Earned Worldwide Recognition
At the SecondWorldConservationCongress(WCC2) of IUCN - The World Conservation Union held in Amman, Jordan in 2002, Iwokrama's work was recognized in the preamble to the resolution:
Recognition to "the Government of Guyana's contribution to the world through its generation donation of land for the establishment of the Iwokrama International Centre for Rain Forest Conservation and Development to promote sustainable forest management "
At the 2002CommonwealthHeadsofGovernmentMeeting(CHOGM) held in Coolum, Australia, Iwokrama was again cited for its work:
"The Committee welcomed progress made by the Iwokrama International Rain Forest Centre in Guyana in conserving and sustainably utilising tropical rain forest reserves. The Committee drew the attention of Heads of Government to the need for funding to be made available to secure the future of the Iwokrama Programme over the long-term".
(Section on Environmental and Development)
Prepared Ground for Sustainable Forest Businesses
Iwokrama has begun to understand available utilisation options within the Forest. Several consultancies and two international workshops have led to the development of business principles and initiated agreements on IntellectualPropertyRights(IPR) and benefit sharing. Iwokrama also sponsored an assessment of carbonsequestration potential in Guyana's forests; this study suggests that sequestration is likely to be less important than previously thought.
A reduced-impact logging feasibility study examined the operational costs of selective timber felling and the factors influencing these costs. Timber and Non-TimberForestProducts market feasibility studies have outlined the expected costs, processing options, current markets and expected returns of harvesting and processing timber and cane materials from the Iwokrama Forest.
Tourist facilities, local staff skills and the range of offered visitor activities have been upgraded to accommodate the growing number of visitors to the Iwokrama Forest. The new canopywalkway is the first for tourism in the Guianas, and should significantly enhance the base for tourism in the Forest. Iwokrama has also developed a nascent merchandise line and the beginnings of a sponsorship programme.
Developed Systems and Institutional Capacity for Collaborating with Local People
The collaborative relationships between Iwokrama and local communities include partnerships based on the exchange of knowledge and skills, mutual support, and shared decision making. In this context, Iwokrama has facilitated the emergence of the NorthRupununiDistrictDevelopmentBoard as a representative structure for the North Rupununi communities. Iwokrama has also facilitated the development of the CommunityEnvironmental Worker (CEW) programme, the MakushiResearchUnit(MRU), and WildlifeClubs as local institutions linked to natural resource management.
Built Partnerships for Natural Resource Management
Iwokrama has developed an array of institutional partnerships from local communities to national agencies and non-government groups, to regional and international research institutions. Iwokrama is demonstrating how inclusion and dialogue promote efficiency and sustainability in natural resource management. Iwokrama's impact is reflected in relationships with national institutions including the Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC), the Guyana Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Guyana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC), the Fisheries Department of the Ministry of Fisheries, Crops, and Livestock and the University of Guyana. Iwokrama is providing models for participatory processes in the management of natural resources and so encouraging policy and legislative change relating to timber harvesting, certification, wildlife, mining, protected areas, and road management.
Developed Understanding of the Iwokrama Ecosystem
Iwokrama has documented the diversity and natural history of wildlife and other resources in the Iwokrama Forest. This research has been based on local knowledge and scientific studies. In this context, Iwokrama has worked with the NRDDB to both recognize and apply traditional ecological knowledge; including recognizing copyright vested in indigenous knowledge products. Iwokrama also recognizes local expertise in traditional skills and incorporates this into its RangerTrainingProgramme. The social, economic, cultural, archaeological, geographical, and biological information about the Iwokrama Ecosystem has been integrated within a GeographicalInformation System (GIS).
The information gathered has been used in participatory resource management planning processes. Iwokrama has developed a strategic decision-support system, IWOPLAN, to assist in identifying the best opportunities for timber and NTFP harvesting in the Iwokrama Forest. The system integrates GIS, commercial timber and NTFP growth models and operational cost models to evaluate the best areas for harvesting, the likely costs, and estimated returns for each harvest unit.
Raised Funds for Natural Resource Management & Human Development Programmes in Guyana
Iwokrama has raised US $10 million in the last ten years to support sustainable forest management and human resource development in Guyana.
Developed Forest Stakeholder Capacity and Skills
Iwokrama has trained 24 Forest Rangers, 15 of these rangers work within the Forest. Iwokrama has trained 24 CEW's based in their villages and 13 Young Guyanese Professionals. It has also supported national and international undergraduate and graduate students and a volunteer programme, providing project opportunities for more than 12 Guyanese and 12 overseas interns. Short-term employment of local people has also provided "learning by doing" opportunities.
Developed Public Outreach Mechanisms
Iwokrama has organized four International Technical Workshops, twice monthly Lunchtime Seminars, bi-monthly "Friends of Iwokrama" meetings, and annual Public Fora involving the InternationalBoardofTrustees. Iwokrama, in partnership with GBC and UNESCO, also facilitated the first community radio station in Guyana - Radio Paiwomak - based in the North Rupununi.
