Timber

Timber is Iwokrama's primary business initiative and has largely been developed through funding from the International Tropical Timber Organization (ITTO).  The aim of this initiative, known as Iwokrama Timber Products (ITP), is consistent with Iwokrama's mission: a model of protected area timber harvesting that demonstrates environmental sustainability, social and cultural sensitivity, and economic viability.

At its January 2004 meeting, the International Board of Trustees made a policy decision to facilitate a timber harvesting enterprise. The project will be developed in partnership with the local communities represented by the North Rupununi District Development Board (NRDDB), and private sector investors and will be governed by a shareholding agreement which respects the interests and rights of all parties.

The project will be commissioned within two years with an estimated capital investment of US$1.4 million. The employment potential is 70 persons. ITP intends to harvest up to 6,000 cubic metres of timber annually, with potential expansion once the operation becomes established. In the coming months of 2004 Iwokrama will advertise for prospective partners.

Harvesting Method & Products

Timber harvesting will utilise a very specific technique known as "Reduced Impact Logging" (RIL).  This method is labour intensive and requires much more planning and time than conventional techniques, but will yield the product characteristics desired.

Business operations will be based on detailed research and planning that included strategic and forest inventories, marketing and feasibility studies, and consultations with local communities and potential business partners.  The business plan meets the requirements of the Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and is designed in accordance with the principles of both the Forest Stewardship Council and the ITTO.

Timber products such as flooring and moulding will be directed toward green and socially responsible niche markets.  They will be branded with the Iwokrama name, which will indicate social, cultural, ecological and economic sustainability. Market conditions, low production volumes and high transportation costs directly affect the determination of products.

Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)

The EIA, produced with assistance from WWF-Guianas (member of World Wildlife Fund for Nature), is a comprehensive picture of the proposed timber harvesting operation and contains detailed information about such topics as environmental impacts studies, community consultations, forestry management plans and marketing analyses. The EIA was produced by CEA Limited and a team of consultants from various fields such as environmental management and community development. These documents were submitted to the Environmental Protection Agency in accordance with the Environmental Protection Act.