Conservation of Marine Protected Area through community participation and generation of alternative livelihoods in Toledo, Belize
Case Study C0029
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| Date | 2002 |
| Agency | Toledo Institute for Development and Environment (TIDE) |
| Donor/support agency | Oak foundation Seacology The Nature Conservancy |
| Project type | Implemented by agency |
| Context(s) | Protected area |
| Geographic coverage | Belize |
| Locality | Toledo district |
| Biodiversity focus | Ecosystem/Landscape |
| Development focus | Communities living around the marine reserve |
| Conservation goals | Conservation of the local marine habitat and manatee species |
| Poverty reduction goals | None |
Summary
Toledo district lies in south of Belize, a Caribbean state on Central America's east coast, and is one of the poorest region of the country. Main sources of livelihoods are agriculture, fishing and hunting. Over the years, factors like over fishing, use of damaging fishing methods and increase in agricultural activities have posed a threat to river and marine habitats of the area and have adversely affected the livelihoods of local people. Disappearance of species like manatee or sea cow alarmed the community, which, with the help of a grassroots level organisation called Toledo Institute for Development and Environment (TIDE), advocated for the area to be declared a marine reserve. In 2000, the government of Belize declared the area as Port Honduras Marine Reserve (PHMR) and TIDE was made its co-management authority. Demarcation buoys were put to mark the boundaries of reserve and a ranger station was built at a strategic location to stop damaging fishing practices such as the use of gill nets, cast and drag anchors, touching and removing the coral. Fishermen were provided more sustainable fishing equipment. The reserve was divided into three zones, namely general use zone, conservation zone and preservation zone. Local fishermen were trained as rangers. Tourism was promoted in collaboration with private companies. TIDETours was established to support micro enterprise and ecotourism training. So far, it has trained 50 former fishers and hunters to serve as tourism brokers in fly fishing, kayaking, scuba diving and other activities. An advisory committee for the management of the reserve has been established with the representation from local fishermen, fisheries department representatives, community members and local tour guides. It has increased community participation. Poaching of manatee is completely checked and there is an increase in incomes due to additional employment opportunities.
Conservation impact
Poaching of manatee is completely checked and local fihermen have abandoned damaging fishing practices.
Poverty reduction impact
There is an increase in incomes due to alternative livelihoods opportunities.
Strategy for Conservation/Poverty Linkages
Local conservation enterprise opportunities
Devolution or reinstatement of local rights over/access to resources
Enabling local participation in policy-/decision- making processes
Reference 1
http://www.undp.org/equatorinitiative/secondary/equator_prize2002.htm#belize
Reference 2
http://www.tve.org/ho/doc.cfm?aid=1322
More information
Toledo Institute for Development and Environment (TIDE), P.O. Box 150, 1 Mile San Antonio Road ,Punta Gorda Town, Toledo, Belize Central America, Phone: (501) 722-2274/2431, Email: info@tidebelize.org
Related records above this one:
- The Nature Conservancy (TNC) (Organisation O0078)
- Toledo Institute for Development and Environment (TIDE) (Organisation O0082)
- Seacology (Organisation O0070)