OCEANA Examines Blackadore Caye Project

Alyssa Carnegie

Almost two weeks ago, on January fourteenth, a first round of consultations was held with residents and stakeholders in San Pedro over the Blackadore Caye Tourism Project. The mega eco-tourism development, owned by Leonardo Di Caprio, includes the construction of villas across a massive platform that stretches in an arc over the water. But the island, at least the waters around it, falls within an area that was recently placed under the protection of the Hol Chan Marine Reserve and fishermen believe that their livelihood and the habitat are under threat. At the consultation, despite support coming from Tourism Minister Manuel Heredia, residents were primarily concerned about the development and have launched a petition to stop the project.  Today, we asked Communication Director Alyssa Carnegie about OCEANA’s take on the project.

Alyssa Carnegie, Communications Director, OCEANA Belize

“We are taking an active look. We actually don’t have enough information yet. There is a lot that we are still very much look at. I mean we are concerned about any type of development that happens, but for sure we will be looking at it and as soon as we have a position, we’ll let you know.”