Iwokrama and Fair View Sign Co-Management Agreement
On December 21st 2006, the Iwokrama Centre and the village of Fair View signed a Co-Management Agreement. Witnessed by Hon. Min. Carolyn Rodrigues, the signing of this agreement marked an important milestone in the development of Protected Areas Management in Guyana and demonstrated that it is possible that people can live, sustain their livelihoods, find self advancement, and fulfill their aspirations, whilst living and working within a park. With this Co-Management agreement, a formal relationship between local communities and protected areas was forged. In 2006, Fair View was granted title to approximately 82 square miles of state land within the Iwokrama Forest.
 Iwokrama and Fair View Sign Co-Management Agreement |
|---|
Fair View Village is located near the Kurupukari crossing of the Essequibo River, and is adjacent to the Linden-Lethem Road. The village was an important junction during the cattle trail, and is made up of Arawak, Makushi, Patamonas and Wapishana peoples. The village remained after the trail was closed in 1968, and a small population depending on gold mining in the Siparuni River remained through the 1980’s and 1990’s. Local economy was supplemented by trading in crabwood oil; while agriculture, fishing, and hunting remained a way of life.
The Linden-Lethem road was completed in 1992, and bisects the Iwokrama Programme Site established by the Iwokrama Act of 1996. With commencement of field operations surrounding the Iwokrama Programme, and the subsequent establishment of the Iwokrama Field Station, interactions between Fair View and Iworkama grew, and as a result, employment by Iwokrama also became a source of livelihood for villagers. This symbiotic relationship has grown and Fair View is also involved in community tourism, training and research programmes.
During the zoning of the Iwokrama Programme Site, and the establishment of the Sustainable Utilisation Area and the Wilderness Preserve within the Forest, Fair View’s land title was discussed with the Centre and the Government, with Fair View obtaining title for Village Lands in July 2006.
Fair View is a member of the North Rupununi District Development Board (NRDDB), an autonomous body registered as a trust under the Laws of Guyana. Its membership is comprised of the Toushaos, Elders and representatives of various groups from the North Rupununi.
The NRDDB and the Centre signed a collaborative management agreement in 2005, which provides guidance for the two parties to co-manage the resources of the Iwokrama Forest, and the way in which the resources of the North Rupununi Wetlands are conserved and used.
The granting of title to a community in a Protected Area is a global model for Protected Areas Management. This proves that people can live within protected areas, and that the objectives of a community can be aligned and integrated with the objectives of Protected Areas Management. The co-management agreement between Fair View and Iwokrama is the means by which all parties can continue to collaborate in an equitable manner towards management of the Iwokrama Forest. Fair View will part own Iwokrama businesses, and Iwokrama will participate in the life of the Fair View Community.
