Forest-Linked Association Knowledge Networks (FLANKs)

Flexible support to local small and medium forest enterprises in Guyana through partnership between Iwokrama and IIED

Iwokrama has a track record of excellent research in sustainable forest management. As the Centre has evolved it recognises the need to modify its programmes – moving from being primarily about research to becoming an established experimental business institution. The aim is now to provide practical and actual demonstrations that sustainable forest management can "pay its way".

Iwokrama has partnered with the International Institute for Environment and Development (IIED) based in the UK to strengthen local sovereignty over forest resources and increase sustainable benefits derived from them.  It will make small, flexible and strategic interventions in support of small and medium forest enterprises (SMFE) through associations already identified for their excellence in serving the forest-dependent poor. The intention is to establish or support knowledge networks in Guyana that serve processes of social mobilization based around forest-linked associations. The core business development programme in Iwokrama is ideally placed to develop a knowledge network for SMFE associations in Guyana. IIED will also be providing similar support in four other countries.

The lack of “information and organisation” of SMFEs and potential service providers in Guyana and other focus countries requires the development of “community enterprise communication networks”.  There are three main outputs of the SMFE project in Guyana:

More robust and capable front line forest associations in core action learning countries with clear impacts on poverty and sustainable resource management. Stronger national (and international) information networks for forest associations – within which ‘trusted intermediaries’ have the capacity to reach and deliver support to remote institutions Policy lessons and training materials explaining how best to support remote forest associations – drawing on action learning experiences from the core action-learning countries

Over the next year, Iwokrama hopes to:

Establish and publicise Iwokrama as an institutional hub for forest-linked associations / enterprises Construct an internet database / information network for forest-linked associations and their products, service providers and other support agencies Identify and engage with target forest-linked associations to confirm priority needs and gather details for publication on an internet database Conduct an institutional mapping exercise to identify existing SMFE support services and compile information in relevant formats for website and to distribution to target associations Identify gaps in support for forest-linked associations and develop plans to respond to those gaps. Draw in relevant stakeholders with a view to longer term sustainability