The Iwokrama International Centre for Rain Forest Conservation and Development is an autonomous non-profit institution established by Guyana and the Commonwealth.
It "exists to promote the conservation and the sustainable and equitable use of tropical rain forests in a manner that leads to lasting ecological, economic, and social benefits to the people of Guyana and to the world in general, by undertaking research, training, and the development and dissemination of technologies".
The essential objectives of the project were inter-alias, to provide support for the establishment of the -Iwokrama International Center for Rain Forest Conservation and Development[7]-, to undertake baseline studies,[8] surveys and inventories, to establish a base camp and other facilities at the Programme site, to promote and support the full participation of local communities, to prepare a draft research strategy for the Iwokrama Programme, to articulate a long-term financing plan and resource mobilization strategy.
UNDP Guyana extended additional support to the "Iwokrama Programme" by funding the “North Rupununi Poverty Eradication Project.” This initiative tackled poverty and other challenges in villages and indigenous communities in the region, enhancing their ability to support and contribute to the success of the Iwokrama initiative.
[9] Financial (or other) compensation for residents can be integral to continued community support of conservation initiatives, and can reduce the likelihood of locals leaving in search of other work in mines or other enterprises in the country.