Press Release 28 November 2003

Ministry of Amerindian Affairs to Visit Iwokrama Forest Field Station

Georgetown, Guyana -- The Iwokrama International Centre announced that the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs will be visiting the Centre's Field Station on the Essequibo River in the Iwokrama Forest. From 12 December to 14 December, The Honourable Carolyn Rodrigues, Minister of Amerindian Affairs, and 44 other Ministry representatives will be holding a two-day workshop at the Field Station. The site is fully equipped for such a purpose, as it offers tourist cabins, a dining hall, conference halls, a reference library and electronic communications and audio-visual equipment.

"The Ministry's workshop is yet another example of the kind of visitors that can be a part of the Iwokrama experience," commented Graham Watkins, Ph.D., Acting Director General of Iwokrama International Centre. He added, "We're especially pleased that one of our own Trustees, The Honourable Carolyn Rodrigues is leading this group. It is an excellent opportunity for someone so close to Iwokrama to experience the customer's perspective."

The Iwokrama Field Station, along with the newly opened Canopy Walkway, are the primary tools for continued development of Iwokrama's regional ecotourism enterprise. Iwokrama and its local community partners feel ecotourism is one of the most lucrative ways to earn income while preserving the forest. The Field Station can accommodate individual guests and large groups for ecotourism, meetings, educational sessions, trainings and other purposes. It is a self-contained community with staff able to arrange everything from transportation to meals to guided nature walks.