Nature Conservation Act 1954.

This Act provides for nature conservation in Suriname. For the purpose of the protection of natural resources present in Suriname, the President, after having consulted with the State Council, may declare parts of the State domain as nature reserve under section 1. In order to be declared as a nature reserve the area shall be such that it requires protection from public authorities for reasons of natural beauty or because there is a presence of fauna, flora or geological objects of particular scientific or cultural importance (sect. 2). In general the management of the nature reserves is entrusted to the Chief National Forestry Management who shall be counselled by the Nature Conservation Commission (sect. 3). The Chief may, on advice of the Commission, close completely or in part a nature reserve under section 4. Section 4 also prohibits fishing and hunting without a permission of the Chief and various other activities. Section 6 and 7 provide for certain exemptions from the prohibition to undertake activities. A special permission for scientific or educational purpose may be granted by the Chief under section 6, whereas section 7 grants powers to the Chief to approve certain commercial activities in parts of reserves that are not closed under section 4, in particular fisheries, grazing and keeping of livestock. Penal provisions are included. (14 sections)