Glossary

The terminology used for different protected areas can be quite confusing. Here is are simple definitions of common terms:

Archaeological Reserve
An area reserved for the protection of archaeological and historic resources.

Forest Reserve
An area reserved to ensure the productive capacity of the forests for both goods and services is maintained or enhanced for the sustainable development of the Belizean people.

Marine Reserve
An area reserved for the protection, research, recreation, education, and controlled extraction of marine and freshwater species and their habitats.

National Park
An area reserved for the protection and the preservation of the natural and scenic values of for the benefit and enjoyment of the general public.

Natural Monument
An area reserved for the protection and preservation of nationally significant natural formations of special interest or unique characteristics in order to provide opportunities for interpretation, education, research and public appreciation.

Nature Reserve
An area reserved as a scientific reserve for the protection of habitat, biological communities, or species and to maintain natural processes in an undisturbed state in order to have ecologically representative examples of the natural environment available for scientific study, monitoring, education, and the maintenance of genetic resources.

Protected Area
A protected area is an area set aside for the preservation and protection of highly important natural and cultural features. It has regulated scientific, educational and recreational use.

Wildlife Sanctuary
An area reserved for the protection of nationally significant species groups of species, biotic communities or physical features of the environment requiring special human manipulation for their perpetuation.

For a comprehensive listing of all the protected areas in Belize, please refer to the Protected Areas Conservation Trust website www.pactbelize.org