News
HRH hosts a reception for the Iwokrama International Centre for Rainforest Conservation and Development
22nd June 2007
The Prince of Wales hosted a reception for the Iwokrama International Centre for Rainforest Conservation and Development at Clarence House today and met volunteers, trustees and supporters.
The Prince has been Patron of Iwokrama since he visited the dense rainforest in Guyana on an official tour in 2000.
The Iwokrama International Centre was established 11 years ago to manage one million acres of the Iwokrama rainforest.
The rainforest was gifted by Guyana to the Commonwealth in 1989 for the purpose of research into global warming. The forest is part of the Guiana Shield, one of the last four intact rainforests in the world.
Since its formation in 1996, the Centre has provided Guyana with a growing international reputation as a pioneer in the field of sustainable use of rainforests and community relations.
The Iwokrama rainforest highlights how tropical forests can be conserved and sustainable methods used to bring ecological, social and economic benefits to local, national and international communities.
Television presenter June Sarpong, who was at the reception, is working on a film for Iwokrama which is helping to manage one million acres of rainforest in the South American country.
June said: "When we talk about climate change, we tend to think of it in ways that relate to the West - such as turning your lights off or driving a Prius.
"I think we have to look at other areas that are being affected."
Nancy Dell’Olio, Baroness Amos, Iwokrama's director-general Dr David Singh, plus Guyana's Minister of Amerindian affairs, Carolyn Rodriguez, were among the 70 guests, including volunteers and supporters, at the reception.
For further information about Iwokrama visit www.iwokrama.org.