# National Herbarium of Suriname

> herbarium of Suriname

**Wikidata**: [Q115596447](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q115596447)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/national-herbarium-of-suriname

## Summary
The National Herbarium of Suriname, commonly known by its Index Herbariorum code **BBS**, is a research institute and herbarium located in Paramaribo, Suriname. It operates as a specialized unit within the Anton de Kom University of Suriname, serving as the primary organization for the preservation and study of the country's botanical resources.

## Key Facts
- **Official Name:** National Herbarium of Suriname.
- **Also Known As:** BBS, Bosbeheer Suriname, Anton de Kom University of Suriname herbarium.
- **Location:** Paramaribo, Suriname (Coordinates: 5.814944, -55.215083).
- **Parent Organization:** Anton de Kom University of Suriname.
- **Classification:** Identified as a herbarium, a research institute, and an organization.
- **Founding:** Established in either **1946** (per GBIF records) or **1947** (per University records).
- **Standard Code:** The Index Herbariorum code for this facility is **BBS**.
- **External Identifiers:** BGCI Garden ID 5517.

## FAQs
### Q: What is the BBS?
A: BBS is the standard Index Herbariorum code for the National Herbarium of Suriname. It is also historically referred to as "Bosbeheer Suriname."

### Q: Where is the National Herbarium of Suriname located?
A: The herbarium is located in Paramaribo, Suriname, and operates as part of the Anton de Kom University of Suriname.

### Q: When was the herbarium founded?
A: According to academic and institutional records, the herbarium was founded in 1946 or 1947.

## Why It Matters
As the national herbarium, this facility serves as the central repository for botanical specimens in Suriname, a country known for its high biodiversity and vast rainforest coverage. By archiving physical plant records and functioning as an active research institute, it provides essential data for taxonomic study, conservation efforts, and ecological monitoring.

The herbarium plays a critical role in supporting the educational mission of its parent body, the Anton de Kom University of Suriname. It bridges the gap between historical botanical exploration and modern scientific research, ensuring that data regarding Suriname's flora remains accessible to the global scientific community through international networks like the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF).

## Notable For
- Being the **National Herbarium** of Suriname.
- Operating under the **Anton de Kom University of Suriname**.
- Holding the Index Herbariorum code **BBS**.
- Functioning as a **research institute** dedicated to botany.
- Maintaining records since the mid-1940s (1946/1947).

## Body

### Organizational Structure
The National Herbarium of Suriname is an entity classified as both a **research institute** and an **organization**. It is organizationally subordinate to the **Anton de Kom University of Suriname**, which was established on November 1, 1968. The herbarium's integration into the university structure solidifies its role in academic research and higher education within the country.

### Location and Coordinates
The facility is physically situated in the capital city of **Paramaribo**, Suriname. Its precise geographical coordinates are **5.814944° N (Latitude)** and **55.215083° W (Longitude)**.

### History and Inception
The herbarium has a documented history reaching back to the mid-20th century. Source data indicates two specific inception dates:
- **1947:** Cited by the Anton de Kom University of Suriname.
- **1946:** Cited by the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF).

### Identification and Aliases
The institution is identified internationally by the code **BBS**. In various databases and languages, it is referred to by several aliases, including:
- Bosbeheer Suriname
- The National Herbarium of Suriname (BBS)
- Nationaal Herbarium van Suriname (Commons category)

It maintains a presence on Wikimedia Commons, Dutch Wikipedia (nl), and Wikispecies.

## References

1. [Source](https://www.uvs.edu/maak-kennis-met-het-nationaal-herbarium-van-suriname/)
2. [Source](https://scientific-collections.gbif.org/institution/f7186539-fa8a-4b6e-b6f8-be6d5a3e1311)