Suriname can be divided into four major ecological zones, namely from north to south;

• The young coastal plain
• The old coastal plain
• The Savannah or Zanderij belt
• The interior residual uplands.

Habitats and species

The coast of Suriname is wild and consists of mud banks, sand beaches, mangrove forests and lagoons. The Guiana current flows along the coast of Suriname. The North Brazil Current, a warm water ocean current, is renamed as the Guiana current. The confusion surrounding its name is due partly to the seasonal change in flow of nearby currents. The mangrove forests have only one story with a height of 20–25 meters. They are almost completely homogenous and dominated by black mangrove (Avicenna germinans). The mangrove forests are important as staging and wintering areas for birds, such as the scarlet ibis (Eudocimus ruber). However, poaching is a major problem in the coastal area. According to Ottema, a 2006 study reveals that tens of thousands of protected shorebirds and waders are poached annually. The Nature Conservation Division of the Forestry ministry attempts to prevent poaching by employing more forest guards as well as through environmental education. Furthermore, Ottema opined that the Large-billed seed finch or Twatwa is almost extirpated.

Inland from the mangroves lie salt water and brackish lagoons, surrounded by grass and fern vegetation with low plant species diversity. The orange-winged amazon (parrot), creates it nest in the lagoons. Further inland, species rich freshwater and shrub swamps can be found. On the coastal plan, parallel to the shoreline, lie old sand and shell ridges. The savannabelt, a mosaic of diverse landscapes and ecosystems, is located south of the coastal plan. Different plants and animals, such as the love-vine (lenkiwisi) ( Cassytha filiformis), sundews (Drosera sp.), sabana-fungu (Licaniai acana), tortoises (Chelonodis sp.), snakes, iguanas , deer and the long-nosed or naked- tailed armadillo (Dasypus sp.) grow and live in the savannabelt of Suriname.

Protected areas

Suriname has 11 Nature Reserves, 1 Nature park and 4 Multi Use Management Areas (MUMA”S). A protected area is an area set aside for the preservation and protection of highly important natural and cultural features, for the regulation of the scientific, educational and recreational use. On March 5, 2015,the leaders of the indigenous peoples in Suriname presented a declaration for the protection of a 7.2 million preserve, to members of parliament. Conservation International-Suriname and the World Wide Fund For Nature worked to support the vision of the Trio and Wayana communities to map the preserve and lay out strategies to fund and ensure the success of the initiative. The plan includes the provision of jobs for tribe members as rangers and guards. The indigenous leaders also intent to establish the value maintaining the unspoiled rivers. (See: SCF Map Protected Areas)