FAO Feature Story

Empowering women to conserve wildlife: a model for sustainable development in the Rupununi

By Gillian Smith, FAO Representative in Guyana

A group of young girls head to a river to release turtles as part of an initiative by Caiman House Inc. and Yupukari Village to boost turtle populations in the Rupununi region of Guyana.

FAO/Luke McKenna

11/03/2025

In the heart of Guyana’s Rupununi region lies a unique story of balance — between nature and human communities, tradition and progress, and conservation and sustainable livelihoods. This vast and pristine landscape, often referred to as the “Land of Giants” for its healthy populations of large-bodied neotropical species, holds the key to a future where wildlife thrives alongside empowered communities. Central to this vision is the role of women in driving sustainable wildlife management and community development.

The Rupununi is a region of breathtaking beauty. Rolling savannahs, majestic mountains, and lush waterfalls form the backdrop of a rich tapestry of biodiversity. It is also home to approximately 24 000 people, predominantly from three Indigenous groups, whose lives are intertwined with the wildlife and ecosystems around them. Wildlife provides these communities with food and income, while also holding deep cultural significance. However, the delicate balance between human needs and wildlife conservation is increasingly under threat. Addressing these challenges requires innovative solutions, and women are at the heart of this transformation.

The Sustainable Wildlife Management (SWM) Programme, supported by the European Union and implemented by a dynamic consortium of four partners, including the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), has been working to develop such solutions in fifteen countries. In Guyana, FAO supports the Centre for International Forestry Research and World Agroforestry (CIFOR-ICRAF) in implementing this approach, which recognizes that sustainable wildlife management must be community-driven and inclusive, with women playing a pivotal role in conservation efforts.

Gillian Smith joins wildlife checkpoint rangers during a training session organized by the Guyana Wildlife Conservation and Management Commission (GWCMC) © FAO/Luke McKenna.

Women as catalysts for change

Women in the Rupununi have traditionally been custodians of knowledge, culture, and community well-being. They produce food, educate the young, and contribute to the local economy. Their involvement in wildlife conservation efforts magnifies their impact on both their communities and the environment.

To date, the SWM Programme has supported 491 women through technical training, engaged 450 girls in environmental education classes, and created employment opportunities for 177 women. These numbers are more than statistics—they represent a shift in how communities perceive the role of women in conservation and sustainable development.

In the first year of the programme, women made up only 30% of participants in capacity-building activities. By the fourth year, that number had increased to 50%, with women actively participating in environmental education, wildlife monitoring, data collection, and livelihood activities such as poultry farming and ecotourism.

Turtle conservation: a success story

One clear example of women-led conservation efforts is the yellow-spotted river turtle (Podocnemis unifilis) conservation project. With support from the SWM Programme, communities have been able to upscale hatching facilities and monitoring efforts. Lorrie Ann Thomas, a dedicated turtle conservationist, exemplifies the impact of this work.

Recognizing the importance of teaching children about natural resource management, Thomas and her team take young wildlife club members on monitoring missions. During these trips, they rescue turtle eggs from flooding beaches, teaching the children valuable conservation skills and fostering a sense of environmental stewardship.

When asked about the importance of involving more women in turtle conservation, Thomas said, “It is important to have women on board, because, as mothers, we see the need to pass on this knowledge to our children. That is important for this work to keep going.” Her work has already shown results with more turtles now basking on the sand banks than ever before.

Turtle conservationist Lorrie Thomas records data as a team member rescues turtle eggs. ©FAO/Luke McKenna

Gender-inclusive eco-tourism: a path to economic empowerment

Tourism in the Rupununi is evolving towards a more gender-inclusive model, thanks to partnerships between the SWM Programme and Visit Rupununi, the region’s first destination management organization. Over the past three years, the SWM Programme has tailored its activities to ensure women benefit equally from ecotourism-related opportunities.

To date, 109 individuals have received training in first aid, hospitality, health and safety, and business management—with 51% being women. This training has opened new doors for women in the tourism industry, allowing them to take on roles that improve their economic status and advance their education.

Removing barriers for women

The SWM Programme’s approach goes beyond training and employment. It has integrated social safeguard strategies to ensure women are involved in decision-making processes. The programme actively works to remove barriers that have historically limited women’s participation in sustainable wildlife management.

One such barrier is the lack of representation in leadership roles. By providing women with the skills and opportunities to engage in wildlife management, the programme ensures they have a seat at the table. Women like Lorrie Ann Thomas are leading the way, demonstrating that conservation efforts become more sustainable and impactfulwhen women take the lead.

A model for the future

The SWM Programme’s approach to wildlife management and community development in the Rupununi is a model that can be replicated elsewhere. By placing people’s rights at the centre of conservation efforts and recognizing the unique role women play, we can achieve conservation needs and sustainable livelihoods.

It is also a testament to the power of community-driven conservation. It demonstrates that when local communities—especially women—are empowered, they become the most effective stewards of their natural resources.

As FAO Representative in Guyana, I have witnessed firsthand the transformative impact of this programme and I am deeply grateful to the European Union for their continued support and commitment to the initiative. Together, we are building a future where wildlife and communities thrive hand in hand.

FAO Regional Office for Latin America and the Caribbean