Bio-diversity

The goal of this project is to protect the biodiversity of Spanish Creek Wildlife Sanctuary through co-management of the sanctuary, community livelihood improvement, and environmental awareness. The sponsoring group, the Rancho Dolores Environment and Development Group, was formed in 1998 to promote sustainable management of natural resources in the area and bring related economic development to the village. The group is a registered community-based organization with eight executive officers. It includes all 35 families in the village. The specifict objectives of this project are to: 1) co-manage the sanctuary and the environmental center, 2) improve community livelihoods related to eco-tourism, and 3) increase environmental awareness in the village. The group will seek opportunities to establish MOUs with strategic partners to support these objectives as well as setting up an advisory committee to guide the implementation of project activities which include: 1.Conducting a Rapid Ecological Assessment, 2. Demarcating and placing signs along the boundaries, 3. Conducting a rapid management assessment, 4. Building an arts and crafts center, 5. Conducting environmental awareness.

Belize