Iwokrama, Sophia Point Rainforest sign biodiversity conservation pact

The Iwokrama International Centre for Rain Forest Conservation and Development has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Sophia Point Rainforest Inc. to collaborate on biodiversity conservation and climate change initiatives.

The agreement signed covers among other things the strengthening scientific research capacity, enhancing education and knowledge sharing, promoting biodiversity conservation, and facilitating staff and technical exchange initiatives, a release said.

Iwokrama’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Dane Gobin, noted that the centre is pleased to have partnered with Sophia Point to promote biodiversity conservation and research in Guyana.

“Iwokrama is recognised globally for decades for its science and sustainable conservation practices and is happy to collaborate with research institutions around the country and have existing MoUs with EMC Foundation/Saxacalli Rainforest Centre, GMCS/Imbotero Research Centre and The University of Guyana. This MoU with Sophia Point will help to strengthen this partnership between the institutions which also lends support to Guyana’s environmental efforts including the Low Carbon Development Strategy,” he noted.

Sophia Point Chair of Trustees and Co-Founder, Nicola Green, said the agreement comes at a critical time for Guyana.

“Together, we have a unique opportunity to deepen scientific research, protect our rich biodiversity, and build national capacity in support of Guyana’s Low Carbon Development Strategy,” she emphasised.