Modified Ranger Training Course Presented

Iwokrama Rangers

The Iwokrama Ranger Training Programme was set up as a sustainable human development initiative to provide international-standard, hands-on learning through transfer of knowledge, experience, and technologies to meet the needs of the natural resources sectors in the region and internationally.

Iwokrama has to date carried out two ranger training programmes. The first session extended over 18-20 months, while the duration of the second was just over one year. Twenty-four rangers successfully completed these courses, and are either employed by Iwokrama or Conservation International, have gone on to further their studies, or are involved in environmental-related development work within their communities.

Following the conclusion of the second training session, the structure and duration of the curriculum were reviewed and several modifications were made. The training programme is now optimised as a three month course, with a broader geographic focus, and standardised modules to meet future trends and needs. The shorter programme should allow for appeal to a wider audience of potential clients. The revised programme also offers follow-up courses in specific areas of interest to the ranger and sponsors, such as research techniques, tour guiding and collaborative management. The overall emphasis will be on learning by doing and practical field experience.

During the course, participants will be introduced to:
• the roles and responsibilities of the ranger
• interpretation and environmental education
• landscape and nature conservation
• visitor and recreation management
• sustainable utilisation of natural resources
• collaborative management of conservation and resource-use areas with local communities
• negotiation and communication skills.

In the third month, trainees will use their knowledge and ideas gained from the course to successfully complete a project in collaboration with their sponsor or independently.

Instructors will be drawn from the Iwokrama Instructors’ Database to deliver a broad, international experience. The database consists of more than 100 resource persons including Iwokrama staff and Forest Rangers.

The benefits of ranger training are manifold. The community in which the ranger operates would have someone who has been trained in a wide range of skills, and who would have access to the relevant natural resources regulatory agencies. The ranger will be able to recognise resource management problems and be in a position to either make recommendations or liaise with the relevant bodies that can provide the required support.

Apart from this, the ranger is also provided with a wealth of life skills that are also important and useful to his community, such as a very intensive programme in communication and confidence building. Rangers who have completed the course have indicated that their status in their communities is enhanced, and they are often consulted on key decisions in their communities. They develop greater confidence, and are more able to assert themselves.

Iwokrama plans to promote the course to all parties involved in Forest and Protected Areas Management in Guyana and the Guiana Shield.