People

Iwokrama Forest is a protected area with a difference... the full involvement of people!

A Critical Part of the Ecosystem

Iwokrama is exceptional among conservation organisations because it joins with local people in every aspect of its work. From research to business, Iwokrama ensures local economic and social benefits from forest use and conservation.

People have used and benefited from forest resources for thousands of years. In this way they are every bit as important to forest ecosystems as trees, water or birds. People are part of the ecological balance of the forest. Major changes in the way they use the forest would cause not only community cultural and economic hardships, it could have a negative impact on the forest itself.

Local Participation

Iwokrama does what so many international conventions have declared... conservation must begin locally and be part of national development.

The World Parks and Forestry Congresses of 2003 reaffirmed that conservation must begin locally and be integrated into national development plans to benefit international biodiversity and climate. Native peoples own or manage over 20% of the world's remaining tropical forests, which makes them essential partners in forest conservation and development.