Mayra Esseboom is a researcher at the Center for Agricultural Research in Suriname (CELOS) and holds a Master’s degree in Agricultural Economics from Wageningen University. She has been working in the Forest Management Department for almost 20 years, with a focus on non-timber forest products (NTFPs), exploring their commercialization, the role of traditional knowledge and community development. She collaborates with organizations such as GEF-UNDP, IICA and FAO, and is part of the Fulbright Amazon program, researching the bioeconomy of açaí in Suriname and the strengthening of Maroon communities.