Order on Policy Principles of Land Governance.

This Order defines the public domain and rights regarding the public domain. It sets out the principles of alienation of land of the domain. All land on which no right of ownership is proven by others shall be part of the domain of the State. Rules regarding the legal situation of non-managed and apparently abandoned land are laid down by separate Order. Every Surinamese, who is also domiciled in Suriname, has the right, subject to the law, to obtain a piece of domain land under a commercial title. In principle, rights to domain land belong to those who cultivate, inhabit and work the land. By alienation of land, rights of tribal Maroons and Indians shall be observed but the "general public interest" may override this principle. The Order provides for specific support for small farmers. Land shall be given in principle only on lease, but certain personal rights can be granted and land can be alienated in accordance with section 625 of the Civil Code. The acquirer of domain land in lease is obliged to use the land in accordance with the purpose for which it was issued. Transfer of land in lease can only be done with an authorization.