A Formal Partnership between APAMO and B.T.B.

Anthony Mahler

A memorandum of understanding has been signed between APAMO and the B.T.B. to bridge the gap between the environmental N.G.O.s and the tourism sector. After numerous site visits and continuous talks, a formal partnership was created between the tourism industry and the biggest umbrella of protected areas N.G.O.s in Belize. Following the signing, a seventy-five thousand dollar cheque was also handed over to APAMO.

Anthony Mahler, Minister of Tourism

“It’s a simple concept for me. The natural resources that we have along with the diversity of our culture, the natural resources those are the base or provide a base for the tourism industry. Without the magnificent marine resources that we have and the flora and fauna that we have, we would just be another destination. But god blessed us with wealth untold and now we, as people, have to manage those resources that we were blessed with.”

Jose Perez

Jose Perez, Executive Director, APAMO

“This is unprecedented, this is historic that just a couple months after the minister had taken office, we actually had a forum right here. It’s been about a year now and this is the fruits of that meeting. And so many speak, but the action is always missing and it comes late. Today is a testimony of that commitment by your ministry, by B.T.B., by your staff that you really embrace the N.G.O. community, the non-state partners who have been stewards of protected areas for decades.”

Evan Tillett

Evan Tillett, Director of Tourism

“With the vision of fostering growth of the dynamic Belize tourism product for everyone to enjoy, the B.T.B. is actively engaging its partners and stakeholders via execution of innovative strategies, partnerships to market, develop and enhance the tourism sector. There is a need to incorporate eco-tourism for economic well-being with our many communities by supporting the growth of our environmental N.G.O.s.”