The Iwokrama International Centre for Rain Forest Conservation and Development has once again secured its Forest Stewardship Council certification, following an annual surveillance audit carried out in October 2025.

The certification confirms that the Iwokrama Forest continues to meet the highest international standards for sustainable forest management. Iwokrama also retained FSC status for two ecosystem services — biodiversity conservation and recreational tourism — a distinction that remains unique in Guyana and the wider Caribbean.

The latest audit found no major breaches of FSC requirements for ecosystem services, providing independent confirmation that the Centre’s forest management practices remain in line with strict environmental, social and economic standards.

In a statement, Chief Executive Officer Dane Gobin said the achievement reflects years of consistent work. 

“The Centre is proud to have maintained its FSC certification,” he said, noting that Iwokrama was the first organisation in Guyana to achieve the standard in 2008. 

“I am happy to see that other operators have followed the Centre’s footsteps, so there are now four FSC forest management certificates in Guyana.”

Anne-Marie Ford, head of the certification team, said the result also highlights the Centre’s broader vision. 

“This achievement not only validates Iwokrama’s commitment to sustainable forest management but reinforces our innovative approach to integrating ecotourism and world-class research for lasting ecological and community impact,” she said.

Iwokrama’s forest management certificate was formally renewed in January 2026, marking uninterrupted certification since October 2016. FSC certification is widely regarded as the gold standard for forest management and is increasingly required by international markets seeking assurance that forest products come from responsibly managed forests.

During the October audit, assessors issued three observations and one minor corrective action — findings that the Centre said are a normal part of the auditing process and did not threaten its certification status.

The assessment examined all aspects of Iwokrama’s operations against Guyana’s Interim National Standard for forest management, which includes 10 principles, 70 criteria and more than 200 indicators. These standards require full compliance with national laws and forestry regulations, including the Guyana Forestry Commission’s Codes of Practice.

Iwokrama also acknowledged the continued support of the Government of Guyana, as well as its local partners, including the North Rupununi District Development Board, for their role in supporting sustainable forest management in the region.