Iwokrama International Centre (IIC)

Established in 1996, the IIC manages Iwokrama – a unique reserve of nearly 1,000,000 acres of rainforest in Guyana.

Its aim is unique: to conduct research and test the proposition that conservation, environmental balance, and sustainable economic activity are mutually reinforcing. In other words, that it is possible to use a forest without losing it.

Over the last 12 years the IIC has developed sustainable models that include timber harvesting and eco-tourism in close cooperation with local communities. In 2008 the forest received Forest Stewardship Council certification in recognition of its sustainable management.