Ecotourism in Belize 2: Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary (CBWS)
Case Study C0075
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| Date | 1994 |
| Agency | Belize Audubun Society (BAS) |
| Project type | Implemented by agency |
| Context(s) | Protected area |
| Geographic coverage | Belize |
| Locality | Maya Center and Maya Mopan communities |
| Biodiversity focus | Ecosystem/landscape |
| Development focus | Local communities |
| Conservation goals | Protect the jaguar (Panthera onca), the local watershed, and the ecosystem generally |
| Poverty reduction goals | Promote nature-based tourism in order to improve the national and local economy |
Summary
Belize is a small Central American country with a low population density. In part because of this low density, a significant portion of Belize’s terrestrial and marine area remains in a natural state, to the benefit of both biological diversity and the tourism dependent on natural attractions. Aside from tourism, the primary economic activities include agricultural production, fishing, and forestry. According to World Bank statistics of 1993, Belize is a middle-income country with per capita gross national product estimated at US$2,010.
The Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary (CBWS) was initially established as a forest reserve in 1984 and has since been expanded and converted into a wildlife sanctuary. The CBWS, which is managed by the Belize Audubun Society (BAS), was primarily established to protect the jaguar (Panthera onca), the local watershed, and the ecosystem generally, but management objectives include the promotion and facilitation of nature-based tourism in order to improve the national and local economy. In 1993, 3,255 foreigners and 783 Belizeans visited the sanctuary to take nature walks, watch birds, and attempt to view the elusive jaguar. Maya Center and Maya Mopan are Mayan communities that primarily rely on agricultural production. Local tourism facilities are limited to a craft center and small general store. Tourism in Maya Center is focused on CBWS.
Conservation impact
Tourism related benefits have been an important factor in increasing support for conservation amongst local communities.
Poverty reduction impact
Tourism generated significant direct economic benefits for local residents in Maya Center. 67% of households in Maya Center reported a positive direct economic impact from tourism in CBWS. In particular, people in Maya Center benefit from non-wage jobs and other income genereting activity, reflecting the fact that most tourism benefits in this community stem from handicraft sales.
Strategy for Conservation/Poverty Linkages
Local employment/job creation
Reference 1
Lindberg, K., Enriquez, K., and Sproule, K., 1996, 'Ecotourism Questioned: Case Studies from Belize' Annals of Tourism Research 23(3):543-62
Reference 2
http://www.belizeaudubon.org/html/parks/cbws.htm
More information
http://www.jaguarssp.org/pdf/Action_Belize/ostro_silver.pdf
http://www.snre.umich.edu/ecomgt/pubs/bascm/complete.pdf
Similar record to this one:
- Ecotourism in Belize 3: Manatee Special Development Area (Manatee SDA) (Case study C0076)