| The Wai Wai, known as ‘Children of the Forest’ inhabit the tropical rain forest in the deep south of Guyana and their presence is essential if intrusions by illegal loggers and diamond miners from Brazil are to be prevented.
Some years ago Major General Joe Singh, then commanding the Guyana Defence Force, asked JBS if SES could assist the Wai Wai with a medical expedition. This resulted in a number of expeditions being sent in to assist the Wai Wai and thus ensure they remained in this little known region. One project involved the delivery of a grand piano for their Church, which was filmed for the BBC.
Following severe flooding, the Wai Wai moved their main village from the banks of the Essequibo River to a nearby hilltop where they now live.
Thanks to General Joe, an American charity, Conservation International, donated a large amount to turn the tribal area into a protected region.
Although there is a short airstrip that the Wai Wai can use near their village, this is an expensive way of bringing in essential supplies. Thus the Wai Wai have asked JBS to locate and survey a 40 mile trail from the nearest road head for a tractor and trailer. The region is hilly, dense jungle and it will be an interesting challenge. At the same time the wildlife of the region (including jaguar, puma, caiman, deer, tapir, monkeys, bird life, reptiles and fish) will be catalogued.
A team of up to 12 persons will be in the field for around 3 weeks, living on dried and canned food and sleeping under nets in hammocks or small tents. Conditions will be tough and volunteers need to be reasonably fit. It will be hot, humid and malarial! All should be self sufficient and compatible. Language is not a problem as many Wai Wai speak some English. The team will fly into Georgetown (capital of Guyana) and then by chartered plane to an area near the start of the trail.
For more information contact Expedition Base on 01747 853353.
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1st Oct 2010 - 16th Oct 2010 Duration: 15 days
