Press Release 13 November 2003

First for Guyana! The First Canopy Walkway in the Caribbean and the Guiana Shield

On the 22 November 2003, Guyana's Prime Minister will open the first canopy walkway in the Caribbean and the Guianas. The walkway will also be the first example in Guyana of a cross-sectoral partnership for business development. The walkway will be managed through a private sector-local community joint venture overseen by Iwokrama.

The construction of the 154 metre aluminum state-of-the-art walkway was funded by the Canadian International Development Agency and built by the Canadian company - Greenheart Conservation Company. The walkway consists of five suspension bridges and four observation platforms offering a scenic vantage point of 30 metres above ground over looking tree tops. This unique facility for visitors and researchers will be a notable addition to Iwokrama and Guyana's ecotourism offerings.

The canopy walkway and concession are indicators of Iwokrama's movement toward working closely with national businesses and local communities to develop economically, ecologically, and socially sustainable businesses in the Iwokrama Forest.

Iwokrama, Wilderness Explorers, Rock View Lodge, and Surama Village join the rest of Guyana in celebrating Tourism Development month.