The collective rights to land of tribal and indigenous people in Suriname are recognized by presidential decree.

From April 2000 onwards, a presidential decree recognizes the collective rights of indigenous and tribal peoples of Suriname on their respective residential areas as these have been and continue to be known for centuries. Such areas were indicated on maps with geographic coordinates and made available to the respective traditional leaders.

The Saamaka and the Ndyuka, rejected the protocol, because there was not enough consultation with the majority of Indigenous and tribal leaders on the content of this. It was seen as an arbitrary, not transparent and excluding action that did not respect the right to free prior informed consent and self-determination.