Georgetown: The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) Guianas recently finalised a GY$2.3 M grant for the Protected Areas Commission (PAC) to strengthen its capacity. The seven month grant will facilitate the PAC’s improved management at Kaieteur National Park (KNP) and address some of the challenges which threaten the park’s integrity. It will also aid in fostering community development at Chenapau Village.
The grant will finance the hiring of a new KNP Site-level Manager, who is expected to take up a permanent position on PAC’s payroll following the expiration of the grant. The new Manager will supervise KNP Wardens, oversee the Park infrastructure and equipment, and manage threats to the Park. The grant will also strengthen linkages with and increase income generation opportunities within the Chenapau Village, the Patamona community neighbouring KNP. The Park Manager will frequently visit Chenapau Village in order to foster improved communications and a better relationship with residents and the Village Council. The project will also enable training for Chenapau residents in the development and sale of locally made products to the Park. At the end of the grant the Manager will submit a report on recommendations for improvement of KNP.
In addition to this recent grant WWF Guianas is working in partnership with the PAC on several initiatives for KNP namely: designing an exhibit for the Park’s Visitors Arrival Centre; finalising the Park’s revised management plan; conducting joint Village meetings to foster good relations between the Village and KNP; planning for trail restoration and maintenance; architectural designs for rehabilitation of the guest house and staff quarters; tour guide training for interested individuals from the nearby indigenous villages of Chenapau, Karisparu, and Paramakatoi; biodiversity surveys within the Park and upper Potaro River basin; and assessment of gold mining impacts within and surrounding the Park.
The KNP, originally established in 1929, is the oldest Park in South America and is the location of the country’s premier tourist attraction, the iconic national symbol – the Kaieteur Falls, one of the world’s most powerful waterfalls.
The PAC was established at the end of 2012 with the enactment of the Protected Areas Act, 2011. The PAC has the overall responsibility for the Guyana National Protected Areas System (NPAS), which includes the KNP, approximately 35 of the NPAS.
About WWF Guianas
WWF Guianas is part of one of the world’s leading conservation organizations with a mission to stop the degradation of the earth’s natural environment and to build a future in which humans live in harmony with nature. The Guyana office has five (5) areas of focus namely: Land Use Planning and Protected Areas, Payment for Forest Carbon and other Environmental Services, Promotion of Responsible Small-scale Gold Mining, Sustainable Fisheries, and Communication and Education. Learn more at www.wwfguianas.org.
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