Bio-diversity

Port Honduras, a one hundred sixty square mile marine reserve designated in 2000, makes up the coastal and marine segment of the Maya Mountain Marine Corridor in southern Belize; PHMR is also an integral part of the Meso-American Biological Corridor. The Reserve, an integral part of the Gulf of Honduras, is an area rich in biodiversity and as such is an important area of conservation both nationally and globally which is under threat due to illegal resource extraction and development. The goal of this project is to relieve pressure on the reserve by involving community members in a more effective manner. This will be done through: Community participation in protection: to increase the management presence in the 160 square mile reserve, TIDE rangers will train and equip 10 local fisherman/tour guides as community rangers . Increased awareness of the reserve: through environmental education programs for primary school, high school and college students as well as community members. Training and capacity building in alternative income generating skills for sustainable livelihoods: Training will be carried out in the areas of birding, kayaking, scuba, fly-fishing, small business management and hospitality.

Belize