And other April 2022 updates…

Welcome to the first update from the Sophia Point Rainforest Project. We will use this blog to provide updates on our progress toward building a transformative education, research and conservation organisation in Guyana.

Partnership with the University of Guyana

In December 2021, Sophia Point and the University of Guyana celebrated the signing of a 10-year partnership aimed at supporting students to access and better understand Guyana’s biodiversity. Vice Chancellor Dr Paloma Mohamed spoke of her excitement for the future collaboration between the two organisations. You can watch the full session here.

Leading Guyanese experts join the Board, and Mackey joins the team

Sophia Point is delighted to add two new trustees with decades of experience to the board.

Dr Gyanpriya Maharaj is a leading ecologist in Guyana and the current Director of the Center for the Study of Biological Diversity. She will act as a critical link between Guyanese students and practitioners and the Sophia Point Rainforest Research Centre.

Mr René Edwards is the Director of Field Implementation at Conservation International, Guyana and brings a depth of experience in community engagement to Sophia Point. He will play a vital role supporting Sophia Point’s aims to link local with global and to humanise science.

Rodwell Mackey, a Bartica native, has joined the team as the new caretaker and boat driver at Sophia Point. A carpenter, former soldier and all-round handy man - as well as laying a claim to being the most popular man in Bartica - Mackey is already proving an asset to the Sophia Point team.

Priya, René, and Mackey

Community introductions

Co-founder David Lammy and Director Sam Airey made their first introductions with important local partners.

Regional Democratic Chairman, Kenneth Williams, was delighted by the prospect of Sophia Point supporting Bartica’s vision to become a sustainable town. River’s View village leader (Toshao), Melena Pollard, spoke of her hope that Sophia Point can help inspire young people from surrounding communities to continue their education beyond high school.

Next steps for Sophia Point

Thanks to the immense support from funders and partners over the last 18 months, Sophia Point is now ready for the next phase of delivering on its mission: to transform education and conservation of Guyana’s rainforest.

Centre Director, Sam Airey, has now moved to Guyana to oversee the establishment and construction fo the centre on site. With the purchase of our Sophia Point boat, the arrival of PhD students, and field trips on the horizon, the future is busy and exciting for the Sophia Point team!