1 Spring 2025: Sustainability in Guyana

Environmental Sociology (SOC S382)/Ecological Anthropology(ANTH E-328)/Global Connections (INTL I220)

March 12, 2025 -March 22, 2025

IU East students travelling abroad to Guyana. The students arrived at Herdmanston Lodge around 1:15 am, March 14th 2025.

Students went for a boat tour on Mohican River, where they saw river otters, howler monkeys, and Guyana’s national bird. Students also visited three of Dr. Mohammad’s family members/friends homes. Students then visited a Hindu temple and participated in a Holi celebration.

Students had a breakfast of boiled and fried ground provisions, eggs, pepper pot, sausages, and papaya at Iwokrama River Lodge and Research Center. Students then enjoyed a boat ride over the Essequibo River before hiking five miles into the Iwokrama Forest. Students then overcame nearly 1000 feet of steep, slippery terrain to the summit of Turtle Mountain to see a view of the forest. Students then participated in a class about Iwokrama, conservation, and sustainable use. Finally, the students went nocturnal wildlife spotting at the end of the day.

Students engaged in a class where they learned how to test water parameters and PH levels. Then, students enjoyed a demonstration on the Essquibo River. Finally, the students participated in a class on forestry and a trip to the Iwokrama Mill Site.

Students travelled from Iwokrama to Sarama. Students also visited Canopy Sky Bridge at Atta Lodge on the way from Iwokrama to Sarama. Then, students visited the Bina Hill Institute and learned from students about local lifestyles. Finally, the students took a tour of their facilities and gardens.

Students explored outside of Saruma to visit a local farm! There, students picked and peeled cassava. Afterwards the students had lunch with Peace Corp members. Then, students enjoyed dinner with the former vice president of Guyana.

Students travelled from Surama to George Town. During their travels, students visited Peter & Ruth Restaurant where they saw an agouti. Then, students enjoyed Georgetown’s night life with a group dinner in the city’s mall.

Students enjoyed tourist shopping and met some of Dr. Mohammad’s family members. Afterward, the students took a boat to Fort Island. There, they engaged in lftar breaking fast of Ramadan at the Anne Catherina Islamic Complex.

After their trip, the students were featured in a local newspaper article.