Ministry of Blue Economy & PACT Sign Partnership Agreement

A signing ceremony took place on Monday between the Ministry of Blue Economy and Civil Aviation and the Protected Areas Conservation Trust (PACT) for the last phase of a program within Belize’s Marine Reserve Network. PACT’s Targeted Investment Program titled “Improving the Management of the Marine Reserve Network,” will be carried out by the Fisheries Department. PACT’s Conservation Investment Strategy 2018-2021 in the network includes Caye Caulker, Bacalar Chico, the Sapodilla Cayes, Glover’s Reef and South Water Caye marine reserves. It is valued at a total of one point one, five million dollars.

Andre Perez

Andre Perez, Minister of Blue Economy

“These five areas are extremely important because more and more we are seeing the increase of tourism that is coming, especially on Ambergris Caye. To give you the facts: eighty-five percent of tourists that come through the P.G.I.A. come to Ambergris Caye, so these areas are directly affected. So it means that we have to put more resources to better manage our zones that are available for tourists, particularly Bacalar Chico. It is well kept, it is well-maintained for all to see, and we want to make it good for everyone to use.”

Adriel Castaneda

Adriel Castaneda, Fisheries Officer, Belize Fisheries Department

“There are several challenges, from human resources to the financial aspect, which is what PACT is assisting us with. In the field, we have problems with infrastructure. We have major infrastructure needs that we need to replace staff quarters for example. We have needs for repair of vessels, maintenance of vessels, maintenance of engines. We’re in the process of doing management plans, which are done every five years. These are constant needs and challenges because we don’t have the personnel nor the finances to do it.”