Training
International “Centre of Excellence”
To carry out Iwokrama’s objectives of self-sufficiency and sharing “lessons learned” here with forest managers and owners worldwide, Iwokrama has focused on its Training Programmes as one of its most intensive and active business enterprises. Iwokrama intends to raise the international standard of guiding and other interpretive services.
With almost one million acres of relatively intact forest, unique and amazing biodiversity, strong community partnerships and a broad spectrum of ecosystems, Iwokrama offers the perfect living laboratory where students can experience first hand the rainforest and all that is involved in effective management of such forests.
Course subjects in Iwokrama’s training portfolio include rangering, tour guiding, participatory approaches in community-based resource management, and protected areas management.
Skills Development and Capacity Building
Iwokrama’s Training Programme is dedicated to the principle of empowering the citizens of Guyana, the region and the world to contribute, manage, and lead in a challenging world. The resources, products and services of Iwokrama are applied to our training programmes based on the principle of effective education for problem solving, capacity building and sustaining human development.
An important partner in creating a valuable training resource for local people is the Bina Hill Institute, a programme of the North Rupununi District Development Board.
Iwokrama has already delivered 4 ranger training courses and 2 guide training course. We also offer specialized courses for universities and other academic institutions, protected areas and national parks and other interested institutions.
Market Opportunities
Furthermore, there is tremendous opportunity in Guyana. As the country continues to develop its burgeoning ecotourism industry, there is great opportunity for Iwokrama to be the leader in interpretive guide training. Likewise, as the Guyana Protected Areas System develops, Iwokrama will be there to meet a growing need for qualified forest rangers.
Excellent Facilities and Instructors
Iwokrama offers a series of excellent field-based programmes and courses. Most of these are offered at the Iwokrama Forest and nearby areas. The training programme benefits greatly from the facilities and resources offered by the Iwokrama Field Station, the Forest’s Wilderness Preserve and Sustainable Utilization Area, Bina Hill, and the surrounding rivers, savannah and local indigenous communities. Iwokrama utilises local, national, and international expertise to provide programmes and courses of a high standard.
The Learning Services Unit
Earth Expeditions (Iwokrama- Surama): The Society’s director of educational and international training, Dr. Ricardo Stanoss, accompanied the class as one of its instructors. In the past, Stanoss has worked with multiple organizations that spent years building the important relationships and connections that made the course a reality.
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