Bio-diversity

The project addressed a wide range of interrelated activities. It provided support for manatee and sea turtle research and conservation, provided for the planting of a thousand disease resistant coconuts to help control beach erosion, installed VIP latrines and biogas digesters for sewage control, put up signs, provided training in guiding and tourism and supported environmental awareness education in Gales Point Village. Manatee research and hawksbill turtle research and nest protection efforts were a big portion of the project. Crocodile studies were also funded. A thousand lethal yellowing- resistant coconut trees were planted to offset the loss of the local coconut to the disease that was already seen in the village. The objective of tree planting was also to help stabilize the shoreline and protect it from erosion. Ten flush toilet/septic tank systems were installed at bed and breakfast operations around the village and at the local cooperative-owned hotel. This was done to boost up the bed and breakfast facilities available, as well as to eliminate some of the sewage entering the lagoon. Training was provided in turtle and manatee research, tour guiding and other areas. Environmental education activities exposed the children of the village to ecology and conservation at early ages. Community outreach programs brought environmental awareness to all the villagers.

Belize