The
walkway was funded by the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA). This
state-of-the-art canopy walkway cost US$180,000 and its
unique construction allows trees to grow normally by using adjustable
cables and braces throughout the support structure. It is
constructed of aluminium and is suspended by steel cables and built to Canadian
outdoor specifications and standards by Greenheart Construction Company of
Canada. It is the only tourist canopy
walkway in the Guiana Shield.
The walkway is
owned by Iwokrama International Centre and managed by
Community and Tourism Services (CATS). This partnership brings
together an NGO (Iwokrama), the indigenous Makushi community of
Surama and two private sector companies :
Rock View Lodge and
Wilderness Explorers.
Iwokrama's aim is
for this facility to improve and expand the forest-based tourism product by
providing a unique attraction that will enhance the marketability of the tourism
product of the Iwokrama Forest and Guyana in general. The secondary aim is
to provide research access to the forest.
