Will Bauer Flats located east of Placencia and Hopkins Village in Belize has been saved!
In February of 2024, The Belize Flats Fishery Association (BFFA) along with many Belizeans and in support of local and international stakeholders joined forces to save several industries that depend on biological diverse areas.
The cause was to primarily save an that contributes to a US120 million dollar flats fishery industry that benefits local Belizeans with over 4,000 jobs countrywide. The group made several protests at Will Bauer flats and through social media and tvtalk shows to voice the need to make better decisions and halt one of many unsustainable development projects in Belize.
In late August, Angelfish Caye LLC Eco-Resort and Private Residential Development was wisely stopped and placed into an acquisition process for a larger socio-ecological benefit. This bold decision by the Government of Belize shows a decision to produces a balance between conservation and coastal development. Only ecologically and healthy areas generate opportunities of income in terms of jobs and profits to many business, locally and internationally.
Other than flats fishing guides, the win is for everyone! An example that must be followed country-wide, especially in areas where fishing and tourism generate employment, food security and a large portion of GDP and economy for Belize. The lobster, conch and finfish fishery sector requires space of healthy seagrass, coral reef, mangrove and flats (sandy-muddy) ecosystems altogether to function and produce benefits as fishery product. The tourism sector also requires the same ecosystems to sustain snorkeling, diving, reef fishing ("recreational fishing"), and also marine wildlife (e.g. Manatees) to produce a quality and high standard tourism product. Hence, Belize must redirect and concentrate its conservation efforts and projects in coastal areas where most of these activities are concentrated and vulnerable to human (development) and natural impacts (climate variability/change).
The Belize Flats Fishery Association extends a warm thanks to ALL supporters on and off the scene, and especially the Government of Belize for saving its environment and economy.
Some supporters of BFFA to mention a few:
Belizean stakeholder community (In social media and pro-activeness)
Belize Territorial Volunteers
Belize Game Fish Association
Hopkins Fishermen Association
Blue Horizon Fishing Lodge
El Pescador Lodge and Villas
Blue Bonefish Lodge
Belizean Non- Governmental Organizations
Oceana
Crocodile Research Coalition
Belizean Co-Mangers
Southern Environmental Association (letter of support)
International Support
Bonefish & Tarpon Trust
Flylords
Bonefish on the Brain
Yellow Dog Flyfishing (Resharing of posts)
Others Belizean supporters:
Belizean Guides & Fishermen
Community members who came out to defend the flats at Will Bauer & Cayo Rosario
Belize Flats Fishery Association Members
Media Outlets especially: 7 News Belize, XTV Belize, Hopkins Village FB
Belizean general public
SOURCES OF INFORMATION:
BFFA Blogs
BFFA Campaign on Change.org
BFFA on Local News
1st trip to Will Bauer Flat with 7 News
2nd trip to Will Baur Flat
Belizeans Interviewed at 2nd Trip
Minister’s Review of the situation:
1st Statement from Hon Hyde
Area Rep Statement Hon Ferguson
Latest Statement from Hon. Hyde
Note: Kindly inform us if we did not mention any group above.
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