate and field visits to the Zoo itself. It is the intention to hold similar camps in Suriname in 2009.

The French Guiana Sea Turtle Recovery Plan (2007-2012) Based on its long-term involvement and expertise with marine turtle conservation in the region, WWF was selected to coordinate the French Guiana Sea Turtle Recovery Plan, in collaboration with the ONCFS (French Children display conservation posters. National Hunting and Wildlife Agency). As defined by the French Ministry of Ecology, Energy, Sustainable Development and Territorial Planning (MEEDDAT), recovery plans aim to conserve one or several animal species considered endangered at a national or international scale. Today, approximately twenty species are covered by recovery plans throughout French territory.

In French Guiana, the Sea Turtle Recovery Plan covers three species that regularly nest on its beaches, namely: the leatherback (Dermochelys coriacea), the olive ridley (Lepidochelys olivacea) and the green turtle (Chelonia mydas).

Validated for the 2007-2012 period by the MEEDDAT, the French Guiana STRP aims at three main goals: 1. Reduce threats Threats at sea: Capture and killing of sea turtles by French Guianese fisheries (prawn trawlers, gill nets, long liners, etc.) and by illegal fishing activity. Threats on the beaches: Human-related deaths (poaching, etc.), disturbances (attacks by dogs) and Children walking in costumes of various species of degradation of terrestrial habitats. marine turtles.

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2. Strengthen demographic monitoring, based on existing data, to define new study goals for sea turtle populations. 3. Consolidate and strengthen the regional approach to achieve sustainable management of transboundary areas.

Within its steering committee and 3 associated working groups (threat management, demographic monitoring, regional approach), the STRP currently brings together almost thirty partners from local nature protection NGOs, local authorities, government agencies, public institutions, the scientific community, the private sector as well as international organizations (Guianas region and the Caribbean). Supported by the Regional environmental authority and european funds (CARET2 program), the French Guiana STRP is the first recovery plan that targets marine species, as well as the first implemented in an overseas department.

The French Guiana STRP is the result of a significant literature research and was elaborated under a participatory approach that enabled the creation of 2 distinct national documents: 1. Inventory and diagnosis: An overview of knowledge about the conservation status of sea turtles in French Guiana and the threats these species face. A hatchling of the green turtle (Chelonia mydas) on 2. Action plan: Defines goals for a 5-year period, broken down into concrete actions listed by order of its way to the ocean. importance with budget figures.

Marine Turtle Workshop, December 2008 The WWF, as part of its support to marine turtle conservation, hosts a regional meeting of biologists, law enforcers and other marine turtle stakeholders every 2 years. In 2008, when this meeting was postponed due to social unrest in French Guiana, a smaller work planning meeting was convened in Suriname between Suriname and Guyana marine turtle stakeholders. This was necessary to enable the planning of the marine turtle conservation work for the nesting season 2009, which commences in January of every year. WWF is a significant financial and technical supporter of marine turtle conservation work in Suriname and Guyana. By facilitating regional planning of their conservation work, WWF ensures that conservation action is harmonized across the region thus increasing the chances of conservation success. Participating in the December 2-3 Surinamese participants at the marine turtle meeting were representatives from the governments, fishing trawlers, ecotourism sector and the near the workshop. nesting beaches of Suriname and Guyana.

Testing of turtle friendly fishing gear in French Guiana In the Guianas, there is a year round shrimp (Penaeus subtilis and Penaeus brasiliensis) and fish industry, often being conducted by the same vessels and during the same fishing trip. Consequently, for greater efficiency, owners of trawlers have expressed interests in obtaining trawl gear that would permit fish and shrimp to be targeted together. The shrimp industry has also indicated an interest in developing a gear that will help reduce turtle by-catch.

Consequently, the CRPM (Regional Fisheries Committee), with WWF, commenced research to identify a suitable TED (turtle extruder / excluder device) that would serve the purposes described above. The results of this work led to the development of a modified TED that was tested in a 12 day period in March 2008 in French Guiana by IFREMER (Institut français de l’exploitation de la mer), NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration), WWF and the CRPM.

The evaluation data were presented to members of the shrimp industry after the test results were evaluated and were positively received. This project is the result of two years of dialogue and negotiation between the shrimp industry and WWF in order to meet the business needs of the industry and the ecological ideals of WWF. WWF is familiar with the difficulties that have driven the worldwide tropical shrimp industry into recession. The objective is to help support the efficiency of the shrimp industry in order to achieve a sustainable and profitable exploitation. Green turtle being released after incidental capture.

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Evironmental Education and Communications

WWF TV “How can we reach many people at once, and teach them about the importance of their environment?” The answer was found in a new venture: WWF TV in Suriname. It is a TV series about nature, people and the work of WWF in Suriname. The purpose of these television programs is to inform the public about the activities of WWF, and emphasize the personal responsibility that each one of us has to care for nature.

The first season (February until July 2008) started with an action packed episode on Bigi Pan and activities on World Wetlands day 2008. It centered around the importance of the Bigi Pan as a wetland of 136,000ha on the northwest coast of Suriname. It featured wildlife and the use of the area for conservation and economic activities. The images of the area, the involvement of children, and a fun presentation style, Gilberto Krieger (Krieger Productions, Director)) and caused many to tune in weekly on three TV stations in Suriname to follow the host Jerrel Pinas, Steven Leeflang (AVIP, camera) during filming of WWF Guianas communications officer, on a new adventure. illegal gold mining at Brownsberg Nature Park. Each episode was made in collaboration with the WWF Guianas technical officers, external experts and scientists that supplied technical and social information about specific topics or projects. In many instances local people or community leaders, involved in WWF projects, were asked to participate on film, and as such provided additional insights into the subject at hand.

The effect of the first episodes was that 4 schools requested WWF to support them on educational field trips based on the areas displayed in the series. WWF was given wide exposure and many students from high schools to University now call upon WWF to provide information on subjects like biology, geography, science, etc. WWF now has the support of renowned scientists in Suriname to improve on the quality of its TV productions in preparation for a second season in 2009. Preparations are being made to duplicate the TV series for Guyana.

“This is a childhood dream that I may now make movies. The best part is that I can inform people about the beauty of this unique country”, said Jerrel Pinas. “I hope that many more will learn about their responsibility towards our nature and help conserve it.”

De Groene Familie In Suriname there are very few publications on bio- diversity and nature conservation for children of elementary schools. This gap offered WWF Guianas an opportunity to share information with them in a fun cartoon, De Groene familie (the Green family). In this first book of the series, the Green family travels in Suriname and explores nature. The use of forests for timber production, housing, food, and a place for animals is covered in the first book, the Green family goes to Boven Suriname.

The design of the book is unique for Suriname. It features 20 action packed The cover and an inner page of the pages of cartoons on real pictures in full color. Each page covers a part of Groene Familie. the general subject. The family is an average Surinamese family with a father, mother and the two children Jason and Cindy. The next stories will be on their travels to the Bigi Pan, a coastal protected area under threat of illegal poaching of the scarlet ibis. The two other planned stories will take them to Galibi one of the most important nesting beaches for the Atlantic leatherback turtles, and illegal small scale mining activities in the Brownsberg Nature Park.

The books are distributed to elementary schools in Suriname as they are intended for young readers between 8 and 12.

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WWF Animal Quartet There are many wild animals in Suriname, but they are not easily seen in daily life. In schools children are taught about a selection of these animals, with little or no visual aids. Therefore WWF Guianas developed a game the animal quartet as a fun learning tool. This game visualizes a large selection of various species of mammals, reptiles, amphibian, fish and bird. The objective of the game is to collect four animals (quartet) of one category and whoever has the most quartets wins the game. Each animal card has a short description about the animal, its habitat, feeding grounds or social behavior.

The objective of WWF Guianas is to increase the knowledge of the children about these animals by playing the game. These games, together with the de Groene familie and a set of WWF TV DVDs, are given to libraries of elementary schools so that all children of a school can enjoy and learn from these creative tools.

World Wetlands Day 2008 On 2nd February 2008, WWF Guianas supported activities to celebrate World Wetlands Day in Nickerie in northwest Suriname. As in 2007, SOLOM (foundation for development of Longmay and surroundings) organized educational and fun activities from children of selected elementary schools in Longmay. This time they were able to spend time on the Bigi Pan Multiple Use Management Area, one of the most significant wetlands in Suriname.

Almost 30 children were selected for this half day field trip on 1st of February. Their teachers together with the boatmen geared them up for the one-hour boat ride on the Nickerie River and the Bigi Pan. Along the way they were able to see numerous birds, a caiman, and many fish. For a while the children swam in the swallow, warm and brown water, taking a break from their daily routine at school. Back at the field station of the Nature Conservation Division, the teachers and game wardens spoke to them about the importance of the Bigi Pan and how they can be a part of its conservation.

Expositions and displays in Guyana Children reciting poems and songs they made WWF received a delightful crowd during its first appearance at the Berbice Expo in July. It was the first time themselves specifically for Bigi Pan, to celebrate that many people heard of WWF and were interested in learning about all aspects of our work. Due to the WWD 2008. demand and interest a second booth was sought the second day. Over a thousand people visited the two booths during the event. One booth specialized in marine turtles, while the other booth focused on the other programme components such as those relating to freshwater, forests, and gold mining issues. On display were a variety of posters and other publications along with videos of nature documen- taries and Green Gold Mining. Many people of all ages participated in interactive games from which they learnt more about the environment and won attractive prizes. WWF’s participation in the Expo was greatly rewarded by reaching a wide cross section of Berbicians, many of whom expressed their keen interest in learning more of WWF and its work in Guyana.

The Celebrity Factor Reaching a certain target group within the wider public can be challenging, however, with the help of a young sportsman this issue is being addressed. Christopher Barnwell is the youngest member of the National Cricket Team, a valuable player on the Demerara Cricket Team and an important role model for many young Guyanese. He has agreed to assist WWF in promoting various The eco maze, an educational tool to promote conservation messages. As such WWF along with Mr. conservation, developed by WWF in Guyana. Barnwell has produced informative public service announcements on television for Earth Day, Environment Day and Ozone Day.

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Financial overview of the WWF Guianas Sustainable Natural Resources Management Project 2007 - 2011

Total budget Guianas Sustainable Natural Resources Management Project 2007-2011

WWF-NL 22% WWF-France 5% FFEM FFEM 19% Dutch Embassy 54% Dutch Embassy

WWF-NL

WWF-France

Total budget per country

Guyana 40%

Suriname 50% Suriname

La Guyane 10% Guyana

La Guyane

Total budget per component Protected Areas

Protected Areas 16% Gold mining Operation 12% Forestry Edu & Comm 10% Gold mining 19% Freshwater Species 11% Species

Freshwater 17% Forestry 15% Edu & Comm

Operation

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OUR MISSION WWF Guinas Guyana French Guiana Regional Office - Suriname 285 Irving Street, Lotissement Katoury No. 5, To conserve the distinct natural Henck Arronstr 63, Suite E, Queenstown, Georgetown, Route Montabo 97300 communities and sustain the important Paramaribo, Suriname Guyana Cayenne, French Guiana ecological processes and services in Tel (597) 422 357 Tél/Fax: (594) 594 31 38 28 the Guianas in order to protect the Fax (597) 422 349 Tel.: (592) 223-7802 P.O.Box:WWF BP 617 region's biological diversity and E-mail: [email protected] Fax: (592) 223-7801 97334 Cayenne Cedex maintain the socio-economic benefits. Website: www.wwfguianas.org E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected]

These Highlights are produced by WWF Guianas All pictures copyright by WWF Design: I.D. Graphic Design, Suriname Print: Leo Victor N.V.

The Guianas Sustainable Natural Resources Management Project is co-funded by the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Suriname, FFEM (French Global Environmental Fund) and WWF Netherlands.