Belize benefits from regional reef project

The natural wonder that we know as the Belize Barrier Reef also forms part of related reef structure in the larger Gulf of Honduras. In the spirit of international cooperation, Belize has joined forces with three of our regional neighbors in an effort to keep that marine environment healthy. On Wednesday Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, Daniel Silva and representatives of Guatemala, Honduras and Mexico met in Tulum, Mexico where they signed a multi-million dollar proposal known as the Meso-American Barrier Reef System Document. The five-year project aims to monitor the impact of both fishing and tourism on the reefs of the four countries as well as provide educational programs for citizens. According to Minister Silva, Belize’s focus will be on the northern and southern parts of our reef and most of the 11.6 million U.S. dollars involved will be spent in Belize.

Daniel Silva, Minister of Fisheries

“Most of the resources are going to be spent here in our reserves, Gladden Split, Sapodilla, Bacalar Chico, Hol Chan. It’s a very good project for Belize and it should help us a long way with our marine resources.”

Janelle Chanona, Reporting

“Is this something that’s been in process for quite a while or is it a new thing?”

Daniel Silva

“There have been many meetings. There was one in September; I think you were there. There was one in September in San Pedro Sula and it’s a commitment that the four leaders of the countries have committed themselves to protecting the second longest reef in the Americas. It’s a great resource we have and the World Bank is contributing like 70% of it as a grant, it’s not a loan. So it’s a wonderful opportunity for the region.”

The project’s headquarters will be in Belize. Belize’s coordinator for the project will be CEO of the Coastal Zone Management Authority and Institute, Vincent Gillett. Funding for the preparation phase of the project will be provided by the Global Environment Facility, the Netherlands/World Bank Environmental Partnership Fund, the Canadian Trust, the Food and Agriculture Organization and the four countries involved. Belize’s coastline is home to about 80% of the reef involved in this project.