Iwokrama International Centre for Rainforest Conservation and Development

The Iwokrama International Centre (IIC) was established in 1996 under a joint mandate from the Government of Guyana and the Commonwealth Secretariat to manage the Iwokrama forest, a unique reserve of 371,000 hectares of rainforest, “in a manner that will lead to lasting ecological, economic and social benefits to the people of Guyana and to the world in general”.

The IIC is an international not-for-profit organisation, governed by an International Board of Trustees and managed by a professional team of around seventy permanent staff in Georgetown and at the Iwokrama River Lodge and Research Centre at Kurupukari. The IIC’s Patron is HRH King Charles III.

Dedicated as a place for research “to develop, demonstrate, and make available to Guyana and the international community systems, methods and techniques for the sustainable management and utilisation of the multiple resources of the Tropical Forest and the conservation of biological diversity”, the Iwokrama rainforest is located in the geographical heart of Guyana. It comprises 371,000 hectares of forest (1.6% of Guyana’s landmass and 2% of Guyana forests).

Our Work

People 16 local communities (approximately 7,000 people), who are shareholders and participants in the IIC’s sustainable timber, tourism and research operations and who share benefits through co-management of the forest and benefit-sharing agreements;

Science Scientists engaged in ground breaking research into the impacts of climate change on the forest and measuring the scope and value of its eco-system services; and.

Business A sustainably managed business operation, earning income from the forest and its natural assets, while keeping abreast of ever changing international thinking on funding environmental projects in the face of climate change and the scarcity of international finance.

Our Lodge

Nestled on the banks of the majestic Essequibo River in the heart of Guyana is the award-winning Iwokrama River Lodge and Research Centre. This eco-tourism gem is surrounded by a vast tropical rain forest which was donated to the international community in 1989 to demonstrate Guyana’s commitment to combating climate change and to show how tropical forests could be used to provide sustainable economic benefits. The Lodge consists of guest accommodation, a full service kitchen, restaurant, bar, two shops, and a boat dock.

Guided Trips & Tours

Our tours are a starting point: we can customize activities and accommodation to suit your schedule and interests. We accommodate tour groups, solo travelers, VIP delegations, and visitors from the local community and elsewhere in Guyana! Organizing a meeting or conference? We can assist with small and large groups in Georgetown and at the Iwokrama River Lodge.

Donate

When you donate, your contributions to IWOKRAMA will directly support the development of the indigenous communities in and surrounding the Iwokrama Forest and the conservation of its natural assets.