The CI-Guyana Tourism Portfolio

Leveraging Tourism for PA Development

Dianna Darsney2nd Global Tourism Workshop

September 5 – 12, 2006Costa Rica

The Context: CI-Guyana

Masakenari

UECCKanuku Mountains

Geographic foci: Three main HBWAs where CIG works– Kanuku Mountains– Upper Essequibo Conservation

Concession– Masakenari

Tourism as an underdeveloped sector in Guyana …

…But there is interest.

Rewa Community Eco-lodge Ecolodge constructed as part of VCIF Lodge facilities include three traditional

benabs, as well as bathroom and kitchen facilities, and common meeting areas

Functional community management committee/leadership oversight

Challenges: product development; capacity building; marketing

Next Steps: photovoltaic system; refrigeration; landscaping; business training

Kanuku Mountains 1.2 million acres; home to 18

Amerindian communities; provides habitat for 70% of all mammals and 53% of all birds known to exist in Guyana.

Proposed PA site; CI-Guyana appointed as lead agency

‘Small Grants’ program providing funding for enterprise development

Challenges: diversification; large scale advisory service and technical assistance; leveraging tourism for PA development and support

Masakenari: Wai Wai COCA 196 individuals holding absolute title to

1.5 million acres of pristine rainforest Decision to manage land as a

community-owned conservation area (COCA); management plan in development

High level of interest in tourism development

Challenges: expectations management; dealing with remoteness; identifying alternative options to finance the COCA.