US students gain hands-on ecology training at Iwokrama

Nine undergraduate American students representing several disciplines, including biology, environmental sciences, engineering and political science, recently participated in an intensive field-based ecology programme at the Iwokrama International Centre (IIC), gaining hands-on experience across Guyana’s diverse ecosystems.

The students visited Iwokrama and Surama Village in March 2026 as part of an Intensive Course Abroad (ICA) under the ‘Tropical Field Studies’ programme.

The course places emphasis on student experience with diverse tropical ecosystems, assessing abiotic factors and their effects on habitat structure and biodiversity, learning about important biological interactions, and consideration of human impacts on tropical forests.

During their time in Guyana, the students were exposed to various aspects of Iwokrama’s work, including the monitoring system, forestry and tourism operations, inclusive of some of the popular tours. They also participated in birdwatching with the Fair View Wildlife Club youth, tried their hand at making the local dish, roti, and visited the Bina Hill Youth Learning Centre for a student exchange.

In Surama Village, the group was immersed in Indigenous culture through activities such as farming, hiking and cultural exchanges with the Surama cultural group. They also travelled to the Rupununi Savannahs, where they encountered a different ecological landscape and new biodiversity sighting opportunities.

One student, Peyton Holmes, further shared that on March 17, 2026, his journey into ecological studies began when he stepped foot in Iwokrama River Lodge. “I was greeted by the wonderful Dr. Raquel and her Field Ranger Beckey.

As we embarked on our field studies I was taught, in a highly immersive way how to identify certain organisms by their look, feel and sound. Arriving in Iwokrama, I couldn’t tell you what brown sand, laterite, or white sand was and what makes them different. Nor could I identify a Screaming Piah or Blue Heron.

Upon leaving Iwokrama, I could. The examples given above are only the tip of the ice berg for what I learned. This course led by Iwokrama staff allowed me to expand my knowledge and experience, thus making me a well rounded student and a novice ecologist.”

Some students also experienced the Mahaica River tour, which exposed them to a coastal ecosystem and offered sightings of Guyana’s national bird, the Canje Pheasant (Hoatzin). They were also given a tour of the University of Guyana by members of the University of Guyana Student Society (UGSS).

The Iwokrama International Centre has been in continual discussions since 2024 with the Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University, based in Philadelphia, USA, for collaborations in research and training. The first collaboration began with a six-day birding tour guide training course held at the Iwokrama River and Surama Eco Lodges in January 2026.

Iwokrama Director, Resource Management and Training, Dr Raquel Thomas, expressed that the Study Abroad Programmes at Iwokrama offer a great opportunity for students and others to learn about conservation in the context of how Iwokrama manages the one-million-acre Iwokrama Forest, where the focus is on natural resource use, but in a sustainable way.

“Additionally, the people-first approach showcased by our partnerships, especially with the 20 Indigenous communities via the North Rupununi District Development Board, are crucial to Iwokrama’s success,” she said.

Professor Sean of Drexel University shared that the chance to visit and compare riverine, wet forest and savannah ecosystems was a fantastic opportunity for the students.

“Iwokrama was an excellent base for exploration and learning, and our community hosts at Surama were incredibly generous and welcoming in teaching us about their culture,” the academic noted.

Another Drexel University team is expected to arrive in June 2026 to explore possible research collaborations.
This year also marks a milestone for Iwokrama, which will celebrate 30 years since the passage of the Iwokrama Act, assented to by Dr Cheddi Jagan in May 1996.