Press Release 28 November 2003

Forest Conservation and Development Organization Enters New Business Enterprise

Georgetown, Guyana -- The Iwokrama International Centre announced it is now retailing a line of clothing and related accessories as part of its mission to make the Iwokrama Forest in central Guyana a self-sustaining enterprise. The items now being sold include knit polo shirts, t-shirts, oxford shirts, tote bags and caps, all with the Iwokrama logo. Sales of this merchandise will take the organization one step closer to its goal of ensuring the future of this unique forest - part of only four such "frontier" forest areas in the world.

The merchandise will be sold from the Iwokrama International Centre in Georgetown, the Iwokrama Field Station on the Essiquibo River. The new products will also be available from Wilderness Explorers, tour operator for Iwokrama's new canopy walk, as well as regional ecotourism destinations such as Surama Village and Rock View Lodge in Annai Village.

According to Graham Watkins, Ph.D., Acting Director General, "This business initiative is part of a multi-pronged approach to develop private enterprises that will have a vested interest in the conservation of the Iwokrama Forest, a model unique in the world." Local communities are a key partner in the development of private enterprises and are actively involved in other ventures currently in operation or under development, such as ecotourism, aquarium fish, timber, honey and crabwood oil.