Guyana
In 2018, I embarked on a journey to the lush landscapes of Guyana as part of my final field course with Miami University. Guyana is a remarkably intact and biodiverse nation in northeastern South America, where rainforests cover an extraordinary 80% of the country and are considered one of the last four Frontier Forests in the world. During our exploration, we encountered a variety of captivating wildlife. We trekked through the forest to find the brilliantly colorful cock-of-the-rock, helped a three-toed sloth cross the road, and discovered tarantulas during a nocturnal hike that challenged and heightened our senses. We experienced torrential downpours and watched seeds travel in the flowing water that followed these rains, witnessing firsthand how this natural process aids in seed dispersal. Our adventures included boat rides, hikes, and bumpy car rides through mud, rain, dirt, and more mud, immersing us fully in the rugged beauty of Guyana's environment. Most importantly, we had the privilege of meeting with experts in the field of conservation who are leading the charge to protect Guyana's wildlife. Their use of traditional ecological knowledge, community involvement, and a strong commitment to research left me feeling inspired and hopeful. The dedication of these conservationists to safeguard their country's biodiversity was truly remarkable. This experience not only deepened my appreciation for the natural world but also reinforced the importance of concerted efforts to preserve it.
Traditional Knowledge and Conservation
Immersed in the natural beauty of Guyana, we engaged with leaders in local conservation, including the Iwokrama International Centre, North Rupununi Makushi communities, and rangers in Kaieteur National Park. During our discussions, we delved into the root of a significant conservation issue: defaunation. Unlike many other countries, Guyana's primary concerns are not habitat loss and fragmentation. Logging practices here are relatively sustainable, and the presence of natural patches of open savannah means forests are not being clear-cut for agriculture. However, despite the lush and seemingly pristine environment, these forests are becoming increasingly void of wildlife. Overhunting, poaching, and capture for the pet trade have significantly reduced wildlife populations. This sobering reality underscored the urgency of conservation efforts.
The Iwokrama International Centre for Rainforest Conservation and Development is a renowned institution dedicated to the preservation and sustainable management of tropical rainforests. The Centre conducts extensive biological research to catalog and monitor the myriad species within the reserve, providing invaluable data that informs conservation strategies and helps track the health of the ecosystem over time. They also seek to demonstrate that it is possible to harvest forest resources in a way that maintains ecological balance. Through selective logging practices and sustainable harvesting of non-timber forest products, Iwokrama aims to create economic opportunities for local communities while ensuring the forest remains intact and healthy for future generations. Perhaps most importantly, Iwokrama places a strong emphasis on involving local and indigenous communities in its conservation efforts. They work to develop sustainable livelihoods that are compatible with forest conservation, utilizing educational programs and capacity-building initiatives to help locals gain skills in sustainable practices, thereby reducing pressure on the forest and enhancing community welfare.
North Rupununi Makushi Communities
The North Rupununi Makushi communities in Guyana play a crucial role in conservation efforts, blending traditional knowledge with modern practices to preserve their unique environment. These communities, situated in a region rich in biodiversity, are deeply connected to their natural surroundings, and their conservation activities reflect this bond. Makushi communities actively participate in monitoring the health of their ecosystems by collaborating with organizations such as the Iwokrama International Centre and other NGOs to conduct research on local flora and fauna. They have long practiced sustainable management of their natural resources, ensuring that their activities do not deplete the environment. Using age-old techniques, they regulate the harvest of wildlife and fish, ensuring populations remain stable, while employing rotational farming methods that allow forest areas to regenerate, preventing soil degradation and maintaining biodiversity. The Makushi people possess a deep understanding of their environment, passed down through generations. This Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) is invaluable for conservation, recognizing the importance of certain species and habitats that are critical for the health of the broader ecosystem and aligning agricultural and hunting activities with natural cycles to avoid overexploitation.
Kaieteur National Park is a critical area for conservation efforts in Guyana and is home to a diverse array of flora and fauna, including many endemic and rare species. The park's initiatives include preserving the natural habitats—rainforest, savannas, and riverine ecosystems—within the park and conducting regular surveys and research to monitor the populations of key species. This helps in understanding species dynamics and implementing appropriate conservation measures. At the same time, they have implemented patrols and surveillance to prevent illegal hunting and poaching of wildlife and have strict fire management projects to prevent wildfires from destroying large tracts of the forest. They are also actively raising awareness and educating the public about the importance of conservation by engaging local schools with educational programs and field trips to the park, while conducting campaigns to inform the broader public, all with the hopes of instilling a conservation mindset across generations. These efforts not only safeguard the park's ecosystems but also contribute to global biodiversity conservation and climate resilience.
The Next Photography Challenge
After my first successful trip abroad with a camera in hand (Kenya), I was filled with excitement to delve back into nature and capture the beauty of another country and its stunning wildlife. We ventured deep into the dark, dense, and wet forests, hoping to catch glimpses of elusive wildlife hiding in the distance — conditions that posed significant challenges for any photographer. The thick canopy of the rainforest often blocked out much of the natural light, making it difficult to achieve proper exposure. The humidity and constant threat (and presence) of rain added another layer of complexity, as I had to constantly ensure my equipment was protected. These new environmental hurdles forced me off the safety of automatic settings and thrust me into the intricacies of manual mode. I found myself fumbling through adjustments of shutter speeds, aperture, and ISO, each change a desperate attempt to capture the breathtaking beauty that surrounded me. Despite the numerous frustrations and countless failed attempts, each successful shot felt like a hard-earned victory. Every time I managed to capture an image that even remotely reflected the stunning reality before my eyes, I was elated. The experience was a steep learning curve, but it was also immensely rewarding. It taught me the importance of patience, adaptability, and the technical skills needed to thrive as a photographer in such challenging environments.
