Bio-diversity

The goal of this project is to Strengthen STACA s technical, institutional and functional capacity for Natural Resource Management in and around BBNP, while Building Community Confidence and Support through the promotion of sustainable livelihood opportunities. The two objectives of this project are; Objective #1- To Strengthen STACA s technical, institutional and functional capacity to promote sustainable Natural Resource Management practices in BBNP and the buffer zone communities of BBNP. Objective #2- To promote sustainable livelihood opportunities for residents of the vulnerable buffer zone communities around BBNP where the maintenance of ecosystem functionality is imperative while building community confidence and support. The project s main activities will be; Objective 1- Strengthen STACA. Equip STACA s personnel for institutional, technical and functional aspects of natural resource management practices. Objective 2- Sustainable Livelihood component. The rationale for the project is the need to strengthen STACA s technical, institutional and functional capacity to manage the natural resources in and around the PA, and to set the foundation for future plans to engage 9 communities of the North Stann Creek Watershed in an Environmental Awareness and Education Campaign for a major resource that is facing serious land degradation issues. This strengthening and confidence building will optimize the successful implementation of the future project. Risks to Successful Implementation Factors which may affect the successful implementation of the project are few, but could have impact. These are; Natural disasters, hurricanes, flooding. Poor community participation. Technical personnel unable to participate. Feasibility Plan for Sustainability The feasibility of this project succeeding is high because the project will provide direct tangible benefits to 25 members of the buffer zone community. Social Sustainability: The training of 15 tour guides will create a cadre of residents who will begin to look at BBNP as a place where their skills can be marketed, or their office . The accommodation service providers will start to generate income in the buffer zone from visitors to the park, who will make them realize what a wonderful resource we have, not just bush . This will help to instill a sense of pride and ownership in the buffer zone communities. Financial Sustainability: Financial Sustainability at the individual level is feasible. One only has to practice the skills taught to them, and be attentive to their guests and they can be ensured that word of mouth will get them more clients. The fact that once trained in tour guide certification a resident can get a job anywhere in the country of Belize, if things are slow around BBNP, the guides are free to go to destinations with higher visitation. Ecological Sustainability: Ecological Sustainability is expected to increase because as fewer individuals have to depend on the resources of the PA to supplement their income, threats to ecosystem integrity will be reduced. These 25 newly trained individuals will also look to support the ecological sustainability of the area as their bread and Butter now depends on the ecology of BBNP remaining intact. Economic Sustainability: The project area will provide a fairly stable environment for local business because the bed and breakfast and campground facilities will be located in the buffer zone of the protected area. Many tourists come, and want to camp, or find a place to stay, but there are currently none available in the buffer zone. Limiting these eco-services to 10 for the buffer zone community should ensure economic sustainability for the providers, and the marketing brochure will help attract business. Institutional Sustainability: STACA is making an effort to ensure the sustainability of the association and park via our case for support , a funding mechanism that we see the feasibility of the major stakeholders supporting. Our partnership with University of Arkansas is entering its final year in 2011, but we are already negotiating to make it a permanent one.

Belize