APAMO wants dialogue with government
The umbrella for Non Governmental Organizations APAMO, has been vocal of late regarding the management contracts of reserves around the country. The issue became paramount when SATIIM was denied renewal of its management contract of the Sarstoon Temash National Park after it raised concerns of seismic testing within the area. APAMO says it was quick to call for a meeting with the Prime Minister, who has not returned its calls. The group held its annual general meeting last week Thursday and its coordinator, Yvette Alonzo said that they have come up with a set of pronouncements they intend to discuss with G.O.B.
Yvette Alonzo, Coordinator, APAMO
“The government follow the National Protected Area System protected plan which provide the guidelines for the management of protected areas and calls for the use for the co-management as a effective way of–or tool of the protect areas and calling an emergency meeting with the rest –the commission to address urgent issues, endorsed the national co-management frame work that have been established to stop development or non-sustainable development within the protected areas mainly the marine or coastal areas, adopt and formalize the coastal zone management plan.”
Jose Sanchez
“In regards to SATIIM and its management contact, any word?”
Yvette Alonzo
“Well, we understand that SATIIM has met with the Prime Minister and some resolutions were arrived at but we haven’t receive any formal notices as to what these have been but to in the case of APAMO we still need to address those other issues that are affecting our protected areas which include co-management of not only SATIIM but other areas that are at risk at the moment, as well as developments within coastal areas among others.”
Jose Sanchez
“How about the clearing at Victoria Peak?”
Yvette Alonzo
“Well, B.A.S. is trying to address this as effectively as possible. In terms of APAMO, all we’re asking is the government compile with the regulations and what these regulations stated there when it comes to extracted within a protected area.”
Greg Ch’oc of SATIIM was unavailable today for comment on the discussions with the Prime Minister.
