Georgetown : Renowned climate scientist and Nobel Peace Prize winner Dr. Rajendra Kumar Pachauri was last evening installed Chairman of Guyana’s international rain forest conservation, research and development centre Iwokrama.
The installation took place on the lawns of State House where a reception hosted by President Donald Ramotar was held for Dr. Pachauri who had earlier travelled to the centre for a tour and meeting with the staff.
The centre was described as one with enormous potential by Dr. Pachauri who is no stranger to Guyana.
“Having been there today (Iwokrama)… I feel that this is something that should be known, not only to this region, not only to Guyana. It’s a remarkable imagination that has driven what we find as the Iwokrama initiative. I think it has to be known all over the world,” Dr Pachauri said.
President Donald Ramotar who regarded Dr. Pachauri an esteemed scientist and friend of Guyana said, “we are delighted and honoured that Dr Pachauri has agreed to lead Iwokrama in the years ahead.”
Dr. Pachauri was himself pleased to lend his expertise to Iwokrama, supporting the call for strong leadership for climate justice and working along with countries like Guyana that are willing to forge alliances in this regard.
“When it comes to climate change, and creating a low carbon future for our country, Dr. Pachauri is one of those global leaders,” President Ramotar said.
He is joined by Guyana’s former President Bharrat Jagdeo who authored the country’s Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) and who has gained international acclaim for his advocacy role. In 2010 the United Nations Environmental Programme conferred him the Champion of the Earth and Times Magazine named him a Hero of the Environment in 2008. He also serves on the board of the Global Green Growth Institute.
The centre was established in 1996 under a joint mandate from the Government of Guyana and the Commonwealth Secretariat to manage the Iwokrama forest, reserve of 371,000 hectares of rainforest. The canopy walkway is one of its most distinguished features.
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