Bio-diversity

The main thrust of this project falls within the framework of the National Parks System Act of 1981 which deals with the protection of Mangrove Ecosystems. The project s primary objective is to assure the management of mangroves in a responsible manner. We want the Gra-Gra mangrove ecosystem to remain the nursery grounds for important marine species such as fish and lobster. The group wants this mangrove area to remain as a protection against land erosion and storm damage and to act as a buffer zone that filters pollutants and prevents them from reaching the sea. Residents of Dangriga Town could be educated and empowered to participate in this Management and Conservation initiative which will benefit the fishermen in particular. The activities to be carried out under this project include five (5) main issues: [I] Environmental Education - this will include education in the schools, to the adults and youths in the town and community outreach programs. [ii] Government Advocacy - lobbying government to make the Gra-Gra Lagoon a Protected Area under the National Parks System Act of 1981. [iii] Patrols - within the entire Gra-Gra from Yemeri Creek, towards Dangrig and towards the west. [iv] 4 Signs - direction signs, welcome and informative signs in the area that inform about our support for mangrove conservation of the existing legislation to people both within and outside the community. [v] Training - this will include training in various areas such as tour guiding, hospitality services, food preparation, first aid and other capacity building areas as listed in Section 4.

Belize