Expansion and improvement of the quality of Sustainable Tourism at the Iwokrama Field Station.
The Foreign Commonwealth Office (FCO) and the Iwokrama International Centre have come together to promote the development of Sustainable Tourism at the Iwokrama Rainforest Field Station. The ₤60,000 Grant awarded to the Centre on November 1st, 2005 is being utilized to expand and improve the of quality of Sustainable Tourism at the Iwokrama Field Station.
Currently Iwokrama has established a number of campsites in the Iwokrama Forest, and most especially a Field Station which is operated by 25 staff, most of whom (90%) are from the local communities. The Field Station comprises an administrative building, tourism and staff cabins, along with ancillary services such as electricity, water, sewerage, laundry, and plant maintenance. However, with Iwokrama tripling its visitation from 347 to 877 in 2004 resulting in revenues of USD160,000 and USD 167,000 in 2005 there is much that must be done to convert the current facilities to one that meets the expectations for all levels of tourists.
Iwokrama recognizes also the importance of developing of tourism product development within the larger Iwokrama-Rupununi Ecosystem to be able to offer visitors a wide variety of experiences ranging from that of a tropical rainforest, to the socio-cultural experience through community tourism. With all this in mind, Iwokrama has moved ahead with plans to construct several new hammock pods to accommodate students, backpackers and those tourists who prefer a more “rustic” experience, as well as new sanitary facilities to accommodate larger groups. Additionally, remedial work to the Fred Allicock Building will commence in May to include both a gift shop and bar facilities.
Solar power installed and energy conservation programme implementation will also help to reduce fossil fuel consumption for electricity generation by 30% and provide 24 hr communication for visitors and staff from the field.
The changes implemented will ensure that the Centre can increase it range of services, improve its quality and visitor experience so that its can target a wider client range. This will increase the number of people who enjoy the rainforest conservation experience, and provide the chance to offer a higher quality of service thus increasing revenues.
