Water resources policy and administrative management

Over the years several initiatives in Guatemala and Belize have been undertaken for promoting protection for the Mopan River, but these initiatives have been isolated and too site-specific. As a result the Mopan River continues to deteriorate, and to address this problem effectively more comprehensive and bi-national ongoing partnerships will be required. To meet this challenge, Friends for Conservation and Development signed an agreement with Naturaleza para la Vida, with the primary objectives being to identify needs, develop possible interventions, design strategies and actively pursue the objectives in tandem with the primary stakeholders for the protection of the Mopan River. The project consists of three main components monitoring, public awareness and community stewardship. Specifically, the project will: 1. Scientifically determine the condition of 40% of the Mopan River, and assemble 80% of the information obtained for availability, within a period of 18 months; 2. Create an awareness of the conditions of the Mopan River among 60% of school children, high school and adults found in twelve communities during a period of 12 months and 3. Create an awareness of best use practices for river conservation among 60% of school children, high school and adults found in twelve communities during a period of 12 months.

Belize