Press Release 14 June 2004

North Rupununi Wildlife Clubs Continue to be Important Activity for Youth and a Resource for Regional Conservation Efforts

Annai District, Region 9, Guyana - The 14 Wildlife Clubs of the North Rupununi have been active and important participants in regional environmental education and conservation efforts since 1999. Today's youths become tomorrow's leaders, and club activities give young people the tools and information they can use to help communities make informed decisions about how they can manage their environment. The clubs also give youth an opportunity to show interest and concern for their natural and social environments. Club activities include creating nature trails, building and maintain club houses, bird and animal watching, community clean ups, and visiting other clubs.

Twice a year, Iwokrama International Centre facilitates a meeting with the clubs where ideas, reports on club activities and projects are shared and discussed. The first meeting of the year was held on May 22 - 23, 2004 at the Bina Hill Institute in Annai. Clubs from Toka, Apoteri, Rewa, Crashwater, Surama, Annai, Aranaputa, Kwaimatta, Kwatamang and Fairview attended.

During the meeting, it was determined that many clubs are experiencing a turnover in members as older members must accept new responsibilities such as work, additional schooling and travel. Meeting attendees stressed that they are still interested in club activities, and have asked for support from teachers and elders in the village as well as from Iwokrama, to help them regain their momentum.

The Aranaputa and Annai clubs made official reports at the meeting. Aranaputa reported on their studies of birds, rain and the effects of climate on biological events.

Participants of the meeting also elected the new board for the North Rupununi Junior Wildlife Development Council (NRJWDC) for 2004. The NRJWDC is like the North Rupununi District Development Board, but instead of representing villages, it represents the clubs and assists with coordinating club events and activities.

The NRJWDC board members for 2004 are:

• Paul Nash President (Aranaputa)
• Caroline Allicock Vice President (Surama)
• Defreitas Bowen Secretary (Apoteri)
• Hinslee Edwards Treasurer (Kwatamang)

Meeting attendees also decided upon a theme, date and draft agenda for the 2004 Wildlife Festival. The event will be on August 19 - 21 and the theme will be " Our Environment, Our Home, Our Business ".

>See the Draft Festival Agenda

The annual Wildlife Festival brings together the 14 clubs of the North Rupununi. The communities of Karasabai, Dadanawa, Santa Rosa, Nappi, St. Ignatius, Wakapoa, and Yupukari will also be invited. Clubs present annual reports as well as participate in various activities, including a costume and banner parade, football games, a section on social issues, art and poetry competition as well as competitions in traditional skills such as archery, basket weaving, and cotton spinning.

The Wildlife Festival would not be possible without the generous support of local and overseas donors who assist financially as well as donate prizes and gifts. The Festival is also supported by the Rupununi District Development Board (NRDDB), Iwokrama International Centre, the Audubon Society, Bina Hill Institute, Conservation International (CI), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the Ministry of Education.