The Kanuku Mountain Community Representative Group has responded to the call to be guardians of that area, protecting and preserving ancient indigenous traditions and the environment
By Venessa Deosaran
The natural resources of the Kanuku Mountains and the
The group supports the preservation of indigenous culture
surrounding area have been used in a sustainable manner by the Wapishana and Macushi people for many years.
These indigenous groups have been stewards of this area for hundreds of years, and their wise use of the resources have contributed to the maintenance of the rich natural heritage of this landscape.
The vast Kanuku Mountains are located in the heart of the Rupununi savannahs and is the most ecologically diverse area in Guyana. At least five of the South American giants live in the Kanuku Mountains: the Harpy Eagle, Black Caiman, Giant River Otter, Arapaima fish and the Giant Anteater. The way of life of the indigenous people is closely linked to the mountains; it is their source of sustainable livelihoods.
The traditional practices and invaluable knowledge of the Macushi and Wapishana peoples are pivotal to the sustainable use of resources in the area.
However, there are several threats to biodiversity and to the integrity of the area. In recognition of the global biodiversity value and the emerging threats, Conservation International (Guyana) has been engaging the relevant stakeholders, including the nearby communities to establish a protected area in the Kanuku Mountains. The aim is for the rights and traditions of the indigenous communities be respected, while a balance of sustainable use and conservation would be applied to allow future generations to benefit from the resources of the mountains.
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This is where the KMCRG comes in. The group consists of community leaders from 11 Amerindian villages and 7 satellite communities in the proposed Kanuku Mountain Protected Area (KMPA). These communities support a number of common goals such as those to contribute to decision-making and strategic planning for KMPA, to monitor and evaluate its performance, to provide advice and recommendations to the KMPA process and those involved on impacts on the community, and to advise on quality performance in relation to conservation.
The group has been registered as a Friendly Society since December 2, 2009 but since 2003, it has been playing a key role in the KMPA process. It was deeply involved in the delineation and management planning for the KMPA, which was facilitated by Conservation International.
KMCRG aims to support and uphold activities that encourage and ensure the participation of community members in the management of natural resource and social development of their own societies.
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It has a wide-ranging set of activities such as organizational development and capacity building in the community. Improving the physical infrastructure and communications, skills training in income generating activities, agricultural and food processing development, natural resource management and environmental awareness, traditional knowledge and crafts development, and community tourism development are just some of its mandate.
Holding events and creating markets for local products, youth leadership and development, and advocating the group’s work through the print and electronic media are other areas within which the group remains active.
Members of the group work closely with a number of national and international, government and non-governmental organisations, all of which share the group’s commitment to conservation of natural resources and social development of indigenous communities. (Taken from Guyana Times Sunday Magazine)
