In many Caribbean countries, non-wood forest products (NWFP) play a significant role in livelihoods by providing key subsistence products and income. In Suriname, the most important NWFP are birds (macawas and parrots), other living animals, apes, and plants used as medicines and utensils.
Despite its socio-economic importance, the availability of statistical data on the social, economic and ecological aspects of NWFP is very limited. Therefore a study entitled Data collection and analysis related to NWFP - a pilot study in Suriname was carried out within the context of the European Commission - FAO Partnership Programme Data collection and analysis for sustainable forest management in ACP countries - linking national and international efforts. The main objective of the study was to review available information on NWFP in Suriname and to propose a methodology to improve the quality and quantity of statistical data on NWFP in the country.
In Suriname, NWFP are referred to as `forest by-products', defined as "all products of plant origin, which can be collected without bringing any damage to the tree, plant or forest". In order to provide a framework for other important forest products such as animals and animal products, small woods and forest services (i.e. water), a new definition is proposed using the term non-timber forest products.
Statistical data on NWFP are scarce and mainly available for exported NWFP. Selected NWFP are included in the international Harmonized Commodity Description and Coding System (HS) as well as in the national Automated System for Customs Data (ASYCUDA). Information is based on the analysis of licenses and permits which are issued by various governmental organizations. The available data mainly show the economic value of exported products and are insufficient for appropriate monitoring and evaluation of the management of natural resources.
The study suggests a new institutional infrastructure (under the leadership of the Foundation for Forest Management and Production Control) and a refinement of data to be collected. The proposed methodology for improved statistical data collection analysis consists of 11 steps: i) agree upon the institutional infrastructure; ii) assign and agree upon points of data collection; iii) identify data needed; vi) design a new NWFP database; v) establish links to relevant existing databases (i.e. ASYCUDA and LOGPRO); vi) develop data collection forms; vii) develop an identification guide; viii) convert data used for the NWFP database; ix) establish a working group; x) train concerned stakeholders; xi) develop Forest Management and Monitoring Plan.
The study recommends implementing the proposed methodology in four phases. Phase 1 would consist of an intensive discussion process in which issues such as the definition and classification of major NWFP are addressed. Phase 2 would focus on the establishment of an inter-institutional working group to coordinate the process and on the identification of important NWFP. During phase 3 the proposed database would be developed. Finally, during phase 4, an automated database would be in place, which would facilitate the analysis of key information on NWFP.