The Central Suriname Nature Reserve comprises more than 1.6 million hectares of primary tropical forest in the upper Coppename River watershed of west-central Suriname. With the creation of the Central Suriname Nature Reserve, Suriname's protected areas system covers 12 percent of the total land surface of the country. The Central Suriname Nature Reserve, established by Government Decree SB 1998 no. 65, comprises more than 1.6 million hectares of primary tropical forest in the upper Coppename River watershed of West-Central Suriname. The Reserve forms a corridor linking three important former protected areas in Central Suriname: the Raleighvallen Nature Reserve in the north, and the Tafelberg and Eilerts de Haangebergte Nature Reserves in the central and southern portion of the corridor. The Nature Reserve also effectively protects the watershed of one of Suriname's most important river systems, the Coppename River. The three nature reserves that merged into the Central Suriname Nature Reserve were part of Suriname's outstanding nature conservation system. Eight nature reserves, one nature park, and one multiple-use management area currently exist, ranging in size from 100 to 220,000 hectares, and including both tropical forest ecosystems in the interior as well as a number of important coastal formations. With the creation of the Central Suriname Nature Reserve, Suriname's protected areas system will cover 12 percent of the total land surface of the country. The northern part of the Central Suriname Nature Reserve, formerly known as the Raleighvallen Nature Reserve, established in 1961, is one of the most important protected areas in South America. The former reserve covered approximately 78,000 hectares and is located about an hour's flight from Paramaribo. Vegetation in Raleighvallen consists mostly of moist highland forest, the same forest that covers approximately 80 percent of Suriname. The large variety of tree species reach more than 4-5 stories into the air, with the uppermost canopy about 30 meters, and sometimes as much as 40-50 meters, high. The under-growth is mostly palms, and the forest floor is sparsely populated with fern and fern mosses.
The Central Suriname Nature Reserve comprises 1.6 million ha of primary tropical forest of west-central Suriname. It protects the upper watershed of the Coppename River and the headwaters of the Lucie, Oost, Zuid, Saramaccz, and Gran Rio rivers and covers a range of topography and ecosystems of notable conservation value due to its pristine state. Its montane and lowland forests contain a high diversity of plant life with more than 5,000 vascular plant species collected to date. The Reserve's animals are typical of the region and include the jaguar, giant armadillo, giant river otter, tapir, sloths, eight species of primates and 400 bird species such as harpy eagle, Guiana cock-of-the-rock, and scarlet macaw. Criteria (ix) and (x): The site encompasses significant vertical relief, topography and soil conditions that have resulted in a variety of ecosystems. This ecosystem variation allows organisms within these ecosystems to move in response to disturbance, adapt to change and maintain gene flow between populations. The site’s size, undisturbed state (in general a rare condition in Amazonian forest parks) and protection of the entire Coppename watershed, will allow long-term functioning of the ecosystem. The site contains a high diversity of plant and animal species, many of which are endemic to the Guyana Shield and are globally threatened. Brief Description The Central Suriname Nature Reserve comprises 1.6 million ha of primary tropical forest of west-central Suriname. It protects the upper watershed of the Coppename River and the headwaters of the Lucie, Oost, Zuid, Saramaccz, and Gran Rio rivers and covers a range of topography and ecosystems of notable conservation value due to its pristine state. Its montane and lowland forests contain a high diversity of plant life with more than 5,000 vascular plant species collected to date. The Reserve's animals are typical of the region and include the jaguar, giant armadillo, giant river otter, tapir, sloths, eight species of primates and 400 bird species such as harpy eagle, Guiana cock-of-the-rock, and scarlet macaw.
The remote Central Suriname Nature Reserve in the tropical heart of Suriname is home to one of the most pristine rainforests in the world. This massive rainforest reserve is a paradise for those looking for an undisturbed nature and a wealth of flora and fauna, offering excellent opportunities for birdwatching and wildlife viewing. Central Suriname Nature Reserve became a World Heritage Site in 2000, and the remote region is now being developed into a premier ecotourism destination. Located in the Sipaliwini district of central Suriname, 200 km southwest of the capital Paramaribo, Central Suriname Nature Reserve (or CSNR) was established in 1998. The vast reserve contains three former smaller protected areas of Raleighvallen, Eilerts de Haan Gebergte and Tafelberg, now totalling over 1.6 million hectares of tropical jungle in the Guyana Highlands and along Coppername River. Tourism infrastructure such as lodges and airstrips are now being built in the remote area to promote ecotourism in Suriname. Although settled by the Carib Indians in Pre-Columbian times, Central Suriname Nature Reserve has today no permanent inhabitants. Tareno and Saamake Indians and Kwinti Maroon people act as guides and porters in the reserve. There is great potential for nature tourism in Suriname, and Central Suriname Nature Reserve is one of the most impressive rainforest wilderness areas in South America. The main attraction of the reserve is wildlife. The remote region hosts a great biodiversity that attracts also scientists from all over the world to CSNR. Wildlife viewing and birdwatching in Central Suriname Nature Reserve are very rewarding, as the vast reserve hosts over 400 bird species and over 160 mammals, including 8 species of monkeys, jaguars, sloths, tapirs and giant armadillos. The immense pristine rainforests of both montane and lowland types with 30 meters high trees and a great diversity of over 5,000 plant species are equally stunning. Other attractions in the area include many waterfalls, scenic table mountains, and native Amerindian and Bushnegro cultures of the nearby communities. Small plane and riverboat tours in Central Suriname Nature Reserve are available to the Raleighvallen area in the north of the reserve along the Coppername River, Kayser area in the south, and Tafelberg area with flat-topped table mountains. One of these, Voltzberg Dome in Raleighvallen area can be easily climbed by visitors. The nearby Raleigh Falls are also a popular sight for visitors. Trekking in Central Suriname Nature Reserve is great in the Raleighvallen area. The remote Wilhelmina Mountain range in the south of CSNR hosts the highest peak in Suriname, Juliana Top. In addition to rainforests, also savanna areas can be found in CSNR. Many parts of the vast reserve are still unexplored.
