Exploring current and potential revenue streams for forest managers in the tropics

06 oktober 2025

Stichting Probos implements the project “Exploring current and potential revenue streams for forest managers in the tropics” on behalf of FSC Netherlands. The project examines the current and potential income sources of forest managers in tropical countries, focusing on timber, Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs) and Payments for Ecosystem Services (PES). The study includes a global literature review and a country analysis of Suriname, resulting in two reports and an infographic that present the key findings and recommendations for FSC Netherlands.

The global analysis shows that timber remains the main source of income for tropical forest managers overall. NTFPs such as nuts, resins, oils and medicinal plants play an important role in local livelihoods, yet their formal economic contribution remains limited due to informal trade and weak market access. PES, particularly carbon payments, offers promising but still emerging opportunities constrained by immature markets and regulatory challenges. Diversifying income through NTFPs and PES strengthens the financial resilience of forest managers and supports the broader transition toward sustainable forest management, provided that enabling policies and functioning markets are in place.

The country analysis of Suriname, a country for more than 90% covered with forest, shows that the national forestry sector remains highly dependent on timber revenues. Most timber is exported as roundwood to Asian markets, while local processing and value addition are limited. NTFPs such as podosiri (açaí), medicinal plants and wildlife are important for forest communities but remain largely informal. PES schemes are not yet implemented at the forest manager level, although national REDD+ revenues indicate potential for future benefit-sharing mechanisms.

The study recommends that FSC Netherlands continues to promote Lesser Known Timber Species (LKTS) to broaden market opportunities for SFM, raise awareness of the FSC Ecosystem Services Procedure, and facilitate the establishment of group certification in Suriname. These actions can strengthen the economic viability of sustainable forest management and contribute to the long-term conservation of tropical forests.