Kanashen Amerindian Protected Area

Kanashen is Guyana’s newest and largest protected area, covering about 3% of the country’s land area. It is home to the Wai Wai people, and is the only indigenous-owned territory in the protected area system. Located at the southern tip of Guyana, this remote landscape is dominated by Amazonian forests and an interesting mix of animals, including giant bird-eating tarantulas the size of dinner plates, grunting tiger-striped catfishes and almost 350 species of birds. The community’s role as owners and managers of the area represents a new and innovative approach to conservation in Guyana.