Bio-diversity

As Belize s environmental threats become more evident in the face of weak monitoring and enforcement capacities of the regulatory bodies, the need for effective co-managers is more pronounced. Despite the effort in protecting large areas of land and marine environment, Belize faces increasing anthropocentric pressures that impact the biodiversity and viability of its protected areas. The fundamental responsibility for ensuring the development and proper management of the national protected areas system lies with the Government. However, given its limited human, financial and technical resources to ensure proper management of the country s extensive network of 94 protected areas, the Government has delegated management to conservation organizations which are responsible for the day-to-day management and administration of the protected areas, including staff recruitment and retention, staff supervision and development, expenditures and accounting, equipment procurement, and monitoring and evaluation. Given all these co-management responsibilities, the viability, capacity, financial security, and effectiveness of the organizations are critical factors for maintaining the integrity and diversity of the protected areas.

Belize