Kanashen Community Owned Conservation Area (KCOCA) Management Plan

The Kanashen Community Owned Conservation Area Management Plan is an indigenous territorial policy framework established by the Wai-Wai community to sustainably manage 3% of Guyana's territory. Officially declared in 2007 under the Amerindian Act of 2006, this framework integrates biodiversity conservation, cultural preservation, and socio-economic development of the community through a collaborative governance approach involving the community, the Government of Guyana, and conservation organizations. The plan establishes structured programs in five fundamental areas: biodiversity conservation, cultural preservation, community development, family development, and administration, with measurable goals and a monitoring and evaluation system for adaptive implementation. This model seeks integration into Guyana's National Protected Areas System, aligning with national low-carbon development strategies and international conservation commitments.