The Iwokrama International Centre for Rainforest Conservation and Development has signed a multi-year conservation agreement with Beharry Holdings Inc (BHI) to support biodiversity protection and related programmes, the Centre said on Monday.
The grant agreement, first announced during Iwokrama’s 30th anniversary celebrations on May 18, 2026, was formally signed on Monday. Funding will be provided annually, with initial support directed toward the Centre’s biodiversity monitoring programme.
Future allocations will be determined jointly by Iwokrama and Beharry Holdings and are expected to include education and public awareness initiatives, scientific research, and community engagement.
Iwokrama Chief Executive Officer Dane Gobin said the agreement represents the largest private sector contribution in the Centre’s history.
“The Centre is grateful for the support of Beharry Holdings Inc. which is the largest local private sector contribution in the Centre’s history,” Gobin said, adding that the partnership reflects growing recognition of biodiversity conservation as Guyana expands economically.
He also urged other private sector entities to support the Centre’s work, noting its role in advancing the government’s Global Biodiversity Alliance initiative.
The announcement comes weeks after Iwokrama was ranked among the world’s top 50 eco-tourism destinations.
Beharry Holdings Chairman Suresh Beharry said the partnership reflects the company’s long-standing ties to Guyana and its commitment to balancing economic growth with environmental protection.
“For nearly nine decades, the Beharry Group has grown alongside Guyana, and we recognise that our country’s future prosperity must be balanced with the protection of the natural assets that make Guyana unique,” he said.
He described Iwokrama as a “globally respected model” for conservation, sustainable development, and scientific research.
Iwokrama also acknowledged the Government of Guyana’s continued support, as well as the contributions of its staff and the North Rupununi District Development Board (NRDDB).
