Conservation and Sustainable Use of the Belize Barrier Reef Complex Project
Case Study C0194
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| Date | 2004 |
| Agence | UNDP |
| Agence de distributeur | GEF Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Cooperatives, Belize Coastal Zone Management Authority (CZMA) |
| Type de projet | Implemented by agency |
| Circonstance | Protected area Productive landscape |
| Couverture géographique | Belize |
| Foyer de biodiversité | Marine and coastal ecosystems |
| Foyer de développement | Local communities |
| Buts de conservation | Protect Belize Barrier Reef and its biodiversity |
| Buts de réduction de pauvreté | Develop alternative sustainable livelihoods opportunities and improve community involvement in the management of the Barrier Reef |
Résumé
Belize is home to the Belize Barrier Reef, the largest barrier reef in the Western Hemisphere and the second largest in the world. The coast and reef provide a habitat for numerous species of coral, reef fish, mammals and resident and migratory birds. In 1996, the Belize Barrier Reef was declared a World Heritage Site. Belize’s main economic activities are agricultural cultivation and related processing; harvesting of forestry products; harvesting and production of marine products; and tourism. These activities are often carried out in a unsustainable way and, as a consequence, all protected areas in Belize are facing increasing pressures from a number of sources. On the marine front, both commercial and residential development are leading to mangrove destruction, dredging, erosion and silting. In addition, fishing and tourism are particularly significant impactors on the marine environment.
The Conservation and Sustainable Use of the Belize Barrier Reef Complex Project was set up in response to the many threats posed to the the country's coastal zone by economic activites in general, and by the expansion of Belize’s coastal population and by a massive increase in visitor numbers in particular. The Conservation and Sustainable Use of the Belize Barrier Reef Complex project builds on a broad range of previous and current UNDP and GEF assistance to Belize, starting in 1990 when a Coastal Zone Management Unit was established and made operational under the Department of Fisheries. The unit’s activities were funded by the GEF in 1993. Following the success of this five-year pilot programme, further funding was granted by the GEF, resulting in the Conservation and Sustainable Use of the Belize Barrier Reef Complex project. The project, which spans five years (1999-2004), seeks primarily to protect the country’s natural resources through research, policy formulation and the sustainable management of some designated areas. In terms of local benefits, the project aims to improve community involvement in planning and management of conservation area and to develop alternative livelihoods. However, it should be noted at the outset that many of the project’s activities were at the policy and institutional level. Their intention (which in large measure has been accomplished) was to create an enabling environment through which coastal resources could be protected. Sustainability of project activities and strengthening of human and institutional capacities were identified by the project as key activities for its success.
Impact de conservation
There were few demonstrated improvements in local access to marine resources as a result of the creation of the network of the Marine Protected Areas. However, there are potentials for improvement where effective management leads to long-term improvements to fish stocks.
Impact de réduction de pauvreté
Many people have moved from fishing, towards tourism-related activities. However, this increase in sustainable livelihoods opportunities would have probably happened in any case. The project clearly demonstrated improvements to physical capital, with five MPA ranger stations built and furnished and MPAs equipped with boats, engines and dive equipment. At least 30 people in 3 Coastal Advisory Committees were trained in leadership and conflict resolution skills; additionally, at least 10 rangers were trained in enforcement duties and boat and engine maintenance. These improvements in human capital have contributed to improve the sustainability of resource management on the island.
Stratégie pour les interactions entre conservation et pauvreté
Enabling local participation in policy-/decision- making processes
Sustainable Use
Référence numéro 1
http://www.gefonline.org/projectDetails.cfm?projID=592
Référence numéro 2
http://www.gefweb.org/MonitoringandEvaluation/MEOngoingEvaluations/MEOLocalBenefits/LocalBenefitsCaseStudies.html
Related records above this one:
- United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) (Organisation O0146)
- Global Environment Facility (GEF) (Organisation O0026)