… to boost training for alternative livelihoods
The World Wildlife Fund (WWF), last Thursday formalized a $10M agreement with the Toshaos of Batavia, Region 7 and Kwebanna of Region One to provide assistance to their communities.

This agreement builds on a previous project in sustainable forest resource use, done in collaboration with the British High Commission and Guyana Forestry Commission.

WWF officials – Ms. Janice Bollers, Forestry Officer (left) and Dr. Patrick Williams, WWF Country Director, Guyana (right) present equipment to Toshaos of Kwebanna and Batavia as part of the assistance package.

The aim of the initiative is to further promote sustainable alternative

livelihoods in Batavia and Kwebanna.

Consequently it is expected to reduce dependency on logging and promote production of value-added timber products such as doors and mouldings, and the utilization of timber waste.

Also included in the initiative is promoting the use of non-timber forest products (NTFPs) such as nibbi and kufa. Other practical small enterprises to be supported are aquaculture, poultry rearing and sewing.

Most of WWF’s assistance entails the provision of equipment and relevant training. Equipment to be provided to each community includes sewing machines, a generator, power tools, and hand tools. Some of the training will be conducted by specialised companies such as Liana Cane, which specialises in nibbi and kufa furniture. In addition, a six week training course in sewing will be conducted in both villages.

It is hoped that in promoting alternative income generation to these two communities, more people would move away from the more extractive and less sustainable activities such as the felling and sale of logs.

WWF has been encouraged to continue its work in these communities following the successful completion of the previous project and the enthusiasm of the villagers in pursuing more sustainable livelihoods.