Sustainable tourism as a tool for conservation and protection of the Amazon rainforest in Guyana?

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate the potential of sustainable tourism as a vehicle for the protection and conservation of the Amazon rainforest in Guyana through an overview of the current status of the industry and initiatives that are employed. Design/methodology/approach – The paper examines the development of community‐based tourism, protected areas, birding tourism, utilisation of protected areas for research and development through initiatives by the government, non governmental organisations and private individuals. Findings – The paper concludes that sustainable tourism can be used as a vehicle for protecting the Amazon rainforest in Guyana as long as mechanisms are in place to ensure that it is developed in a manner that does not destroy the forest and the biodiversity but ensures the well being of the communities that it supports. Practical implications – The paper will benefit tourism officials as well as persons within the field of conservation and environmental management. It will provide them with a framework of the current policies and initiatives and the future plans for the rainforest and its stakeholders. Originality/value – Guyana has embarked on the promotion of the low carbon development strategy which has its genesis in sustainable development and protection of the rainforest. Thus, the paper will prove to be a very valuable resource for scholars, researchers, tourism and environmental practitioners.