THE World Wildlife Fund (WWF) last Thursday signed a grant agreement with the North Rupununi District Development Board (NRDDB) for a sum of G$7,066,200, aimed at supporting the NRDDB’s project to promote sustainable community-based livelihoods with butterfly production in Guyana.

Dr Patrick Williams, WWF Country Manager (at left) hands over grant documents to Mr Vincent Henry, Executive Director of the NRDD. Looking on are Dr Raquel Thomas representing Iwokrama.

The project is also supported by the Iwokrama International Centre (IIC) as a collaborative partner.

This project follows on the heels of the recently concluded three-year Darwin Initiative funded project entitled “Biodiversity and sustainable development of butterfly production in Guyana”, which ended in June 2009.

The current project is expected to build on the achievements of the Darwin project with some of the main collaborating partners including the IIC, NRDDB, University of Warwick and University of Guyana.

Pointing to the multiple benefits of the project, NRDDB Executive Director, Mr Vincent Henry, noted that it is expected that sustainable utilisation of the natural resources will improve the socio-economic situation in Region 9 and will promote local peoples’ desire to keep their natural environment intact and free of chemicals such as pesticides and fertilisers which are common threats in many areas.

Kawa Amazonica – the butterfly farm and house located in Fair View village within the Iwokrama Forest, will serve as a hub for community based butterfly export businesses, a training centre and tourist attraction, and are meant to benefit the livelihoods of the communities in the North Rupununi, according to WWF Country Manager, Dr Patrick Williams.

Dr Williams noted that this project is considered important to the North Rupununi, where there is a need to conserve local biodiversity, particularly in its wetlands.

“Developments in this region are occurring rapidly and the recent opening of the Takutu Road Bridge and continued improvements of the Guyana – Brazil Road will open the area to various environmental impacts,” he noted, adding that changes such as these will have ecological consequences for these areas.

It was observed that many communities are self sufficient, relying on livelihoods such as subsistence farming, fishing, gathering and hunting. However, with increased expectations for their children’s education and increased material needs such as improved non-traditional housing and transport, many young people leave their communities for employment and often engage in activities such as logging, mining or the service industry.

It is expected that the butterfly project can promote an alternative and sustainable livelihood option in the region.

The main goal of the project is to improve employment opportunities for interested communities of the North Rupununi by enhancing their capacity to manage their businesses with the sustainable utilization of butterflies. One major expectation to arise from this project, Dr. Williams outlined, is the export of butterfly pupae, which can serve to generate income from overseas markets. It is also expected that the butterfly farming activities here will promote ecotourism and related butterfly crafts in the region, he concluded.