Potential independent researchers are asked to provide a research Concept Note that includes:

•  A Title (may be provisional)
• Short abstract of research aims
• List of specific objectives
• General description of research
• Hypotheses to be tested (if appropriate)
• Outline and schedule of activities to be undertaken
• Outline of methods to be employed
• Names and contact information of team members and supervisor (if applicable)
• 1-page summary curriculum vitae of each team member
• Pathways chosen for disseminating results
• Budget (may be provisional) and source of funding

Please consider each of the following questions in creating the rest of your research application checklist, as appropriate:
Will your field research focus on or include any work in local rural communities within the vicinity of the Iwokrama Forest?
If YES then please note...
Research focused on or include work in the local rural communities within the vicinity of the Iwokrama Forest must be approved by the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs.

Ministry of Amerindian Affairs, Georgetown, Guyana
telephone: (592) 226 5167
fax: (592) 223 7285
email: amerindian.affairs@networksgy.com

 Iwokrama has a draft letter for your consideration or use.

Additionally the North Rupununi District Development Board (NRDDB) and the respective Village Leaders and these individuals can be contacted at NRDDB at nrddb@yahoo.com or NRDDB Executive Director, Mr. Rodney Davis at nrddb@yahoo.com or heightsmanrd@yahoo.ca and Chairman William Andries at williamandries@yahoo.com for approval and information on costs within the various communities.

Researchers are also advised to contact EPA via Annie Pitamber (annside@gmail.com) for information regarding acquiring an EPA permit to collect samples/specimens for your research and to submit 2 copies of the MoAA/NRDDB/EPA and local community permit/approval letter to mkalamandeen@iwokrama.org . EPA requires that all applications must be sent at least 3 months in advance with the processing fee.

All research application must be accompanied by a budget and include funding for local counterpart (s), honorariums, fees to interview communities' members, etc. All researchers conducting work within the Iwokrama Forest or in the local rural communities must be accompanied by a certified Iwokrama Ranger/Guide.
It is the researchers’ responsibility to contact the various entities for permits and letters as well as be responsible for contacting our Booking Clerk directly to arrange transportation and accommodation during their stay

Will your field research require either the collection of specimens/samples outside the Iwokrama Forest, or collecting specimens/samples within the Iwokrama Forest for export from Guyana?

If YES then...
Please provide with your application and a biodiversity research permit from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The EPA's website has a section devoted to Biodiversity Research in Guyana that includes, a permit application, fee schedule and other important information.

Submitting your proposal
Please send your completed research proposal (i.e. items 1 and 2 and/or 3, as appropriate) to the staff contact with whom you have discussed your project, or to the staff person with whom you have discussed your project or to iwokrama-general@iwokrama.org.