Co-Management Project

In April 2000, the Belize Audubon Society (BAS) through a grant from the European Union commenced the implementation of a four (4) year project entitled “The Development of Two Wildlife Sanctuaries as Centres for Co-management of Protected Areas in Belize”.

The overall objective of the project is to ensure that the biological diversity and ecological integrity of Belize's ecosystems are protected, sustained, and restored. It is important to note that biodiversity and ecological integrity also encompass the social dimension, as human resources are an essential constituent of a healthy environment and its effective management. Although the project covers two pilot sites, Cockscomb Basin and Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuaries, the purpose is singular: to involve relevant stakeholders in ecosystem's management in order to promote biodiversity and ecological integrity through sustainable development activities. These development activities are geared toward the buffer communities of both pilot sites. In Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary the buffer communities include Maya Center, Maya Mopan, Georgetown, San Pablo, Red Bank, Santa Rosa and San Roman. In Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary the buffer communities include Crooked Tree Village, Biscayne, Maypen, Gardenia and Lemonal.

The project consists of six thematic areas:

1. Development of a management structure for the protected areas (incorporating communities).
2. Establishment of economic demonstration projects (for communities).
3. Implementation of resource management training (with communities).
4. Development of a monitoring and enforcement pilot programme (with communities).
5. Strengthening of BAS's networking capability.
6. Implementation of Education for Sustainability (EfS) activities in the buffer communities.

Current Status

The co-management project is currently in its final year of implementation. Over the past three years, the project has developed a management structure that incorporates the buffer communities at an advisory level. This has been achieved through the establishment of local advisory committees (LACs) and regional advisory committees (RACs) at both pilot sites. Through this mechanism, the communities are now actively participating in the development of new five-year management plans for both protected areas. The management plans will be completed by December 2004.

The demonstration projects developed under the project include the Cashew Producers Cooperative, the Maya Mopan Honey Cooperative, the Maya Center Women's group Craft Shop, and the Fish Farming initiative. However, feasibility studies are currently being conducted for a couple more demonstration projects – a tour guide association and a cacao cooperative.

Later this year the communities will be participating in several activities that include natural resource training and water quality monitoring training. An environmetal fair will be held to create an opportunity for the buffer communities to familiarize themselves with the major environmental organizations in Belize - their missions, objectives and possible benefits that can be derived through collaboration.