The Iwokrama International Centre will this week be conducting a preliminary field bird watching and basic tour guide training to support community conservation and development in the mangrove forests near the Hope Beach and Greenfield communities.
In a statement, Iwokrama said that this initiative is part of a regional programme titled the Caribbean Aqua-Terrestrial Solutions (CATS). Those participating in the programme will learn the basics of core bird identification techniques, understanding bird habitats, behaviour and ranges.
The course, according to the release, covers scientific technique with hands-on experiential learning and the classroom learning will be enhanced with field exercises to the Botanical Gardens, Hope beach and other coastal locations. Visits will also be done to various agencies including government and other tourism entities. A field exchange visit to the North Rupununi, Region 9, which would cover the Surama Lodge, Iwokrama River Lodge and the Canopy Walkway will also be done. It is expected that the participants will have opportunities to interact with the experienced indigenous guides in those areas.
The statement noted that coastal mangroves form a crucial part of Guyana’s sea defence along the vulnerable Atlantic coastline which is seven feet below sea level. It said that as the country continues to develop, a key component of sustainable management of the coastal natural resources is to combine conservation of these systems with revenue generating opportunities for the local communities.
Bird watching is one of the fastest growing environmental tourism niches, the release said, and Guyana’s coastline is perfectly suited to develop and benefit from this type of tourism.
