Iwokrama’s one-million-acre forest laboratory offers training, research
The Iwokrama International Centre for Rain Forest Conservation and Development (IIC), in a press release noted that it welcomes local and international participants for training and research, as it shared information about its specialised services through its Learning Services Unit.
Dr Dillon Husbands (right) in the Iwokrama Forest conducting her PHD research on Greenheart seed fungi pathogen
Iwokrama’s mission is to build capacity in sustainable forest management, conservation, protected areas management and climate resilience. These services are targeted to student visits, research collaborations, intern and volunteer programmes and specialised training courses.
March 2025 saw an international group of students from Indiana University East, School of Humanities and Social Sciences participating in Iwokrama’s immersive training programme. Additionally, later this year, graduate students from Miami University, Ohio through the Earth Expeditions programme will visit as part of the annual study abroad programme on “Local Wisdom and Conservation.”
Participants will explore sustainable natural resource management practices of the Iwokrama Forest. Both groups’ programmes include a livelihood and cultural component, which is facilitated by the Makushi village of Surama.
Students from Indiana University East during their visit at the Iwokrama River Lodge
Locally, Iwokrama continues to host Guyanese groups such as the Ministry of Natural Resources’ Youth in Natural Resources Apprenticeship Programme, which introduces young Guyanese to the importance of environmental stewardship and careers in the natural resources sector.
University of Guyana (UG) students particularly Forestry, Tourism, Biology and Environmental Sciences have been hosted for many years, in efforts to strengthen local expertise. The Centre also hosts school groups from surrounding communities and along the Coast.
Some specialised courses offered include Tour Guiding and Visitor Management, Rangering, Biodiversity Identification, Climate Change and the Role of Forests, and Sustainable Forestry.
Apprentices of the Ministry of Natural Resources at Turtle Mountain Summit
In addition to the aforementioned universities, Iwokrama continues to enjoy important scientific and research collaborations with several universities and institutions. These include University of Guyana, Lyell Centre- Heriot Watt University, Purdue University United States of America (USA) and most recently, The Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University.
Graduate students from Miami University of Ohio participated in a briefing session as part of their ecological monitoring exercises in the Iwokrama Forest
The Iwokrama Forest offers an unparalleled natural learning environment and serves as a globally recognised model for sustainable forest use. Trainees and researchers are given the opportunity to explore unique attractions such as the Iwokrama Canopy Walkway, Turtle Mountain, ancient petroglyphs sites, Forestry operations, authentic Indigenous cultural experiences, and the majestic Essequibo River.
For more information on their Learning Services, contact their email: [email protected]
