An outline plan for the care of Wapichan territory in Guyana.

The outline plan for the care of Wapichan territory in Guyana is a document of the indigenous peoples of the South Rupununi. The purpose of the plan is to conserve Wapichan territory along with the taapiki kida (spirit masters) of the various games, fish, bird, the various timber species and all small insects and all living things found in the rivers, creeks, lakes, mountains, hills and forests. This Plan lays down targets: (i) to achieve the legal recognition of Wapichan territory; (ii) to strengthen the Village Councils to protect the land and natural resources that they depend on; (iii) to assist the communities on how to use the land for the benefit of the present and future generations.
The plan lays down priority activities in the fields of health, food security, education, cultural integrity, and sustainable livelihoods. The vision of this Plan are set out, as follows: (I) to live together on their traditional lands as Wapichannao and to legally own and control all types of lands and waters, and all other resources within Wapichan territory; (II) to freely use forests, farmlands, fishing grounds, hunting and gathering grounds and bush islands and share them among the villages; (III) to make their rights to govern and care for Wapichan territory through their own institutions to be adopted by the government; (IV) to use Wapichan territory in a sensible and sustainable manner according to their customary laws and traditional practices; (V) to live communally and help each other through their traditional activities, including farming; (VI) to protect traditional knowledge and pass them to future generations; (VII) to provide good primary and secondary education with Wapichan teachers; (VIII) to make their economy stronger with new markets for their products, and to provide jobs in harmony with their customs and traditional practices and a better standard of living for all Wapichannao.
Forest conservation and management will be strengthened in a sustainable manner for the benefits of present and future communities. Customary laws and new actions and Village Rules will be adopted to allow the communities to continue to use the Reserve for traditional practices, including hunting and fishing. Forest areas and resources will be used for generating sustainable income for their communities. Measures will be taken to keep forests whole and healthy in order to sustainably use game animals, wildlife and useful materials as well as clean water and clean air. Agreed hunting reserves, multiplying grounds and sensitive sites, close seasons and hunting bans will be respected by everyone. Habitats of rare birds like the harpy eagle and cock-of-the-rock will be protected. Forests will be protected from harmful development activities, such as destructive logging and mining. Sawing timber for sale or trapping wild animals in the forest shall be subject to a permission from the Village Councils responsible for the area. Bush islands will be protected for western savannah communities who depend on them for food and to make a living. Over-used bush islands will be restored by planting useful trees and by rotating farming areas around different bush islands. Customary sharing of bush islands for hunting, gathering and farming will be continued between neighbouring communities, in line with village rules and intercommunity agreements. Farming will not be allowed in bush islands or areas of bush island protected as community reserves. Fire control and prevention will be strengthened in or near bush islands reserves. Hunting and multiplying grounds and wildlife sites in mountain areas will be protected. The villages and communities of Wapichan wiizi will not allow any outsiders to hunt, fish or graze cattle on their savannahs.
Water resources will be protected to keep waters healthy and clean for their communities, fishes, wildlife and livestock. The safety of drinking water will be tested regularly. Creeks, rivers, springs, watersheds, wells and boreholes will be protected from harmful development activities and pollution. Prior approval for any taking of sand and gravel extraction from creeks and river banks will be given by the Village Councils.
Alien fishes or genetically modified fishes will not be permitted to be used in fish farming projects. Fishing gears will be used in creeks carefully not to block the whole width for long time. Fish habitats and multiplying grounds, including spawning grounds, will be protected. The health of fishes in the territory will be monitored. Measures will be taken to increase the abundance of fishes in rivers. Fish farming options will be explored to supplement natural fisheries and generate income.
Farming will be carried out by using traditional knowledge. The tradition of planting many different crops, using natural fertilizers and rotating farms in near and far bush areas will be maintained. Farming grounds will be shared customarily between villages. Food production will be intensified to meet family and community needs. Measures will be taken to conserve soil fertility and health. New ways to improve yields, control pests, process crops and preserve traditional foods and drinks will be explored. The traditional practice of organic farming will be continued. The safe use of farm chemicals will be promoted. Cattle breeds and ranching businesses will be improved to create jobs, increase self-sufficiency and raise the standard of living of communities. More families will be encouraged to rear cattle/other animals to reduce hunting pressure on game animals. Animal health and care will be improved through better practices and veterinary care. New markets will be developed for beef and other meat products.