Belize World Heritage site will make the danger list

Turning to the issue on World Heritage sites, the director Francesco Bandarin has sent a letter to Belizean Ambassador, Bassam Freiha, informing him that the Belize Barrier Reef System be inscribed on the UNESCO danger list. The executive summary states that “there is apparently no difference in treatment of areas within and outside of the World Heritage property except for three of the seven components which are managed as national parks…and the government appears to be managing mangrove islands as unprotected national public lands, and not as a part of the world heritage property. As a result, the government has been selling and leasing mangrove islands, though apparently, quite a lot of development on the islands already existed at the time of inscription. The business as usual scenario cannot continue without irremediably compromising the property’s Outstanding Universal Value.” This issue came up today at the sitting of the house and Deputy Prime Minister Gaspar Vega, placed the blame squarely on John Briceño, who was Minister of Natural Resources at the time leases were given.

Gaspar Vega, Deputy Prime Minister
“The significant outcome of the report is that Belize may be considered for immediate inscription on the list of world heritage in danger. The past administration and principally, I must stare at him and say the Honourable Johnny Briceño, Leader of the Opposition for now, under his stewardship embarked on a self-destructive program to deprive and to rob. Yes, literally rob the people of this country and the world in extension in the sale and granting of leases in these precious sites. Who advised the minister who made this was a very concerned person and it was not just a regular public servant; it was then the Commissioner of Lands and not even that stopped that minister.”