A decade of conservation and management in Belize only in books

BFFA is in full support of guide members in northern Belize as they continue opposing the Cayo Rosario project in Ambergris Caye, which is a destructive approach that will negatively impact the Belize flats fishery and other valuable ecotourism activities. The Cayo Rosario project has been an issue of concern for at nearly 9 years (since 2017), and has a history of irregularities that have already been environmentally damaging.

Cayo Rosario in 2021 with an already impacted surrounding from hand dredging that occurs at night time.

The unsustainable project, which is similar to many other across the country (such as Blackadore Caye and Will Bauer Flats (Angel Fish Caye), is a development model that requires destruction of Belize's natural ecosystems and harms Belizean livelihoods, ecosystems and the economy. The association is concerned the lack of action by relevant authorities and departments to ensure all development projects follow due process, ensure local people's rights to secured jobs, conservation of biodiversity and violation of regulations pertaining Marine Protected Areas.

Unfortunately, many local NGOs, co-managers and government managers have not yet come together to support local stakeholders in opposition to Cayo Rosario and similar projects. BFFA calls for these organizations to join us and other local stakeholders in opposition to these damaging projects. The association questions authorities as to why the green light to allow a project continue for almost a decade with impunity - exception from punishment and allowing violation of regulations.

For almost a decade stakeholders in Ambergris Caye have been battling development projects like that of Cayo Rosario emerging from the accommodations sector of the tourism industry. Not least to mention to associated impacts such as heavy traffic, air pollution and noise pollution from trucks driving through San Pedro Town. This sector largely relies on building infrastructure for visitors to enjoy temporarily during their visit and stay in Belize. Unfortunately, this sector including the real estate companies, promote development with economic gain to foreign investors and supported by national development and investment policies including a Blue Economy model. Such development are unsustainable as it results in destruction of Belize’s natural ecosystems for infrastructure and only accounting for short-term jobs and investments during the development phase.

Caro Rosario in 2024 with infrastructure beyond property and inside Hol Chan Marine Reserve receives impunity from Belizean authorities.

In contrast, flats fishing guides and other guides and tour operators involved in ecotourism largely depend on pristine and healthy spaces of vast seagrass, mangrove and coral reef ecosystems to ensure visitors have a quality experience. Importantly, these ecotourism operations provide important local jobs that supports the economy and culture in a sustainable fashion.

Although Belize has signed several conventions and adopted policies to protect unique areas, such as marine protected areas, and policies such as Blue Economy, Blue Bonds and Project Finance for Permanence for economic development and growth, the continuation of the mass tourism model negates those policies. Instead, in many instances, including the ones mentioned here, Belize has given the green light to mass tourism development projects without accountability.

Mangrove clearing in Ambergris Caye for hotels and resorts receive little attention and enforcement from local NGOs and resource managers.

Conservation in Belize has been challenging for coastal communities and for resource co-managers because much of the management comes from the top down, without local input or consideration of the welfare and livelihoods of local residents. Although conservation efforts have in the last decade claimed involvement of communities, it seems this is only a check list since projects such as Cayo Rosario continue even with strong local opposition.

The BFFA is calling for all local residents, guides, tour operators, and local, national, and international NGOs to join the fight to oppose the Cayo Rosario development, and to support ecotourism over the mass tourism model.

Belize cannot continue in this path of destruction and must put an end to development projects that go beyond their borders of their properties.