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Belize’s Protected Areas System Governance Model

Belize’s Protected Areas System Governance Model. IUCN World Conservation Congress Jeju , South Korea September 10 th , 2012. Nellie Catzim Executive Director Southern Environmental Association. Introduction. BELIZE Caribbean coast of Central America

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Belize’s Protected Areas System Governance Model

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  1. Belize’s Protected Areas System Governance Model IUCN World Conservation Congress Jeju, South Korea September 10th, 2012 Nellie Catzim Executive Director Southern Environmental Association

  2. Introduction • BELIZE • Caribbean coast of Central America • (combines both Caribbean and Latin • characteristics) • Population of ~ 350,000 inhabitants • Diverse in culture and ecosystems ranging • from tropical rain forests, pine savannahs, • coral reefs • BBR (2nd largest barrier reef in the • world) center of the country’s tourism • industry • Economy is based on services (tourism) and • agriculture and fisheries IUCN World Conservation Congress, 2012

  3. Protected Areas in Belize • Network of 94 protected areas covering 26.2% of the national territory • 36.4% of Terrestrial and coastal areas • 13.6% of marine • Multiple Governmental and Non-governmental Organizations responsible for • PA Management • varied approaches – delegated co-management (NGO’s & CBO’s) • responsible for day to day management of the sites • enforcement • public use • education and outreach • scientific monitoring and research • Tool: Signed Co-management agreements IUCN World Conservation Congress,, 2012

  4. Governance Structure NGO’s & CBO’s NGO’s & CBO’s NGO’s & CBO’s IUCN World Conservation Congress, 2012

  5. Is it working? In general … YES … • NGO’s provide: • human resources required • access funding needed • Participatory approach of key stakeholders • Government authorities provide: • Enforcement support • Limited financial support IUCN World Conservation Congress,, 2012

  6. Strengthening Governance • Administrative and Legislative review: • Overall management structure: increasing communication among government agencies • Harmonizing all relevant legislation • Forest, Fisheries, Finance, Lands, Environmental, Mines and minerals, etc. • Implement the legal framework to legitimize co-management • Addressing financial sustainability: • strengthening the national trust fund IUCN World Conservation Congress,, 2012

  7. Challenges • Standardization: organizations’ capacities vary • Sustainable development (servicing the country’s debts) • Financial sustainability (equitable distribution) • To strengthen management effectiveness • Instituting clear criteria for co-management & evaluation of effectiveness • Collectively determine financial needs and identify mechanism to improve financial management Opportunities IUCN World Conservation Congress,, 2012

  8. Lessons learned • Legal framework • Financial commitment • Building trust among partners • Participatory approach to decision making IUCN World Conservation Congress, 2012

  9. Thank You.

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