Belize - A Developing Democracy with Conservation Challenges
Belize, a young democracy, gained independence from Britain in 1981. With a stable economy and diverse natural features, around 36% of the country is protected. However, deforestation poses a threat, especially in lowland and coastal areas. The Belize Project from 1989 to 2014 saw success in expanding protected areas but introduced new challenges. Initiatives like CSFI focus on conservation efforts and infrastructure investments to safeguard key areas. The country faces development-conservation conflicts amid rapid changes, emphasizing the need for sustainable practices.
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Presentation Transcript
Belize Case Study Introduction
A small, young and still developing democracy ~ 300,000 inhabitants became independent from Britain in 1981 only English-speaking country in Central America also part of the Caribbean stable democracy; currency pegged to US$ (1 US$ = 2BZ$) very diverse in natural features and history
Belize is still fairly intact when compared to neighboring countries Approximately 36% of the country is under some form of protection 55-60% under natural vegetation cover Opportunities to create biological corridors between protected areas (but not for long)
Forest cover: Belize and Guatemala
Development-Conservation conflicts
Deforestation is accelerating, mostly in lowland and/or coastal areas. Shipstern Lowland seasonal and evergreen forests at great risk of disappearing.
The BELIZE PROJECT 1989 2014 From 88 km2of protected areas to 235 km2: a conservation success with many new challenges !
CSFI: challenges Corazal Sustainable Future Initiative Honey Camp and Freshwater Creek: under CSFI's protection, the budget has nearly doubled to US$230,000 / year National Park and Forest Reserve: Infrastructure investment estimated at min. US$ 200 000.- Corridors to connect the three protected areas, which will involve land acquisition (in progress) Attempt to save two key areas West and North of Shipstern Nature Reserve. Estimated investment: US$5 000 000.-
