What Makes Iwokrama Such a Special Destination? The Forest - In the heart of one of the last pristine Tropical Forests The Iwokrama Forest is in the heart of one of four last untouched tropical forests of the world - The Guiana Shield of North-Eastern South America. Iwokrama was established as a living laboratory for tropical forest management because the unsustainable utilization of these forests will result in the extinction of half the world's plant and animal species and unknown changes to global climate. The People - A critical part of the ecosystem This is a protected area with a difference - the full involvement of people. 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. The Forest is in the homeland of the Makushi people, who have lived here and used the forest for thousands of years. People are a vertical part of the ecosystem. The success of Iwokrama relies on the ownership of local people and the combined skills of specialists and communities. Iwokrama does what so many International conventions have acknowledged as best practice. It has begun conservation locally and integrated conservation into national development. The Approach - A partnership of Traditional knowledge, Science and 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. The Iwokrama International Centre - Providing Social, Ecological and Economic Benefits Protected areas will only halt the rapid destruction of tropical rainforests if they also work with local and national needs. Iwokrama does! 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. Come and explore the Forest by taking one of our exclusive packages, or contact your tour operator direct to ensure Iwokrama is included in your itinerary of Guyana.