PACT celebrates 4 years of service

The Protected Areas Conservation Trust, better known as PACT, is this month celebrating its’ 4th anniversary. The organisation, which is primarily funded by a $7.50 fee charged to departing tourists, could have easily become just another political slush fund. But under its unique charter, PACT has stayed true to its purpose and thus far has funded 23 community based projects enhancing protected areas with a total of $700,000. As revenues increase PACT is expanding its operation and will provide around $380,000 in small grant funding this financial year. Almost a quarter million dollars each year is put away into an endowment fund. This resource, which remains untouched, will be tapped in the event of future emergencies or to supplement operations if tourism revenues should for some reason take a substantial dip.