BIGI PAN (MUTIPLE USE MANAGEMENT AREA)

BIGI PAN (MUTIPLE USE MANAGEMENT AREA) E X C H A N G E O F N A T I O N A L E X P E R I E N C E S I N T H E S P H E R E O F D E V E L O P M E N T O F E N V I R O N M E N T A L L Y S U S T A I N A B L E C O M M U N I T Y - B A S E D T O U R I S M I N P R O T E C T E D N A T U R A L A R E A S ( A N P S ) A M O N G T H E M E M B E R C O U N T R I E S O F A C T O 1) The Territorial Management, which runs the experience of development of community-based tourism in Bigi Pan. Bigi Pan, established in 1987, encompasses an area of 67,900 hectare (ha) and is located in Districts of Nickerie and Coronie. Bigi Pan is maintained by the Multiple Use Management Areas (MUMAs), part of the federal government and managed by the head of the State Forest Department and the Nature Conservation Division (NCD). As a MUMA Bigi Pan helps with wildlife protection pertaining to fishing and recreation. Bigi Pan offers nurseries for many species of fish, it filters water, and protects the mainland from rising seawater levels and storms. With its high biodiversity this site makes it particularly worthwhile for recreation and tourism. All natural resources are the property of the Government and people of Suriname, according to the Constitution of Suriname. The responsibility for environmental policies, including biodiversity, is entrusted to the Ministry of Labor, Technology Development and Environment ((ATM), by its abbreviation in Dutch). The management of the forested areas falls under the Ministry of Physical Planning, Land and Forestry Management (RGB). MUMAs such as Bigi Pan provide some livelihood and/or economic activities are be allowed. 2) How to sign up the experience in the Plan of Management of Protected Natural Areas? Suriname has three types of protected areas: Nature Parks, Nature Reserves, and Multiple Use Management Areas (MUMAs) such as Bigi Pan. Since 1966 eleven Nature Reserves have been established. Nature Reserves are places with substantial biodiversity and/or geological attributes. They are managed as high value natural areas with some restricted use. For instance, the Nature Conservation Law (1954) forbids persons to either deliberately, or through negligence, damage the soil conditions, the natural beauty, the flora and fauna, or to perform any action which destroys the value of the reserve. Hunting, fishing, camping and several other recreational uses are to be conducted only with written permission from the Forest Service. Nature Parks are relatively low-level conservation areas. Suriname has only one Nature Park (Brownsberg). 3) With what resources? Personal, financial, and other resources. Bigi Pan is maintained by the Multiple Use Management Areas (MUMAs), part of the federal government and is managed by the head of the State Forest Department and the Nature Conservation Division (NCD/LBB). MUMAs are designated to maintain biological productivity, ensure the health of globally significant wildlife, and protect resources for sustainable livelihoods. Although MUMA s are intended to be multiple-use areas, the conservation of biodiversity and maintenance of ecosystem services is the ultimate management objective. MUMAs may be commercially utilized within sustainable limits with permits required for both research and resource extraction. Suriname Institute of Management Studies (SIMS) 1

Some revenues generated from the Nature Reserves, Nature Park and MUMAs are usually invested into improving the same entities. International organization such as the Global Environment Facility (GEF) have provided grants for projects, including three projects in biodiversity. The Suriname Coastal Protected Area Management will promote the conservation of biodiversity through improved management of protected areas along the western coast of Suriname. One project aims to operationalize protected area management in two globally important and representative sites, namely the Central Suriname Nature Reserve (CSNR), the single largest tropical forest reserve in the Guyana Shield, and the Sipaliwini Nature Reserve (SNR) in South Suriname. There are some local and international non-governmental organizations (NGOs) that are active in Suriname, mainly in the areas of environmental management and/or conservation and human rights. These are Green Heritage Fund Suriname (GHFS), Suriname Environmental Advisory Services (SEAS), World Wildlife Fund (WWF) Guianas and Conservation International Suriname (CI). 4) What are the levels of sustainability of the experience? The Constitution of the Republic of Suriname provides the legal basis for a sustainable environmental policy in Article 6g: The common objective of the State is to focus on the establishment of and encourage conditions required for the preservation of nature and to safeguard the ecological balance. Adherence to these principles is seen through involvement in the key environmental policies. Travelers to Suriname not only learn about the destination, they learn how to help sustain its character while deepening their own travel experiences. Local residents learn that the ordinary and familiar may be of interest and value to outsiders. Sustainable Tourism is a form of tourism that calls travelers to a higher standard in all belongings. In order to minimize the negative impacts of the growth in tourism industry, sustainability should translate from words to facts, and be an imperative for all tourism stakeholders. According to the UNWTO (2004) Sustainable tourism development requires the informed participation of all relevant stakeholders. It requires constant monitoring of impacts, a meaningful experience to the tourists, raising awareness about sustainability issues and promoting sustainable tourism practices amongst them. The principles of sustainability can also be applied to all sectors of the tourist industry in Suriname and particularly with Bigi Pan. These sectors include lodging, tours, agencies, ground operators, guiding, and transport. The Ecological Zones of Suriname are its Natural resources, biodiversity and human resources. Suriname is home to many species of flora and vertebrate. There are over 5,800 species of flora of which 200 endemic species and 790 fish, 668 birds, 185 mammals, 152 reptiles and 95 amphibians. 5) What degree of support and participation of the community of the management of the tourism activities? Identification of the community. Bigi Pan is owned by the Government of Suriname and managed by the head of the State Forest Department and the Nature Conservation Division (NCD/LBB). These communities Suriname Institute of Management Studies (SIMS) 2

are aware of the impacts of protected areas and other initiatives undertaken in the name of environmental protection. Bigi Pan serves as a wildlife protection area for fishing and recreation. It also provides a nursery for sea fish, filters water, and protects the mainland from rising seawater levels and storms. High biodiversity at this site makes it especially rewarding for recreation and tourism. Bigi Pan is situated in northwest Suriname between the Atlantic Ocean and the Nickerie River. Mudflats and extensive black mangrove forests several kilometers wide are found along its coast. Red and white mangrove forests flourish along the banks of the river and creek. Behind these are saltwater ponds, brackish ponds, and lagoons with sea grass and water lilies. There are shallow saltwater swamps with halophytic herb vegetation, and brackish to freshwater grass swamps and woods. Local fishermen enjoy the Lareco and Wayambo areas for swamp fishing. Local tour operator named Aracari Tours developed exciting airboat rides in the tall grass swamps and lagoons north of the Wayambo Road, and east of the Tambaredjo oil field, an area that has been advertised as the Suriname Everglades. It should be noted that fishing and hunting within the nature reserves are not allowed. 6) Who are the internal and external key stakeholders in the development of the tourism activity in Bigi Pan? Governance of tourism in Suriname is the responsibility of the Ministry of Transport, Communication and Tourism (TCT). The Tourism Department is responsible for planning and monitoring of tourism in the area. The National Legislation of Suriname encompasses the Constitution (1987), the Agrarian Law (1937), the Nature Preservation Law (1954), the Game Resolution (1954), the Law on Sea Fisheries (1980), the Law on Allocation of State- Owned Land (1982) and the Forest Law (1992). The Suriname Tourism Foundation (STF) was established in 1996 by the Ministry of Transport, Communication and Tourism and the Chamber of Commerce and currently has 31 employees. The foundation is a semi-governmental organization and overseen by TCT. The current annual budget is SRD 3 million (US$ 1 million). The Tourism Union of the Republic of Suriname (TOURS) was established in 2001 and is the representative organization for the hospitality and tourism industry in Suriname. Members include hotels, guesthouses, restaurants, bars tour operators and other tourism related companies. Suriname Hospitality and Tourism Training Centre (SHTTC) was established in 2006 and provides vocational training and courses for the tourism sector. The Suriname government and the European government fund the center. Suriname is a member of the Combined Amazon Tourism Product (CATP), cooperation between Suriname, French Guyana, and the Brazilian states Para, Amapa and Amazonas. The Amazon Caribbean Tourism Trail (ACTT) is cooperation between Suriname, Guyana and the Brazilian State of Roraima. Suriname is also a member of the Amazon Cooperation Treaty Organization (ACTO). According to the Suriname Tourism Foundation, a semi-autonomous governmental organization the number of tourists arriving in Suriname in 2003 was approximately 91,000 and increased to 240, 000 in 2012. Most tourists arriving in Suriname are from the Netherlands and France, via French Guiana. Large numbers of tourists from French Guiana visit Suriname for shopping. Many expatriates from Holland are part of this number but there Suriname Institute of Management Studies (SIMS) 3

are an increasing number of Dutch tourists with no family ties to Suriname. As well, many Dutch of European and Surinamese background have been investing in the tourism sector. The public and private sector partnership (PPP) approach to the development of tourism in Suriname has been successful. The tourism industry in Suriname has made a significant contribution to the national economy. STF strives to be the leading tourism authority in Suriname, on the development and promotion of the tourism sector. Suriname was included by 2010 issue of Lonely Planet s Top Ten Best Travel Destinations. Suriname s natural geographical riches range from Africa-like savannahs to beaches raided by endangered sea turtles, to some of the world s largest protected stands of tropical rainforest and is fast becoming a prime ecotourism and sport-fishing destination place. 7) How the benefits of all business transactions that are raised from the tourism activity are shared? Movement of Ecotourism in Suriname (METS) currently is putting together a report on tourism and its impact on the GDP of Suriname. This, METS hopes, will push the government to support the industry more. METS is convinced that tourism has been a significant factor in boosting the economy of Suriname. The Integrated Tourism Development Program (ITDP) has shown that the tourism industry has the potential to further grow as can be seen from the 60% growth from 2003 to 2012. However, Suriname has no tourism master plan. The Development Plan (2012-16) includes a chapter on tourism development. Its goal is to increase the economic contribution of tourism to the economy. The focus will be on developing special interest tourism especially nature-based tourism as is offered by Bigi Pan. In addition to the development of a Tourism Law focus can also be on opening a tourism training center and developing tourism zones. Community-based tourism but does address the need to develop special interest tourism. Taking this development into consideration it is important to try to link up the tour operators going to Bigi Pan, to the existing network of guides for gaining skills. Currently there are about 4,000 jobs created in the sector. There is need for regulations in this sector looking at the different guides economic actively involved in this industry, without having followed an adequate training. There are other institutions that offer tourism programs in Suriname. The tourism industry is made up of a large number of small to medium sized enterprises (SMEs). It is important for local governments to have a clear understanding of who is already active in tourism in the region. Sustainable destinations are those where all stakeholders, including local governments, tourism operators and suppliers, work in partnership toward common goals. While local governments are a key partner, they need to work closely with a range of inter-related organizations such as tourism operators and suppliers, Local Government, Local Tourism Organizations, Regional Tourism Organizations, State / Territory Tourism Industry Councils, State Tourism Organizations and National Tourism Organizations. 8) The traditions, local and ancestral customs and practices of the community are respected? How? Suriname has a very diverse ethnic heritage, consisting of native indigenous people, Maroons, mixed Afro Surinamese, descendants of immigrants from India, China, Indonesia, Suriname Institute of Management Studies (SIMS) 4

Europe and all possible mixes of these groups, and an increasing number of immigrants from China and Brazil. Suriname is emerging as a prime ecotourism and sport-fishing destination. Suriname is a multiethnic, multicultural, multilingual, and multi-religious country. The local community of Bigi Pan is interested in the co-management of protected areas. Environmental protection of the protected area management must be an integrated approach that includes environment, development, and recognition of and respect for the rights of the indigenous peoples, including their ownership rights over our traditional lands, territories, and resources, and their knowledge systems. It can be stated that the indigenous peoples, are willing to cooperate on basis of mutual respect and equality. The Government of Suriname through the semi-governmental agency strengthens the capacity of the tourism sector to apply and expand the sustainable development of tourism infrastructure and services that support sustainable land use and nature conservation. Further to develop and implement guidelines and codes of conduct for ecotourism operators and in promoting ecologically sustainable tourism in the region, including developing regional codes of conduct for tour operators, and convening appropriate training courses. The Vision Statement of Suriname s Biodiversity Strategy speaks to valuing and protecting the rich biological diversity, including all natural and cultural resources through equitable and sustainable use for present and future generations. A national commitment to Suriname s biological wealth integrating all sectors of society will allow people to experience the full benefits of sustainable management and wise use while maintaining and enhancing the diversity of the country s cultural and natural heritage. Traditional territory is managed by communities in a holistic manner, and spirituality and sustainability considerations play major roles in management rules and traditions. 9) Development of an inventory of tourism products. Tourist products are the means to satisfy primary and secondary needs. Primary tourist needs are those that urge a person to make a tourist trip in order to satisfy them. While, secondary or derived tourist needs are those arising from the decision to make a tourist trip. Primary tourist supply, include natural attractions and historic sites in Bigi Pan. Components created especially for satisfying tourist needs are classified as secondary tourist supply and these are hotels and theme parks. Tourism products in Suriname include, accommodation, transport, attractions and other facilities. Sub-categories are tour operators and travel agencies, NGOs and non-for-profitorganizations, private business, local communities, indigenous, communities, museums, galleries, cultural heritage sites. Nature attractions such as Bigi Pan provides activities and amenities and both are easily accessible. The tourism industry of Suriname realizes that tourists want to see things, to experience things, to buy things, to learn about exotic places, to be conscious about preserving the nature, to enjoy Life and to contribute to the others' Life enjoyment (sustainable tourism). The Nickerie / Bigi Pan Tour starts in Paramaribo where you will depart for a 3-hour trip by bus to Nickerie. On the way tourists will enjoy interesting sights such as the bridge over the Coppename River and the State Oil Company, Staatsolie. Tourists may stay at various accommodations in Nickerie. A trip by boat to the nature reserve Bigi Pan well known for its Suriname Institute of Management Studies (SIMS) 5

abundance of birds and fish. Bigi Pan is a special place of interest for everyone and is an ideal spot for birdwatchers. 10) The identified experience has allowed the creation of a community vision of the future of tourism in the community? Suriname s virgin rainforest of exotic fauna and flora, its multi-ethnic capital, Paramaribo, a UNESCO World Heritage site of grand colonial architecture, and blessed with peace and little crime, all are attracting tourists to Suriname. With continuous political and economic stability and a more serious approach to tourism that addresses the concerns of the private sector by the government, Suriname can very much become a tourist destination for many people around the globe. Co-management should be part of the national development principle. New legislation on land use and co-management are needed to expand the categories of protected areas and buffer zones in Suriname. Thereby, ensuring that the use of renewable natural resources and the conservation of the biological diversity are managed in a sustainable way, with equitable sharing of costs and benefits. Suriname Institute of Management Studies (SIMS) 6