Location: Potaro- Siparuni
Area: 1 million acres
Elevation: 0- 3,281 ft (0- 1,000 m)
The Iwokrama Forest is a vast protected area in central Guyana, covering approximately 371,000 hectares (nearly 1 million acres or 3,710 square kilometers) of pristine tropical rainforest. Established in 1996 through the Iwokrama International Centre for Rain Forest Conservation and Development (IIC), it represents a groundbreaking model for sustainable forest management, balancing conservation, research, and equitable economic benefits for local communities. The forest was "gifted" by the Government of Guyana to the international community in the lead-up to the 1992 Rio Earth Summit, serving as a demonstration site for how tropical rainforests can be conserved while providing lasting ecological, economic, and social value. It is part of the ancient Guiana Shield, one of the world's oldest geological formations, and is home to Indigenous Makushi and Arawak communities who have inhabited the area for centuries. As of August 2025, Iwokrama continues to be a global leader in integrated conservation, with recent achievements including Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certification for ecosystem services and partnerships for biodiversity research.
Iwokrama Forest is situated in the heart of Guyana's interior,
bordered by the Essequibo River to the east and the Siparuni
River to the west, forming part of the larger Guiana Shield—a
Precambrian craton with ancient rock formations dating back over
2 billion years. The terrain is predominantly lowland tropical
rainforest, interspersed with rivers, creeks, and small
waterfalls, including the dramatic Iwokrama Mountains and Turtle
Mountain, which offer panoramic views. Elevations range from
about 50 meters (164 feet) in river valleys to over 1,000 meters
(3,281 feet) at higher points, creating microhabitats that
support diverse flora and fauna. The forest is traversed by the
Georgetown-Lethem Road, which divides it into northern and
southern zones, with the southern area designated for
sustainable timber harvesting and the northern for wilderness
preservation.
The climate is equatorial tropical,
characterized by high humidity (80–90%), warm temperatures
averaging 25–30°C (77–86°F) year-round, and abundant rainfall
totaling 2,000–3,000 millimeters (79–118 inches) annually. There
are two wet seasons (May–July and December–January) and drier
periods in between, though the forest remains lush due to its
location in the Amazon basin's watershed. This consistent
moisture supports the dense canopy and understory, but it also
makes the area prone to flooding in low-lying regions.
The Iwokrama Forest has been inhabited by Indigenous peoples, primarily the Makushi and Arawak, for thousands of years, who used the area for hunting, fishing, and spiritual practices. European exploration began in the colonial era, but the forest remained largely untouched until the 20th century, when logging and mining interests emerged. In the 1980s, Guyana's government, recognizing global deforestation concerns, proposed dedicating the area for sustainable management during preparations for the 1992 Rio Earth Summit. The Iwokrama Act of 1996 formalized the IIC as an autonomous institution, partnering with the Commonwealth Secretariat and local communities to demonstrate tropical forest sustainability. Early efforts included zoning the forest into sustainable utilization (29%) and wilderness preserve (71%) areas, with Indigenous involvement in governance. The 1990s saw baseline biodiversity studies, while the 2000s focused on ecotourism development, such as the Iwokrama River Lodge. Recent history includes FSC certification renewal in 2025 for ecosystem services, marking a first for verified claims in forest management.
Iwokrama is a global biodiversity hotspot within the Guiana Shield, supporting over 500 bird species, 420 fish, 90 bats, and iconic mammals like jaguars (Panthera onca), giant river otters (Pteronura brasiliensis), and harpy eagles (Harpia harpyja). The forest harbors healthy populations of Guyana's flagship species, including black caimans, arapaima fish, and primates such as red howler monkeys. Flora is equally diverse, with towering hardwoods like greenheart (Chlorocardium rodiei) and mora (Mora excelsa), alongside epiphytes, orchids, and medicinal plants used by Indigenous communities. Baseline studies from the 1990s, such as those on vertebrates, confirmed its importance for conservation, with rare and threatened species thriving due to low human disturbance. The forest's intact ecosystems support complex trophic interactions, from pollinators to apex predators, making it a key site for studying neotropical biodiversity.
Iwokrama operates under a unique governance model, with the IIC as an independent entity fostering partnerships between the Guyanese government, international organizations, and local Indigenous communities. Conservation strategies include zoning, with 71% as wilderness preserve exempt from commercial activities, and sustainable timber harvesting in designated areas under FSC certification, renewed in January 2025 for forest management and ecosystem services. Efforts emphasize community-owned solutions, such as video projects documenting Indigenous conservation practices in collaboration with groups like the North Rupununi District Development Board. International support from entities like the Commonwealth Secretariat and Tropenbos has funded research and monitoring since the 1990s. Recent initiatives include a 2025 MoU with Sophia Point Rainforest Inc. for collaborative research, education, and biodiversity protection. The forest's status as a protected area under Guyana's laws ensures rigorous monitoring, with arrests of illegal miners in March 2025 demonstrating enforcement.
Despite protections, Iwokrama faces threats from illegal mining, as evidenced by collaborative enforcement leading to arrests in March 2025 and warnings against mining access in November 2024. Overhunting, logging, and potential infrastructure development pose risks to biodiversity and ecosystem integrity. Climate change exacerbates vulnerabilities, with increased fire risks and altered rainfall patterns affecting forest health. Socioeconomic challenges include balancing Indigenous livelihoods with conservation restrictions, though community involvement mitigates this. Broader national issues, such as Guyana's oil boom, indirectly pressure remote areas like Iwokrama through migration and resource demands.
Iwokrama is a prime destination for ecotourism, offering immersive experiences in the rainforest via the Iwokrama River Lodge, which provides accommodations and guided activities. Key activities include birdwatching (over 500 species), wildlife spotting (jaguars, otters), canopy walks on the Iwokrama Canopy Walkway, and boat trips along rivers for fishing or scenic views. Cultural tours involve visits to Indigenous villages for learning traditional practices. Access is via the Georgetown-Lethem Road, with flights to nearby airstrips; tours often start from Georgetown (8–10 hours drive). Sustainable tourism generates revenue for conservation, with emphasis on low-impact visits year-round, though drier months (September–November) are ideal.
Iwokrama is a hub for tropical forest research, with baseline studies since the 1990s on biodiversity, climate, and ecosystem services informing global conservation strategies. Collaborative projects, such as those with Operation Wallacea, monitor vertebrates and reproductive patterns in bats, while ethnobiological research documents Indigenous knowledge. The forest's intact ecosystems enable long-term studies on trophic interactions and sustainability, with data contributing to Guyana's national biodiversity reports. Recent research includes community-owned videos on conservation solutions, presented at international forums like COP29 in 2024. Its scientific value lies in demonstrating integrated management, influencing policies on rainforest governance worldwide.
As of August 2025, Iwokrama has seen several developments. In August 2025, the IIC signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Sophia Point Rainforest Inc. to enhance scientific research, education, and biodiversity conservation through joint initiatives. In July 2025, Iwokrama commended Guyana's Global Biodiversity Alliance Initiative, aligning with national efforts for sustainable development. Earlier, in March 2025, collaborative enforcement arrested illegal miners, reinforcing protections. January 2025 marked a milestone with the first-ever verified claim for ecosystem services under FSC certification. In November 2024, Iwokrama warned against mining incursions, denying access through the forest. At COP29 in November 2024, Indigenous voices from Iwokrama highlighted sustainable models. These events underscore Iwokrama's ongoing commitment to conservation amid external pressures.