Iwokrama to conduct bird watching and basic tour guide training
COASTAL mangrove forests are a critical part of Guyana’s sea defence to the Atlantic Ocean as they prevent erosion and degradation of Guyana’s vulnerable coastline, which is under constant threat as it is seven feet below sea level. As Guyana continues on its upward development path, a key component to sustainable management of our coastal natural resources is to combine conservation of these systems with revenue-generating opportunities for the local communities, that live within and nearby coastal mangrove forested areas.
In this regards, the Iwokrama International Centre will be conducting a preliminary field bird watching and basic tour guide training to support community conservation and development in the Mangrove Forests near Hope Beach and Greenfield communities on the East Coast of Demerara.
Bird watching is one of the fastest growing environmental tourism niches and the coastline of Guyana is perfectly suited to develop and benefit from this type of tourism.
A statement from Iwokrama said participants will be engaged in learning the basics of core bird identification techniques, understanding bird habitats, behaviour and ranges. Iwokrama’s unique approach to training combines scientific technique with hands on and experiential learning. As a result, classroom learning will be enhanced with field exercises to hone birding techniques and identification on Hope Beach, the Botanical Gardens and other coastal locations.
Visits to various agencies including government and other tourism entities will give participants a broader understanding of tourism in Guyana. A field exchange visit to the North Rupununi, Region 9, Surama Eco Lodge, will give participants a first-hand look at a community owned and managed tourism initiative. Participants will deepen their understanding of bird ecology as well as conservation and local perspectives as participants will visit Iwokrama River Lodge and the Canopy Walkway. Here they have opportunities to interact with indigenous guides who have been bird guiding for years and have also been trained by Iwokrama, since, some of these guides have grown into full-fledged, independent tour guides and operators.
Iwokrama said this initiative is part of a regional programme titled Caribbean Aqua-Terrestrial Solutions (CATS), supported by GIZ.
Original source: http://guyanachronicle.com/iwokrama-to-conduct-bird-watching-and-basic-tour-guide-training/
