An integrated management plan devised to enhance the Kaieteur National Park is expected to be ready for implementation later this year, after the process was put into motion a year and a half ago with assistance from the World Wildlife Fund.

Chairman of the National Parks Commission Shyam Nokta said the plan entails collecting data on the flora, fauna, landscape, geography, geology and other aspects of the park. The data will then be entered into a Geographical Information System (GIS) database to start a zonation model which will allow for mapping out of areas that could be developed without disturbing areas marked for conservation.

According to a Government Information Agency (GINA) press release Nokta pointed out that protective measures must be adhered to in commercialising tourism at the park to maintain balance without compromising the natural ecosystem. “If we are not very careful and we move rapidly in putting in place infrastructure for tourism development, such as campsite, lodges and trails, we could run the risk of losing these rare species,” he said.

Two plans are being undertaken to enhance visitors’ experience at the park: the construction of a solar energy powered Visitor Arrival Centre featuring an information centre with internet access, craft store and restaurant, set for May month-end completion and the construction of a Warden’s Quarters at Tukeit. Currently there are three trained wardens at the park and more are soon to be recruited. These projects are being undertaken with funding from the German Development Bank and government through the Environmental Protection Agency.

According to GINA, General Manager of the park Yolanda Vasconcellos emphasised that tourists visiting the park should always be supervised by wardens regardless of whether or not tour operators have their own guides. Wardens are tasked with managing an existing guest house which was built in 1974.

Meanwhile, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs Nigel Dharamlall was optimistic about the positive relationship the ministry enjoys with the nearby population. “Amerindian development is not limited to government alone but it is also extended to include the community perspectives as to how they can benefit from what obtains from their environment. This is one of our national and natural assets and in facilitating the interest of the villagers as provided for under the Amerindian Act, we at the level of the ministry, expect that the village of Chenapau is fully integrated into the operations of the park,” he said.