Guyana’s 1st Bird Guide Accreditation Programme launched

The South Rupununi Conservation Society (SRCS) in collaboration with the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) has launched Guyana’s first-ever Bird Guide Accreditation Programme — a monumental step toward strengthening the tourism sector and elevating bird-guiding standards nationwide.

This landmark initiative represents Guyana’s first formal system for recognising bird-watching expertise, designed to raise guiding standards, enhance skills at every level, and support the rapid growth of avitourism.

With more than 800 recorded bird species, including globally unique species such as the Red Siskin and 47 Guiana Shield endemics, Guyana stands as a world-class birding destination. This programme strengthens the future of local guides and supports the continued growth of nature-based tourism.

In a statement, SRCS extended congratulations to newly accredited guides; National Accreditation: Ron Allicock, Leon Moore, Wally Prince; Regional Bird Guide Accreditation: Leroy Ignacio (SRCS), Asaph Wilson (SRCS), Jeremy Melville (SRCS), Kenneth Butler, Ashley Holland, John Christian, Pooran Ragnauth, Gray Sway, and Neil Allicock; and Local Bird Guide Accreditation: Kenneth Mandook

This programme is being implemented by SRCS, led by SRCS Technical Advisor Neal Miller, with partnership oversight by the GTA.

The training modules were developed by Dr. Brian O’Shea, Samantha James, and Alyssa Melville.