Operator sought for forest canopy walkway
Stabroek News
May 21, 2003
The Iwokrama International Centre for Rainforest Conservation and Development will soon be opening tenders for the management of its recently constructed forest canopy walkway near Maushiparu.
According to an advertisement in Monday's Stabroek News, bids will be opened on May 30.
The walkway was unofficially opened late last year and is located about 40 minutes south from Iwokrama's Field Station at Kurupukari, on the Essequibo River, 340 km from Georgetown. The walkway is about 25 metres above ground and is suspended on the trunks of tall trees. It allows people to have a bird's eye view of the ecosystem that exists at the top of trees, or forest canopy.
According to an Iwokrama official, the Centre is interested in a joint venture with the private sector and local communities to manage the walkway, the first of its kind in the Guiana Shield. Iwokrama wants to forge new corporate partnerships in not only the management of its canopy walkway, but also in other business initiatives, the official noted.
With the new partnership, monitoring rights would still be maintained by Iwokrama so that there could be effective supervision and environmental management of the area. Iwokrama would work with the successful applicant to finalise a management plan for the concession area. The organisation intends for the walkway to be an attraction for eco-tourists and nature lovers. Iwokrama has applied for its tour guides to be certified by the Tourism and Hospitality Association of Guyana (THAG) so that body's code of practices could be adhered to in the course of Iwokrama's tourism activities.
Although details are yet to be worked out, Iwokrama is considering a 'per visitor fee basis' for one year beginning from June 1.
Iwokrama is also hoping to develop a number of other sustainable businesses with a view to generating funds in the wake of the recent cessation of core funding. These include crabwood oil, honey and aquarium fish production. T-shirts and hats could also bear the Iwokrama name. Such items should have high-end markets in Europe because of their being associated with an organisation that practises environmentally friendly methods. The official indicated that applications had been made for funding and they have been getting good feedback from prospective benefactors because of the movement towards self-generation of resources.
