Fisher-Folk Monitoring of Marine Natural Resources, Belize
Case Study C0187
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| Date | October 2004 |
| Agency | GEF COMPACT Initiative |
| Donor/support agency | Programme for Belize Belize Audubon Society Caribena Producers Cooperative Society Others |
| Project type | Implemented by agency |
| Context(s) | Protected area |
| Geographic coverage | Belize |
| Locality | Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System |
| Biodiversity focus | Marine and coastal ecosystems |
| Development focus | Coastal communities |
| Conservation goals | Preserve the integrity and character of the Belize Barrier Reef System |
| Poverty reduction goals | Help coastal communities to benefit from the MPAs through co-management arrangements and alternative livelihood initiatives |
Summary
Inscribed on the World Heritage List in 1996, the Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System totals 96,300 ha made up of a cluster of 7 separate marine protected areas (MPAs). The reef ecosystem is of remarkable biological diversity and beauty, and provides a habitat for many species of conservation concern. At the same time, the reef is the main souce of livelihoods for coastal communities. Initially, its importance lay in the fishing industry with a wide range of species harvested. Today, the main use of the barrier reef ecosystem is for tourism, the country’s largest source of foreign exchange. However, over-exploitation of reef resources by both the fishing and tourist industries is posing a major threat to the Barrier Reef ecosystem (e.g. nutrient enrichment from run-off containing agrochemicals; coral bleaching). In response to this situation, COMPACT* articulated its mission in the area as 'preserving the integrity and character of the Belize Barrier Reef System by developing and supporting a range of conservation and sustainable livelihood activities through transparent and democratic partnerships with coastal communities and other stakeholders'. In particular the site strategy identified a critical need to help 'enlighten resource users about the global value of the resource for which they are stewards'.
Following a difficult start, due to the complex institutional landscape characterising the World Heritage site, between 2000 and 2004 COMPACT launched a number of projects on the ground that fall into three main categories: (i) environmental education and awareness related to the barrier reef; (ii) the promotion of sustainable fishing techniques; and (iii) training fisher-folk for alternative livelihoods in the tourism sector.
* In 1999, the Global Environment Facility Small Grants Programme (SGP) joined efforts with the United Nations Foundation (UNF) to launch a partnership initiative entitled ‘Community Management of Protected Areas for Conservation’ (COMPACT). The goal of COMPACT is to demonstrate how community-based initiatives can significantly increase the effectiveness of biodiversity conservation in the co-management of globally significant protected areas by working to improve the livelihoods of local populations. (For more information on COMPACT see initiative n°36.)
Conservation impact
Fisher-folks have increasingly accepted the concept of sustainable use and have started to see themselves as stewards of the natural resources. Some fishers have also been involved in data collection and monitoring of commercial fish species.
Poverty reduction impact
Fisher-folks have started to appreciate the crucial role of closed fishing zones in boosting stocks of fishes. 12 people have completed an advanced marine tour guide training programme, thus acquiring alternative livelihood means.
Strategy for Conservation/Poverty Linkages
Enabling local participation in policy-/decision- making processes
Sustainable Use
Provision of alternative livelihoods
Reference 1
http://www.undp.org/sgp/download/publications/Partnerships%20for%20conservation%20-%20web.pdf
More information
Omar J. Gale
Tel: (501) 822 2462/822 2688
Email: gefsgp@btl.net
Related records above this one:
- Global Environment Facility (GEF) (Organisation O0026)
- COMPACT (Community Management of Protected Areas for Conservation) (Initiative I0036)