DOCSLIB.ORG

Belize's Fifth National Report to the Convention on Biological Diversity

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Belize's Fifth National Report to the Convention on Biological Diversity Belize’s Fifth National Report to the Convention on Biological Diversity Reporting Period: 2009 - 2013 September, 2014 Belize’s Fifth National Report to the Convention on Biological Diversity, submitted by the Forest Department, Ministry of Forestry, Fisheries and Sustainable Development, Belize We thank all those participants who took part in the review process, both in Government agencies, in regional workshops and focal group meetings across Belize. Nature ----- Culture ------ Life This report was produced under the “National Biodiversity Planning to Support the implementation of the CDB 2011 - 2020 Strategic Plan in Belize (National Biodiversity Enabling Activities)” With funding from the United Nations Development Programme – Global Environment Facility Please cite as: Fifth National Report to the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity: Belize (2014). Ministry of Forestry, Fisheries and Sustainable Development, Belmopan. INTRODUCTION 2 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 3 PART 1. UPDATE ON BIODIVERSITY STATUS, TRENDS AND THREATS, AND IMPLICATIONS FOR HUMAN WELLBEING 4 1. The National Importance of Biodiversity to Belize 4 2. Major changes in the status and trends of biodiversity in Belize 14 3. The Main Threats to Biodiversity in Belize 28 4. Impacts of the changes in biodiversity for ecosystem services, and the socioeconomic and cultural implications of these impacts 44 PART II: THE NATIONAL BIODIVERSITY STRATEGIES AND ACTION PLANS, ITS IMPLEMENTATION AND THE MAINSTREAMING OF BIODIVERSITY 47 5. Belize’s Biodiversity Targets 47 6. Status of the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan, incorporation of biodiversity targets and mainstreaming of biodiversity. 48 7. Actions Belize has taken to implement the Convention since the fourth report, and the outcomes of these actions. 49 8. Biodiversity mainstreaming into relevant sectoral and cross-sectoral strategies, plans and programmes 62 9. Status of implementation of the National Biodiversity Strategy And Action Plan 71 PART III: PROGRESS TOWARDS THE 2020 AICHI BIODIVERSITY TARGETS AND CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE MILLENNIUM DEVELOPMENT GOALS 79 10. Belize’s progress towards the implementation of the Strategic Plan for Biodiversity 2011- 2020 and its Aichi Biodiversity Targets 79 11. The contribution of actions to implement the Convention towards the achievement of the relevant 2015 targets of the Millennium Development Goals in Belize 112 12. Lessons learnt from the implementation of the Convention in Belize 116 ANNEX ONE: National List of Critical Species (Draft) ANNEX TWO: Climate change implications for Belize ANNEX THREE: Key Strategies under the Policy on Adaptation to Global Climate Change ANNEX FOUR: Acronyms Ministry of Forestry, Fisheries and Sustainable Development, 2015 1 Belize’s Fifth National Report to the Convention on Biological Diversity INTRODUCTION Belize became a contracting partner to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) in 1993, and is committed to implementing its obligations under the CBD. This 5th National Report provides a mid-term review of the status of implementation of the CBD in Belize, covering a five year period from January 2009 to December 2013, using information generated through a consultative process, with significant input from both public and private sectors. It also draws on the key sources of information, including the following: National Development Framework . Horizon 2030 . National Poverty Elimination Strategy and Action Plan (2009) . Belize Medium Term Development Strategy 2010 – 2013 (2010) . Belize Millennium Development Goals Report and Post 2015 Agenda National Reports on Biodiversity Status . The Rationalization Report of the National Protected Areas Policy and System Plan (2013) . National Stocktaking Report (2014 – in prep.)) . National Report on Threats to Biodiversity and Drivers (2014 – in prep.) . The Belize National Aichi Targets and Indicators (2014 – in prep.) . The Status of Protected Areas: Belize (2010) Report development has been led by the Ministry of Forestry, Fisheries and Sustainable Development, of the Government of Belize, in accordance with Article 26 of the CBD, which states that each Contracting Party shall report on measures it has taken to implement the CBD and the effectiveness of these measures. The reporting process has been supported by the United Nations Development Programme. The information provided in this report has been presented in such a way as to facilitate integration into the CBD mid-term review of progress towards the implementation of the Strategic Plan for Biodiversity 2011- 2020, into the status of the Aichi Biodiversity Targets, and towards development of the fourth edition of the Global Biodiversity Outlook. Ministry of Forestry, Fisheries and Sustainable Development, 2015 2 Belize’s Fifth National Report to the Convention on Biological Diversity EXECUTIVE SUMMARY This Fifth National Report to the Convention on Biological Diversity provides a summary of Belize’s activities towards implementation of this convention for the reporting period 2009 to 2013. Part I of the report provides a broad overview of trends in biodiversity since 2009. Belize is founded on its biodiversity wealth, with a heavy reliance on a healthy, natural resource-based tourism industry, the primary productive sectors (fishing, agriculture, and forestry), and ecosystem services that supply the nation with water security, renewable natural resources, tropical storm and flood protection and hydroelectric power. As a country faced with increasing climate change impacts, ecosystem integrity is recognised as critical in the mitigation of the potential catastrophic damages resulting from predicted, increased temperatures, increased drought and flood events, and increasingly strong tropical storms. Belize still retains 61.1% of its natural, intact forest cover, with approximately 35.8% of Belize’s land territory falling within protected areas. Whilst 19.8% of territorial waters fall under marine protective management, only 6.7% of this is through legally established replenishment zones (No Take zones) – the remainder allow for commercial, recreational and subsistence fishing. The Belize Fisheries Department is focusing on incorporating 10% of all marine and coastal habitats within Belize’s territorial waters as functional and legally protected non-extractive replenishment zones. 90% of Belize’s recognized ecosystems have greater than 10% representation within the National Protected Areas System. The majority of the gaps are within the marine environment, and have been partially addressed through the declaration of Turneffe Atoll in 2012, Belize’s newest and largest marine protected area. Threats to biodiversity are being addressed, though efforts are limited by human and financial resource availability. Four areas of particular concern are: i) declining coral reef health; ii) increasing rate of clearance of large tracts of lowland forests; iii) large-scale transboundary incursions into protected areas along the border with Guatemala, and iv) potential oil exploration and extraction in the marine environment. Steps are being taken by aquaculture, agricultural and forestry industries towards improving environmental sustainability, and reducing pressures on the environment – particularly on the coral reef. Part II of this report provides an update on the status of Belize’s National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (currently being revised). It also discusses the challenges of ensuring that biodiversity and the environment are mainstreamed, and that national development decisions take into account the maintenance of the natural environment. The development of the National Land Use Planning Framework and the Integrated Coastal Zone Management Plan seek to address this at the national level. Part III summarises Belize’s progress towards the Aichi Biodiversity Targets and contributions towards relevant Millennium Development Goals. Whilst many of the targets are only partially met, actions are being taken by both Government and Non-Government agencies to improve their status. This will be strengthened further once the national Aichi Targets have been clearly defined, integrated into the revised National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan, socialised and mainstreamed to provide national goals. Ministry of Forestry, Fisheries and Sustainable Development, 2015 3 Belize’s Fifth National Report to the Convention on Biological Diversity PART 1. UPDATE ON BIODIVERSITY STATUS, TRENDS AND THREATS, AND IMPLICATIONS FOR HUMAN WELLBEING 1. THE NATIONAL IMPORTANCE OF BIODIVERSITY TO BELIZE Belize, as a nation, is considered relatively unique -“a very small country with a rich endowment of natural resources of global importance” (FAO, 2000). It is founded on its biodiversity wealth, from the first days of the logging industry to today’s reliance on a healthy, natural resource-based tourism industry, the primary productivity sectors (fishing, agriculture, and forestry), and ecosystem services that supply the nation with water security, tropical storm and flood protection, non-timber forest products and hydroelectric power. As a country faced with increasing climate change impacts, ecosystem integrity is recognised as critical in the mitigation of catastrophic damages resulting from increased drought and flood events, and increasingly strong tropical storms. Many rural families across Belize have smallholdings producing basic, subsistence level crops for their households, supplementing their diets with freshwater or marine
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Current Practices in the Identification of Critical Habitat for Threatened Species
    Current practices in the identification of critical habitat for threatened species Abbey E Camaclang1*, Martine Maron2, Tara G Martin3, and Hugh P Possingham1,4,5 Author Addresses 1The University of Queensland, School of Biological Sciences, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia 2The University of Queensland, School of Geography, Planning, and Environmental Management, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia 3CSIRO Land and Water, 41 Boggo Road, Dutton Park, QLD 4102, Austrralia 4The University of Queensland, School of Mathematics and Physics, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia 5Imperial College London, Department of Life Sciences, Silwood Park, Ascot SL5 7PY, Berkshire, UK *email [email protected] Abstract The term critical habitat is used to describe the subset of habitat that is essential to the survival and recovery of species. Some countries legally require that critical habitat of listed threatened and endangered species be identified and protected. However, there is little evidence to suggest that the identification of critical habitat has had much impact on species recovery. We hypothesized that this may be due at least partly to a mismatch between the intent of critical habitat identification, which is to protect sufficient habitat for species persistence and recovery, and its practice. We used content analysis to systematically review critical habitat documents from the United States, Canada, and Australia. In particular, we identified the major trends in type of information used to identify critical habitat and in occupancy of habitat identified as critical. Information about population viability was used to identify critical habitat for only 1% of the species reviewed, and for most species, designated critical habitat did not include unoccupied habitat.
    [Show full text]
  • A Study of the Garifuna of Belize's Toledo District Alexander Gough
    Indigenous identity in a contested land: A study of the Garifuna of Belize’s Toledo district Alexander Gough This dissertation is submitted for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy September 2018 Lancaster University Law School 1 Declaration This thesis has not been submitted in support of an application for another degree at this or any other university. It is the result of my own work and includes nothing that is the outcome of work done in collaboration except where specifically indicated. Many of the ideas in this thesis were the product of discussion with my supervisors. Alexander Gough, Lancaster University 21st September 2018 2 Abstract The past fifty years has seen a significant shift in the recognition of indigenous peoples within international law. Once conceptualised as the antithesis to European identity, which in turn facilitated colonial ambitions, the recognition of indigenous identity and responding to indigenous peoples’ demands is now a well-established norm within the international legal system. Furthermore, the recognition of this identity can lead to benefits, such as a stake in controlling valuable resources. However, gaining tangible indigenous recognition remains inherently complex. A key reason for this complexity is that gaining successful recognition as being indigenous is highly dependent upon specific regional, national and local circumstances. Belize is an example of a State whose colonial and post-colonial geographies continue to collide, most notably in its southernmost Toledo district. Aside from remaining the subject of a continued territorial claim from the Republic of Guatemala, in recent years Toledo has also been the battleground for the globally renowned indigenous Maya land rights case.
    [Show full text]
  • The Song of Kriol: a Grammar of the Kriol Language of Belize
    The Song of Kriol: A Grammar of the Kriol Language of Belize Ken Decker THE SONG OF KRIOL: A GRAMMAR OF THE KRIOL LANGUAGE OF BELIZE Ken Decker SIL International DIS DA FI WI LANGWIJ Belize Kriol Project This is a publication of the Belize Kriol Project, the language and literacy arm of the National Kriol Council No part of this publication may be altered, and no part may be reproduced in any form without the express permission of the author or of the Belize Kriol Project, with the exception of brief excerpts in articles or reviews or for educational purposes. Please send any comments to: Ken Decker SIL International 7500 West Camp Wisdom Rd. Dallas, TX 75236 e-mail: [email protected] or Belize Kriol Project P.O. Box 2120 Belize City, Belize c/o e-mail: [email protected] or [email protected] Copies of this and other publications of the Belize Kriol Project may be obtained through the publisher or the Bible Society Bookstore 33 Central American Blvd. Belize City, Belize e-mail: [email protected] © Belize Kriol Project 2005 ISBN # 978-976-95215-2-0 First Published 2005 2nd Edition 2009 Electronic Edition 2013 CONTENTS 1. LANGUAGE IN BELIZE ......................................................................................................................... 1 1.1 AN INTRODUCTION TO LANGUAGE ........................................................................................................ 1 1.2 DEFINING BELIZE KRIOL AND BELIZE CREOLE ...................................................................................... 2 1.3
    [Show full text]
  • Cap.262, Central Bank of Belize
    BELIZE CENTRAL BANK OF BELIZE ACT CHAPTER 262 REVISED EDITION 2003 SHOWING THE SUBSIDIARY LAW S AS AT 31ST OCTOBER, 2003 This is a revised edition of the Subsidiary Laws, prepared by the Law Revision Commissioner under the authority of the Law Revision Act, Chapter 3 of the Substantive Laws of Belize, Revised Edition 2000. ARRANGEMENT OF SUBSIDIARY LAWS BELIZE CENTRAL BANK OF BELIZE ACT CHAPTER 262 REVISED EDITION 2003 SHOWING THE SUBSIDIARY LAW S AS AT 31ST OCTOBER, 2003 This is a revised edition of the Subsidiary Laws, prepared by the Law Revision Commissioner under the authority of the Law Revision Act, Chapter 3 of the Substantive Laws of Belize, Revised Edition 2000. This edition contains a consolidation of the following laws- Page ARRANGEMENT OF SECTIONS 3 CENTRAL BANK OF BELIZE (SPECIFIED PROJECTS) ORDER 4 CURRENCY (FIXING OF RATE OF EXCHANGE) ORDER 6 Central Bank of Belize [CAP. 262 3 CHAPTER 262 CENTRAL BANK OF BELIZE (SPECIFIED PROJECTS) ORDER ARRANGEMENT OF SECTIONS 1. Short title. 2. Specified projects. 3. Commencement. ___________ THE SUBSIDIARY LAWS OF BELIZE REVISED EDITION 2003 Printed by the Government Printer, No. 1 Power Lane, Belmopan, by the authority of [ the Government of Belize. ] 4 CAP. 262] Central Bank of Belize CHAPTER 262 45 of 2000. CENTRAL BANK OF BELIZE (SPECIFIED PROJECTS) ORDER [Gazetted 29th April, 2000.] Short title. 1. This Order may be cited as the CENTRAL BANK OF BELIZE (SPECIFIED PROJECTS) ORDER. Specified Projects. 2. For the purpose of Section 41(4) of the Central Bank CAP. 262. of Belize Act, the “specified projects” shall be projects as are Schedule.
    [Show full text]
  • The Disastrous Impacts of Trump's Border Wall on Wildlife
    a Wall in the Wild The Disastrous Impacts of Trump’s Border Wall on Wildlife Noah Greenwald, Brian Segee, Tierra Curry and Curt Bradley Center for Biological Diversity, May 2017 Saving Life on Earth Executive Summary rump’s border wall will be a deathblow to already endangered animals on both sides of the U.S.-Mexico border. This report examines the impacts of construction of that wall on threatened and endangered species along the entirety of the nearly 2,000 miles of the border between the United States and Mexico. TThe wall and concurrent border-enforcement activities are a serious human-rights disaster, but the wall will also have severe impacts on wildlife and the environment, leading to direct and indirect habitat destruction. A wall will block movement of many wildlife species, precluding genetic exchange, population rescue and movement of species in response to climate change. This may very well lead to the extinction of the jaguar, ocelot, cactus ferruginous pygmy owl and other species in the United States. To assess the impacts of the wall on imperiled species, we identified all species protected as threatened or endangered under the Endangered Species Act, or under consideration for such protection by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (“candidates”), that have ranges near or crossing the border. We also determined whether any of these species have designated “critical habitat” on the border in the United States. Finally, we reviewed available literature on the impacts of the existing border wall. We found that the border wall will have disastrous impacts on our most vulnerable wildlife, including: 93 threatened, endangered and candidate species would potentially be affected by construction of a wall and related infrastructure spanning the entirety of the border, including jaguars, Mexican gray wolves and Quino checkerspot butterflies.
    [Show full text]
  • Belize), and Distribution in Yucatan
    University of Neuchâtel, Switzerland Institut of Zoology Ecology of the Black Catbird, Melanoptila glabrirostris, at Shipstern Nature Reserve (Belize), and distribution in Yucatan. J.Laesser Annick Morgenthaler May 2003 Master thesis supervised by Prof. Claude Mermod and Dr. Louis-Félix Bersier CONTENTS INTRODUCTION 1. Aim and description of the study 2. Geographic setting 2.1. Yucatan peninsula 2.2. Belize 2.3. Shipstern Nature Reserve 2.3.1. History and previous studies 2.3.2. Climate 2.3.3. Geology and soils 2.3.4. Vegetation 2.3.5. Fauna 3. The Black Catbird 3.1. Taxonomy 3.2. Description 3.3. Breeding 3.4. Ecology and biology 3.5. Distribution and threats 3.6. Current protection measures FIRST PART: BIOLOGY, HABITAT AND DENSITY AT SHIPSTERN 4. Materials and methods 4.1. Census 4.1.1. Territory mapping 4.1.2. Transect point-count 4.2. Sizing and ringing 4.3. Nest survey (from hide) 5. Results 5.1. Biology 5.1.1. Morphometry 5.1.2. Nesting 5.1.3. Diet 5.1.4. Competition and predation 5.2. Habitat use and population density 5.2.1. Population density 5.2.2. Habitat use 5.2.3. Banded individuals monitoring 5.2.4. Distribution through the Reserve 6. Discussion 6.1. Biology 6.2. Habitat use and population density SECOND PART: DISTRIBUTION AND HABITATS THROUGHOUT THE RANGE 7. Materials and methods 7.1. Data collection 7.2. Visit to others sites 8. Results 8.1. Data compilation 8.2. Visited places 8.2.1. Corozalito (south of Shipstern lagoon) 8.2.2.
    [Show full text]
  • The Value of Turneffe Atoll Mangrove Forests, Seagrass Beds and Coral Reefs in Protecting Belize City from Storms
    The Value of Turneffe Atoll Mangrove Forests, Seagrass Beds and Coral Reefs in Protecting Belize City from Storms Prepared by: Dr. Tony Fedler Gainesville, FL Prepared for: Turneffe Atoll Trust Belize City, Belize August 2018 TABLE OF CONTENTS Acknowledgements…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. iii List of Tables……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. iv Ecosystem Services Provided by Coral Reefs, Mangrove Forests and Seagrass Beds………………………… 1 Measuring the Value of Shoreline Protection…………………………………………………………………………………… 4 Shoreline Protection Valuation Studies……………………………………………………………………………………………. 4 The Value of Shoreline Protection for Turneffe Atoll and Belize……………………………………………………….. 8 World Resources Institute Project……………………………………………………………………………………………… 8 Belize Coastal Zone Management Plan………………………………………………………………………………………. 10 Summary of Other Economic Benefits from Coral Reefs, Mangrove Forests and Seagrass Beds………. 14 Discussion and Conclusions……………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 15 References………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 17 ii ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS This project was initiated with funding from the Mesoamerican Reef Fund (MAR Fund) and Turneffe Atoll Trust. It was aided considerably by several congenial staff members of the Coastal Zone Management Authority & Institute (CZMAI). Ms. Andria Rosado, CZMAI GIS Technician, was very instrumental in providing valuable information for the Storm Mitigation Project. She generated ecosystems maps displaying three main ecosystems (i.e. seagrass, mangrove
    [Show full text]
  • Report and Recommendations on Cycad Aulacaspis Scale, Aulacaspis Yasumatsui Takagi (Hemiptera: Diaspididae)
    IUCN/SSC Cycad Specialist Group – Subgroup on Invasive Pests Report and Recommendations on Cycad Aulacaspis Scale, Aulacaspis yasumatsui Takagi (Hemiptera: Diaspididae) 18 September 2005 Subgroup Members (Affiliated Institution & Location) • William Tang, Subgroup Leader (USDA-APHIS-PPQ, Miami, FL, USA) • Dr. John Donaldson, CSG Chair (South African National Biodiversity Institute & Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, Cape Town, South Africa) • Jody Haynes (Montgomery Botanical Center, Miami, FL, USA)1 • Dr. Irene Terry (Department of Biology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA) Consultants • Dr. Anne Brooke (Guam National Wildlife Refuge, Dededo, Guam) • Michael Davenport (Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden, Miami, FL, USA) • Dr. Thomas Marler (College of Natural & Applied Sciences - AES, University of Guam, Mangilao, Guam) • Christine Wiese (Montgomery Botanical Center, Miami, FL, USA) Introduction The IUCN/SSC Cycad Specialist Group – Subgroup on Invasive Pests was formed in June 2005 to address the emerging threat to wild cycad populations from the artificial spread of insect pests and pathogens of cycads. Recently, an aggressive pest on cycads, the cycad aulacaspis scale (CAS)— Aulacaspis yasumatsui Takagi (Hemiptera: Diaspididae)—has spread through human activity and commerce to the point where two species of cycads face imminent extinction in the wild. Given its mission of cycad conservation, we believe the CSG should clearly focus its attention on mitigating the impact of CAS on wild cycad populations and cultivated cycad collections of conservation importance (e.g., Montgomery Botanical Center). The control of CAS in home gardens, commercial nurseries, and city landscapes is outside the scope of this report and is a topic covered in various online resources (see www.montgomerybotanical.org/Pages/CASlinks.htm).
    [Show full text]
  • BIRD CONSERVATION the Magazine of American Bird Conservancy Fall 2012 BIRD’S EYE VIEW
    BIRD CONSERVATION The Magazine of American Bird Conservancy Fall 2012 BIRD’S EYE VIEW Is Species Conservation Enough? How should we as conservationists decide which birds deserve protection? Where should we draw the line that tells us which groups of birds are “unique” enough to merit saving? t one extreme, a conserva- becomes extinct? Do we care about tion skeptic might insist that the continuation of these evolution- Apreserving one type of bird ary processes, or do we take a pass from each genus is sufficient. At the on preserving them because these other, passionate lovers of wildlife birds are not sufficiently “unique”? may not accept the loss of even one When in doubt about whether to individual. A more typical birder take conservation action, I fall back might nominate the species as the on the precautionary principle, key conservation level because the which says, in essence, that when concept of species is familiar to us. l American Dipper: USFWS uncertain about the potential harm- Science gets us closer to the answers, ful effect of an action, the prudent but it cannot draw the line: the purpose of science is course is the conservative one. or, as aldo Leopold to gather knowledge, not to make decisions for us. wrote, “Save all of the pieces.” Furthermore, like life itself, the science of taxonomy is I say, save the Black Hills Dipper regardless of which in a constant state of change. Baltimore and Bullock’s taxonomic opinion prevails; and while we are at it, we Orioles have been “lumped” into Northern Oriole and ought to save Wayne’s Warbler, the rhododendron- then “split” again, all based on the most current scien- dwelling Swainson’s Warbler, and the tree-nesting tific opinion.
    [Show full text]
  • Supreme Court Claim No. 376 of 2005
    IN THE SUPREME COURT OF BELIZE, A.D. 2005 CLAIM NO. 376 SAID MUSA Claimant BETWEEN AND ANN­MARIE WILLIAMS HARRY LAWRENCE REPORTER PRESS LIMITED Defendants __ BEFORE the Honourable Abdulai Conteh, Chief Justice. Mr. Kareem Musa for the claimant. Mr. Dean Barrow S.C. for the defendants. __ JUDGMENT Introduction Given the dramatis personae in this case which, by any account, contains an unusual cast, I had during the hearing constantly to remind myself that this was a trial of a claim in a court of law and not a political trial, whatever this may mean. On the one hand, is arrayed the Prime Minister and leader of one of the political parties (the PUP), who has his son as his attorney. Ranged on the other side is the Leader of the Opposition and the leader of the other main political party (the UDP) as the attorney for the defendants of whom the second defendant, Mr. H. 1 Lawrence admitted, albeit, under cross examination, that he was a founding member of the UDP. Mr. Lawrence who struck me as an honest witness now says his newspaper, The Reporter, supports no political party and has no partisan agenda. However, given the persons involved in this case, the political overtones of the case could not be missed. However, I need hardly say that this is a court of law and the issues joined between the parties are to be decided only in accordance with the law and evidence, and nothing more and nothing less. 2. Mr. Said Musa, the claimant in this case, is the Prime Minister of Belize, the Area Representative of the Fort George Division in the House of Representatives, leader of the People’s United Party (PUP), one of the two main political parties in the country, as well as a member of the bar with the rank of a Senior Counsel.
    [Show full text]
  • Mangrove Conserva and Preserves Change Adaptation Belize, Central Ame Mangrove Conservation and Preserves As Climate Change Adap
    Brooksmith Consulting Mangrove Conservation and Preserves as Climate Change Adaptation in Belize, Central America A case study 6/30/2011 Mangrove Conservation as Climate Change Adaptation in Belize Central America: A Case Study Table of Contents Execut ive Summary 2 Introduction 4 Mangrove conservation and climate change 4 Status of mangrove habitat 5 Climate change in Belize 6 Placencia Village 6 Threats to mangrove habitat 10 Coastal residential development 10 Agriculture and aquaculture 11 A programmatic response to climate change 12 The progression of mangrove conservation activities 13 Mangrove Challenge Contest 16 Mangrove Reserves 21 Bibliography 31 2 Mangrove Conservation as Climate Change Adaptation in Placencia, Belize: A case study Executive Summary The effects of climate change present growing challenges to low-lying developing nations in the Caribbean Basin. Sea level rise, increasing frequency of large tropical cyclones, loss of reef-building corals and other effects are projected to result in direct economic losses consuming over one-fifth of the gross domestic product of nations in the region by 2100. Resilient mangroves shorelines provide multiple buffers against climate change effects. In addition to serving as habitat for marine species and wildlife, mangroves also provide storm protection for coastal communities, a buffer against coastal erosion, carbon sinks, and additional resiliency for economically important habitat such as coral reef. The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) in Belize has initiated community-based adaptation projects to educate local populations and stakeholders about these emerging problems and to implement “no regrets” adaptation to climate change effects. Understanding of climate change science varies among demographics and opinion leaders within Belize but the value of mangrove habitat for storm protection and fish habitat is generally accepted.
    [Show full text]
  • Threatened Species Status Assessment Manual
    THREATENED SPECIES SCIENTIFIC COMMITTEE Established under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 THREATENED SPECIES STATUS ASSESSMENT MANUAL A guide to undertaking status assessments, including the preparation and submission of a status report for threatened species. Knowledge of species and their status improves continuously. Due to the large numbers of both listed and non-listed species, government resources are not generally available to carry out regular and comprehensive assessments of all listed species that are threatened or assess all non-listed species to determine their listing status. A status assessment by a group of experts, with their extensive collection of knowledge of a particular taxon or group of species could help to ensure that advice is the most current and accurate available, and provide for collective expert discussion and decisions regarding any uncertainties. The development of a status report by such groups will therefore assist in maintaining the accuracy of the list of threatened species under the EPBC Act and ensure that protection through listing is afforded to the correct species. 1. What is a status assessment? A status assessment is a assessment of the conservation status of a specific group of taxa (e.g. birds, frogs, snakes) or multiple species in a region (e.g. Sydney Basin heathland flora) that occur within Australia. For each species or subspecies (referred to as a species in this paper) assessed in a status assessment the aim is to: provide an evidence-based assessment
    [Show full text]