By Marvin Cato | HGP Nightly News |
Guyana’s status as a global leader in sustainable ecotourism has received a significant boost following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Iwokrama International Centre for Rain Forest Conservation and Development and the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA). The agreement, signed on Thursday, February 19, 2026, aims to decentralize tourism benefits by empowering local communities through specialized training and global marketing support.
At the heart of this partnership is the establishment of a first-of-its-kind Community Tourism Training Institute, to be located at the Iwokrama River Lodge in Kurupukari.
A Hub for Capacity Building: The New Training Institute
The MOU specifically targets “capacity building” as the engine for regional growth. The proposed training institute at the River Lodge will offer certifications in various tourism disciplines, ensuring that residents of the North Rupununi can manage and scale their own ecotourism ventures.
- Marketing & Product Development: The GTA will provide the technical expertise to help indigenous communities develop “tour-ready” products and market them to international conservation-focused travelers.
- Legacy of Leadership: CEO of Iwokrama, Dane Gobin, noted that Iwokrama has long served as an incubator for talent. Many former staff members have returned to their home villages to lead successful local tourism initiatives.
- International Standards: As the only internationally certified area for Recreational Services in the region, Iwokrama will use its “best practices” framework to set the standard for the new institute’s curriculum.
Sustainable Development and Heritage Protection
Director of the GTA, Kamrul Baksh, emphasized that the collaboration is about more than just numbers; it is about protecting Guyana’s natural heritage.
- Nature-Based Tourism: The partnership aligns with the government’s strategy to promote conservation-focused travel, where the preservation of the rainforest is directly linked to the economic prosperity of the people living within it.
- Strategic Collaboration: Baksh described the MOU as an “important step in deepening collaboration” that creates meaningful opportunities for both visitors seeking authentic experiences and communities seeking sustainable livelihoods.
The North Rupununi Connection
Iwokrama’s role as the vital link between the capital city, Georgetown, and the heart of the rainforest at Kurupukari remains central to the region’s development. By formalizing this relationship with the GTA, the government is ensuring that the North Rupununi becomes a standardized, world-class destination that can compete with top ecotourism sites globally.
“By working together, they will continue to strengthen Destination Guyana’s position as a global leader in nature-based tourism and conservation-focused travel,” Baksh concluded.
