Iwokrama focusing on forest management, eco-tourism
Stabroek News
May 6, 2007
The Iwokrama Board of Trustees reviewed the implementation of its business plan, focusing on sustainable forest harvesting, management training and building capacity in eco-tourism at a recent meeting.
Chairman of Board, Edward Glover, at a press conference held on Monday, after the sitting of the 14th meeting, outlined some of the centre's development plans. He said the centre is going full throttle on its marketing drive so that everyone, not only persons interested in Iwokrama's specific programme, will know of it. The sustainable forest harvesting which began in February is going well and certification in forest management is expected to come shortly. Manage-ment training is also ongoing in order to enhance the various programmes that keep the centre's work viable.
As regards eco-tourism, Iwokrama aims to increase capacity and deliver greater value for money. Iwokrama has enjoyed increased visitors in recent months, the Board said. "We have reviewed the progress [being made] in the Canopy Walkway business which gets increased visitors," Glover said. "The Iwokrama concept remains of vital importance to the global environment and continues to play a social role," he added, highlighting the need for financing and site development. Iwokrama recognises that more needs to be done for market exposure of its products and remains committed to maximising markets for sale of all sustainable forest products. The Board also discussed development in international markets.
At the meeting, Iwokrama Director General Dr David Singh said the centre recognises the challenges on wildlife from various sources. And, even in the face of limited resources, it has taken steps with the Guyana Forestry Commission and the Ministry of Agriculture to look at the issue. Singh said the work that was done to identify various species of plants and animals must continue, explaining that the studies had ceased because of funding constraints. He also said that there is tremendous potential in birding and Iwokrama intends to explore this as another one of its business ventures.
Meanwhile, the centre is working on formulating links with the Caribbean Commu-nity Climate Change Centre and the University of New-castle to include them in its network, since climate change is given much focus in relation to rainforest conservation.
Glover said too that Iwokrama has been selected for an expedition in 2009 for a class of about 50 pre-university students. The centre hopes to profit from this venture which will see the students visiting the field station and the Iwokrama Forest.
The meeting was hosted at Cara Lodge.