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The Belize Network of NGOs (BNN) is welcoming the conservation agreement between the Government of Belize and the Turneffe Atoll Trust, calling it an important step in protecting Turneffe Atoll and the marine resources that support Belizean livelihoods. The agreement, signed on August 19, protects about seventeen thousand acres of Government-owned land at Turneffe Atoll for permanent conservation. Dr. Elma Kay, Board Chairwoman of the Belize Network of NGOs, says the agreement is a milestone worth celebrating and explains why BNN believes the protection of Turneffe Atoll is important.
Dr. Elma Kay, Board Chairwoman, BNN of NGOs: “I think our mangrove ecosystem is one of the most precious and overlooked ecosystems of all the coastal ecosystems that provide so many benefits to Belizeans, you know, whether it’s by acting as nurseries for the fish in the reef and keeping reef health to being able to safeguard people during storms and things like that. And so, you know, whether directly or indirectly it is part of our well-being, our economy and all of that. And it’s a sensitive system. It’s a system because our coastal systems are under a lot of pressure for development this is incredible. It’s 17,000 acres that have now been protected permanently in perpetuity and for conservation which also means that they can continue to feed the tourism industry, can continue to protect Belizeans. So this is really an incredible achievement and I think what is so amazing is that it’s in perpetuity. For BNN we are super proud of our members, the Turneffe Atoll Trust and the Turneffe Atoll Sustainability Association because of their involvement in this landmark effort with the Government of Belize to come to this agreement and to be able to safeguard these systems for generations to come.”
BNN says protecting Turneffe is important not only for the environment, but also for people who depend on the area for their livelihoods, including those involved in fishing and tourism. The agreement also provides two-point-two million dollars for the University of Belize to establish a marine research facility at Turneffe Atoll. Valdemar Andrade, Executive Director of the Turneffe Atoll Sustainability Association, explains why protecting the seventeen thousand acres is important, while ensuring that the area can continue to support sustainable economic activity.
Valdemar Andrade, Executive Director, TASA: “From the Turneffe Atoll Sustainability Association side, you know, we really would like to ensure that we turn the Turneffe Atoll Trust who has been championing this land trust from 2020, you know, so they have been working at this for a long, long time. And I think it is very much a landmark approach to how you do protection but while still ensure that you are supporting economic development at the end of the day. While Elma highlighted that the entire 17,000 acres of mangroves protects sea shore in this case it protects the entire Belize city and surrounding which is our biggest economic center and our biggest populated center. Additionally it provides food security for or Conch, lobster and fin fish for the entire nation in terms of economic value and also in terms of just sustenance. What Dr. Hayes has worked into the entire protection this time is the protection of the flats fishery industry. And I think it is important for people to understand that flats fishing is a high value low impact source of tourism and also a source of income. Many people who are employed in this industry are being paid a high wage or a living wage instead of just getting a job they’re actually earning a quite significant amount of money from doing this. And many people participate in this as a guest that comes to Belize.”
With the agreement now signed, BNN says the next step is making sure the agreement is properly implemented so that Turneffe Atoll remains protected while continuing to benefit the people and businesses that depend on it.
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