Bio-diversity

Friends for Conservation and Development is a non-profit, non-governmental organization in Belize, dedicated to motivate the public to protect the environment through conservation awareness while enhancing the development of the human resources. In 2007 the organization began an active co-management program with the Forest Department for the protection of Belize`s largest protected area, the Chiquibul National Park comprised of 264,003 acres of tropical forest. Today FCD is already familiar with the schools and adult groups. Most of the people are likewise aware of FCD and the Chiquibul Maya Mountains. The project objective is to involve the children and youths of Cayo, Belize to be a part of the global campaign that will enable them to make a difference in their communities by planting a tree. PROJECT ACTIVITIES Before the main event arrives, work needs to be done in order to engage groups, plan, organize and execute activities. During the engagement phase visits will be done to schools, high schools, youth groups and community leaders. During the community visits, a poster competition will be announced for school children and any student willing to participate will be allowed to do so. Teams and leaders will also be formed during the educational visits to communities. On May 22nd, 2009 teams will plant trees in selected locations and thereon for a period of 4 weeks other tree planting activities will occur on the target zone. In some communities, the adults will also be involved. For example, in San Antonio the Ux mulca Womens group will be participating and they have showed interest in learning more about conservation and this activity will booster more their interest in learning, in addition it will make them feel really good in planting a tree knowing that they are doing something really special to earth and humanity. The symbolic planting will be done in Succotz. School Children, high school students, The Succotz Youth Environmental Group, local Government authorities, and Scarlet, the Maya Mountains emblematic species will be present for the symbolic planting. In areas where cattle and horses roam freely, barb wire and sticks will be used to protect the small trees from the animals. This should allow the plant to grow healthy and thus not loose a plant but rather keep it living for many years. The media will be engaged in order to promote the Green Wave activity to other sectors of society. Brochures will be distributed to all those participating in the event including children, youths, teachers and other adults. Children and teachers will be encouraged to invite the parents to join on the event.

Belize