Smithsonian visit in March – Guyana

In March, Smithsonian’s Conservation Commons sent a delegation to Guyana to reinforce existing collaborations and explore new opportunities to continue and expand support for conservation and sustainable development in the region. This re-energized initiative builds on three decades of research and capacity development via the NMNH Biological Diversity of the Guiana Shield Program. Mike Braun, NMNH; Brian Coyle, Conservation Commons; Steve Canty, Smithsonian Marine Station; and Matt Lutkenhouse, Office of International Relations and Conservation Commons, met with leaders and staff of the Iwokrama International Rainforest Center for Conservation and Development; the Mangrove Restoration Project; Conservation International; WWF Guyana; the South Rupununi Conservation Society (SRCS); the Guyana Environmental Protection Agency; the Ministries of Indigenous People’s Affairs, Agriculture, State and Infrastructure; the Guyana Tourism Authority; University of Guyana; artisans; and leaders of several communities and eco-lodges in the Rupununi Savanna. It was an exciting visit to an area of amazing natural beauty and wonderful people. We look forward to working with our partners on exciting new opportunities.