Ecotourism in Belize 3: Manatee Special Development Area (Manatee SDA)
Case Study C0076
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| Date | 1994 |
| Project type | Implemented by agency |
| Context(s) | Protected area |
| Geographic coverage | Belize |
| Locality | Gales Point village |
| Biodiversity focus | Ecosystem/landscape |
| Development focus | Local community |
| Conservation goals | Flora, fauna, and water protection |
| Poverty reduction goals | None/Not known |
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 Manatee Special Development Area (Manatee SDA) was established in 1991 as the first of several proposed SDAs for the region. The SDA designation primarily provides a process for zoning the area for flora, fauna, and water protection; low density housing; small-scale agriculture; and commercial use. As of January 1994, there was no official management structure for the area, which, as the name suggests, is known for the manatees that inhabit local lagoons. Gales Point is a Creole village that relies on fishing, hunting, subsistence farms, and remittances from relatives working in the United States. Local facilities include homestays (bed and breakfasts), small bars and restaurants, and guides who take visitors to view manatees, sea turtle nesting sites and other natural attractions. Tourism in Gales Point is focused on the Manatee SDA.
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 Gales Point. 24% of residents in Gales Point reported a direct positive economic impact from tourism. In particular, Gales Point has a significant number of wage-paying jobs, even though these tend to be seasonal jobs.
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
Similar record to this one:
- Ecotourism in Belize 2: Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary (CBWS) (Case study C0075)