The differing ecosystems in the Caribbean, make it one of the biologically wealthiest areas in the world. From the coral reefs to the rain-forested volcanic slopes, the Caribbena possesses an immense diversity of flora and fauna.

	Thousands of flowering plants grow in the Caribbean, including more than numberous species of orchids. Over 800 species of birds have been identified, which is more than are seen in the entire United States and Canada combined! Home to hundreds different reptiles and amphibians, over 200 species of mammals, around 4,500 different types of moths and 2,000 species of butterflies.
The Caribbean rainforests are home to thousands of known life forms and yet there are as many again waiting to be discovered. Among the last strongholds of biodiversity on earth.These rainforest resonating with the dawn chorus, the silence in the heart of the day only disturbed by the rasping of cicadas, the call of poison-dart frogs, or the shrill cords of the wrens and antbirds.

The Iwokrama International Centre for Rain Forest Conservation and Development is an autonomous non-profit institution established by Guyana and the Commonwealth. The Centre manages the nearly one million acre (371,000 hectares) Iwokrama Forest in central Guyana to show how tropical forests can be conserved and sustainably used to provide ecological, social and economic benefits to local, national and international communities.

A Model Partnership of

Traditional Knowledge, Science & Business

Iwokrama "learns by doing". It builds partnerships with local communities and the private sector. These partnerships combine traditional knowledge, science and business to develop "green", socially responsible and sustainable forest products and services, like low-impact timber harvesting, ecotourism, training forest rangers and guides, and harvesting aquarium fish. Businesses provide local and national benefits, and so help maintain international biodiversity and climate.

Iwokrama evaluates the social, economic and ecological changes that occur as a result of business development. The objective is to become a model for business development that results in the worldwide conservation of tropical forests.

Caribbean Hiking

Caribbean Safari

Caribbean Holidays

Caribbean Accommodation

At 1000 metres high, the Iwokrama Mountains form the geographic focal point of the Forest; they once provided a "place of refuge" for the Makushi people. The Centre and Forest are named after this striking formation, now a refuge for people and wildlife. and an extraordinary mission.

Mission Statement

Promoting the conservation and the sustainable and equitable use of tropical rain forests in a manner that leads to lasting ecological, economic, and social benefits to the people of Guyana and to the world in general, by undertaking research, training, and the development and dissemination of technologies.

A Concept

Iwokrama International Centre has its origins in an offer made in 1989 by then President of Guyana, Desmond Hoyte, on the occasion of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Malaysia. The overall concept, including the identification of the forest site, was developed jointly by a Guyanese inter-agency team headed by the Guyana Natural Resources Agency, and by a Commonwealth Group of Experts headed by the eminent Indian Scientist, Dr. Swaminathan. The Report was presented on June 5th, 1990 to mark World Environment Day.

For more information, please contact Melina Kalamandeen

Email: iwokrama@iwokrama.org.

Write to:

Iwokrama International Centre

77 High Street, Kingston,

Georgetown, Guyana, South America

Tel: 592-225-1504

Fax: 592-225-9199