Iwokrama moves to raise own funds
By Chamanlall Naipaul
Guyana Chronicle
July 17, 2004
MANAGEMENT of Guyana’s unique and internationally-famed Iwokrama tropical rainforest project, in its drive to become self-sufficient, has formulated a business plan to generate income while supporting its involvement in scientific research.
Director General of the project, Guyanese-born Dr. Graham Watkins, told a news conference in Georgetown that because of diversion of funds by the donor community to Iraq and elsewhere, Iwokrama was receiving decreased disbursements from traditional sources and it was becoming increasingly important for the scheme to generate its own funds.
He said that annual generation from products which originate from rainforests worldwide is estimated to be US$300 billion, while only about $2 billion is available for conservation purposes
This was endorsed by Mr. David Cassells, former Director General of the project who is now Chairman of the World Wildlife Fund (WWF)/World Bank Alliance and a trustee on the Iwokrama Board.
Watkins observed that the abundance of wildlife and pristine forests at Iwokrama gives a huge comparative advantage over other rainforests and said this should be tapped to develop local communities and the national economy.
The self-financing plan includes forming a subsidiary - the Iwokrama Timber Incorporation which would be responsible for managing and marketing the harvesting of timber for commercial purposes in a sustainable manner, he said.
Another business initiative being pursued, Watkins reported, is the development of business ties with the Jacksonville Zoo in Miami, Florida, which will see animals from Guyana being leased to that institution.
He made it clear that the venture will not be the export of wildlife, and the animals on lease will be legally the property of the Government of Guyana.
Initially, two jaguars will be leased to the Jacksonville Zoo, Watkins added.
Boosting the tourist attraction potential of the 3,700 square-kilometre rainforest scheme in the south of Guyana is also another business initiative intended to become a significant income earner.
Watkins reported that the number of tourists visiting the site so far this year has reached 450 earning about US$80,000 compared to 350 for last year.
He explained that a Canopy Walkway over part of the forest and the Turtle Mountain have significantly contributed to heightened tourist interest.
He added that the road to Lethem has made the site more accessible and the number of vehicles plying the area has jumped from about 20 per month to about 600 per month.
However, he noted that this increase in traffic would have an environmental impact on the community which will have to managed effectively.
Funding is being sought too through charitable organisations in the U.S. and U.K., and these arrangements should fructify by the end of this year, he said.
Scientific research being carried out is being used to develop a model for sustainable management of rainforests elsewhere, as such forests are being destroyed at a rapid rate, Watkins pointed out.
The Iwokrama International Centre for Rainforest Conservation and Development is an autonomous non-profit research and development institution established by Guyana and the Commonwealth.
The centre manages the 3,700 square kilometer Iwokrama Forest in the Rupununi to demonstrate how tropical biodiversity may be conserved and sustainably utlilised for ecological, social and economic benefits.