In general, Suriname's environment and wildlife are protected from the destructive influences that threaten the majority of the world's nations. However, deforestation is becoming a concern, as foreign interests obtain timber concessions from the government. Suriname's eight nature reserves are managed by the Foundation for Nature Preservation, founded in 1969. The Suriname Wildlife Rangers Club, consisting mainly of students 15–20 years old, assists in various nature preservation activities. National responsibility for environmental matters is vested in the Ministry of Health and Environment and the Ministry of Natural Resources and Energy. The nation has 200 cubic kilometers of renewable water resources with 89% used for farming activities and 5% for industrial purposes. About 93% of Suriname's city dwellers and 50% of all rural dwellers have pure drinking water. Pollutants from the country's mining industry affect the purity of the water. Salinization of the water supply is becoming a problem for the coastal areas.
Due to the preservation of Suriname's tropical rain forest, the nation's wildlife flourishes. As of 2001, 10 of the country's 180 mammal species and 2 of its 603 bird species are endangered. Thirty-three types of plants are also endangered. Endangered species in Suriname include the tundra peregrine falcon, five species of turtle (South American river, green sea, hawksbill, olive ridley, and leatherback), the Caribbean manatee, and the spectacled caiman.