Press Release 16 March 2004

Iwokrama Launches Completely Redesigned Web Site

Georgetown, Guyana -- Iwokrama International Centre announced today that it has replaced its current web site, www.iwokrama.org, with a totally redesigned version intended to showcase Iwokrama as a dynamic, international organisation. Iwokrama, with the support of the International Development and Research Centre in Canada, launched its first web site in the early 1990's and made major changes in 1998 and 2001. The 2004 web site employs the latest technology and web design capabilities and completely replaces previous versions of the site. Iwokrama feels this version compares much more favourably to the types of sites that 21 st century web surfers prefer. Iwokrama seeks to use the web site to introduce itself to new audiences, as well as present a new image to those already familiar with the 10 year old conservation and development non-profit organisation.

According to Graham Watkins, Ph.D., Iwokrama's Director General (Acting), "The old web site did not effectively reflect the ground breaking nature of Iwokrama or adequately describe our real advances in collaborative management. The Centre has changed significantly since we first joined the World Wide Web. We have a new headquarters location, new Board members and staff, new partners and business plans, and are currently developing new strategies for the next several years."

Dr. Watkins added, "We are most excited about giving a much higher profile to our human and business development efforts; issues that were barely noticeable on the old web site. We hope that by visiting our site regularly, people will have a better understanding of what Iwokrama International Centre is currently all about and will follow where we are going and what we are learning."

Highlights of the new site include a modern design and a portal page for quick access to the " Forest ", "People" or "Business" sections of the site. The site's content architecture - how the information is organised - is completely changed reflecting an intuitive approach for quick access to particular topics. In addition, nearly all content is now accessible from the home page, with an integrated approach to navigation, providing cross-references to other pages and other web sites throughout the text.

Plans for the new web site include online donations and merchandising, as well as a world-class virtual library. The library will have not only a comprehensive research database, but also video and audio content, creating a multi-media resource for the global dissemination of lessons learned - a critical component of its mission.

The new web site was created primarily by Iwokrama staff and volunteers who welcome feedback from site visitors. Please send comments to webmaster@iwokrama.org.