Dr. Watkins Accepts Galapagos Islands Post; Dr. David Singh Named Acting Director General

15 January 2005

Iwokrama’s International Board of Trustees announced today that Director General Graham Watkins, Ph.D., will be moving to Ecuador to become the Executive Director of the Charles Darwin Foundation of the Galapagos Islands. Dr. Watkins has acted as Director General from March 2003 and has worked with Iwokrama since 1998. Dr. Watkins, who was born in Guyana, first returned in 1996 working for the Academy of Natural Sciences in Philadelphia to manage faunal surveys of the Iwokrama Forest.

During his tenure with Iwokrama, Dr. Watkins led Iwokrama through a critical phase of business development and established a very effective business oriented management. His vision resulted in the creation of a new Iwokrama Business Plan (.pdf, 25 MB) and in extensive improvements in Iwokrama’s public relations and project planning capacities. Dr. Watkins also strengthened Iwokrama’s relationship with local communities through focusing on sustainable enterprise development and learning to listen.

“It is with great regret that the Board has accepted Dr. Watkins resignation,” said the Chair of Iwokrama’s Board, Winston Cox. “His leadership in setting forth Iwokrama’s new direction has charted a clear path along which the Centre is already moving.”

Dr. Watkins’ move to the Galapagos Islands is a personal career decision. His experience there working as a guide in the late 1980s formed his final career decision.

Of his leaving, Dr. Watkins said, “I leave Iwokrama also with some sadness and will retain very fond memories of the forest and people of Guyana. I have made many friends and received excellent support and cooperation from Iwokrama’s deeply committed staff, volunteers and partners.”

He also noted, “I am especially grateful to the Guyanese staff members of the Centre who have tirelessly worked to strengthen Iwokrama, particularly during the last three turbulent years. I also recognize the enormous contribution of the local communities to the development of the Iwokrama Programme. Guyana and, particularly, the local communities, have taught me a great deal about sustainable development and I hope I have returned that contribution in kind.”

The Board of Trustees has initiated the transition process, and appointed Dr. David Singh, who is currently Director of Resource Management and Training, to act as Director General until further notice.

Inquiries regarding the transition at Iwokrama should be directed via email to Dr. David Singh, (or via telephone at +592-225-1504).