Natural Resources Management to be Discussed in Upcoming Ninth Symposium

Roberto Pott

While the focal point of this weekend’s conservation efforts is on water and its importance, a seminar will be held next Wednesday to take a critical look at natural resources management.  According to Roberto Pott, the symposium will be a gathering of like minds to examine issues, including trans-boundary and protected areas concerns.

Roberto Pott, Healthy Reefs Initiative

“This is ninth Natural Resource Management Symposium that we will be hosting next Wednesday, the twenty-fifth.  It’s something we’ve been doing in partnership with the University of Belize and it’s intended to bring professionals, students and even lay people involved in Natural Resource Management.  And that’s a very broad area and it’s an opportunity for the experts to share their research and work and for them to interface with both students and stakeholders involved in natural resource management.”

Isani Cayetano

“What are some of the salient points to be discussed during this symposium?  I know it’s overall, the idea or the theme natural resource management but what are some of the specifics in terms of maybe issues of concern at the moment?”

Roberto Pott

“Well, this year the theme will be looking at balancing ecological and social systems for sustainable management of trans-boundary issues in Belize.  And trans-boundary not only looks beyond the borders of Belize, we know we have territorial issues but it’s looking outside of protected areas, boundaries you have between protected areas and maybe even cattle ranching which is an issue we recently heard of in Crooked Tree.  We’ll have a big contingent from the jaguar research group in Belize that will be sharing their work and I think it’s an opportunity for people to come out and learn what’s the recommended management practices in dealing with some of these issues to avoid conflict and for sustainable use not only to protect species or animals but for the survival of our communities.”