Guyana’s plans to place approximately 3.7 million acres of pristine forest in the Acarai-Rupununi corridor under permanent conservation are expected to create further opportunities for sustainable tourism, particularly in the country’s growing birding sector.
Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Susan Rodrigues, highlighted the potential impact of the initiative while speaking at a recent Bird Accreditation Ceremony.
Minister Rodrigues noted that President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali announced the proposed conservation initiative during the United Nations 30×30 Leaders Event.
According to the minister, the designation could effectively double the amount of Guyana’s land placed under permanent conservation and make a significant contribution towards the country’s commitment to protecting 30 percent of its land and waters by 2030.
Rodrigues said conservation remains central to the development of Guyana’s tourism sector, emphasising that the two areas can advance together rather than compete.
“Conservation and tourism are not in competition with each other. Guyana’s tourism product came out of our conservation efforts,” the minister stated.
She added that while Guyana’s physical landscape continues to evolve, including through the development of modern infrastructure, the fundamental purpose of its tourism sector will remain centred on the country’s natural environment.
The minister also stressed that Guyana is not seeking to develop a mass-tourism model. Instead, the country is pursuing sustainable tourism that protects its forests, rivers, savannahs and wildlife while offering visitors meaningful experiences.
Rodrigues further pointed to Guyana’s role as the founder of the Global Biodiversity Alliance, describing biodiversity conservation as an important part of the country’s broader development and tourism agenda.
Guyana Tourism Authority Director Kamrul Baksh said the expansion of protected areas would provide direct benefits to the birding industry by helping to preserve pristine natural habitats.
He noted that birdwatching is a low-impact tourism activity that is closely aligned with conservation and can provide economic opportunities for communities while encouraging the protection of natural ecosystems.
Baksh said the Guyana Tourism Authority will continue to develop specialised tourism products and strengthen the training of professional guides, enabling visitors to explore the country’s natural assets while creating greater opportunities within the tourism sector.
The proposed conservation area is therefore expected to further strengthen Guyana’s positioning as a destination for nature-based and sustainable tourism, while supporting efforts to preserve the country’s rich biodiversity for future generations.