Belize Conservation Fund

Toledo Institute for Development and Environment (TIDE) The Toledo Institute for Development and Environment System World Heritage Site. In addition, TIDE assists (TIDE) was founded in 1997 to meet the growing planning responsible tourism and other environmentally environmental and development needs of the Toledo sustainable economic alternatives by providing training newsletter January 2010 District, the southernmost district of Belize. TIDE and support to local residents. was conceived as a grassroots initiative in response The Belize Conservation Fund provides important financial Toledo Institute for Development and Environment support for conservation work in Belize. By supporting the to the negative environmental effects from activities (TIDE) also leads ecotourism expeditions throughout such as manatee poaching, illegal fishing, illegal Belize Conservation Fund, you will directly help the important Belize, in addition to other wildlife conservation and conservation work of the following two Belizean organizations logging, destructive farming methods, and other types monitoring activities. of unsustainable development. Initially started by with which Mass Audubon has partnered for many years: volunteers, TIDE has now grown to include 20 paid staff. Contact Information: Programme for Belize (PfB) Toledo Institute for Founded by Mass Audubon in 1988, Development and TIDE’s mission is to research, monitor, and help manage Celia Mahung, Executive Director Toledo Institute for PfB’s mission is to preserve and Environment (TIDE) was Toledo’s natural resources. The Maya Mountain Marine protect 262,000 acres of tropical founded in 1997 to meet the Area Corridor stretches from the lush pristine forests Development and Environment, forest in northern Belize, known growing environmental needs of of the Maya Mountains to the white sand beaches and Punta Gorda Town, Belize as the Rio Bravo Conservation and the Toledo District in southern spectacular array of colors of the Belize Barrier Reef www.tidebelize.org Management Area (RBCMA). This Belize. Mass Audubon partners with vitally important area represents TIDE to protect the Port Honduras approximately four percent of Marine Reserve and the Paynes Belize’s total land area and is the Creek National Park. The reserve most diverse protected area in is recognized for high biodiversity Belize. PfB operates two facilities with a robust belt of mangroves for visitors and researchers: La and sandy coasts providing a Milpa and Hill Bank critical link between terrestrial field stations. PfB is and marine environments. The to help: striving for financial reserve encompasses estuarine Please send contributions to self-sufficiency for communities and protects fringing this protected area reefs and associated habitat. Belize Conservation Fund through earned Approximately 4,500 people The Programme for Belize (PfB) is a Belizean, nonprofit RBCMA, PfB conducts research, conservation education, c/o Massachusetts Audubon Society revenue from live in adjacent communities sustainable forestry, with additional fishing pressure organization, established in 1988, to conserve the professional training and promotes environmental 208 South Great Road, Lincoln, MA 01773 carbon sequestration, stemming from poachers. TIDE natural heritage of Belize and to promote wise use awareness among visitors. In addition, the forests of and ecotourism. provides education, training, and of its natural resources. The Rio Bravo Conservation the Rio Bravo Conservation and Management Area Or call Bancroft Poor /Karen O’Neill sustainable economic alternatives and Management Area (RBCMA) is its flagship project are important sites for a carbon sequestration project. at 800-289-9504 for the local communities. where Programme for Belize demonstrates the practical Here, four million tons of carbon will be sequestered application of its principles. for generations to come. In the past year, the Belize Conservation Fund has funded several projects at TIDE and PfB. For instance, a recent grant Since its inception, PfB has secured 260,000 acres Contact Information: allowed TIDE to upgrade and repair the solar energy system at the Abalone Caye Ranger Station. This ranger station, visitor of forest in northwestern Belize that was otherwise Edilberto Romero, Executive Director center, and surveillance tower is home to TIDE rangers on duty in the Port Honduras Marine Reserve, as well as scientists, interns, and volunteers conducting monitoring and research. An additional award to TIDE enabled the organization to pay for destined for clearance. The RBCMA represents Programme for Belize, Belize City, Belize approximately 4 percent of Belize’s total land area and one year of high school for a promising local student (high school is not free in Belize). www.pfbelize.org is home to a rich sample of biodiversity including: 400 Small grants to PfB also assisted six students from communities adjacent to the RBCMA to attend high school. $3,000 was species of birds, 200 species of trees, 70 species of Photos thanks to B. Rodriguez, S. Weinreb, D. Larson, donated to each of the field stations to purchase needed equipment such as stoves for the guards at the three entry gates, hand held radios for the rangers, life jackets for tourists, picnic tables, solar pathway lighting, and fire extinguishers. mammals and 12 endangered animal species. On the R. Laubach, K. O’Neill, M. Vokey.

8 1 Belize Conservation Fund Newsletter January 2010 Belize Conservation Fund Newsletter January 2010

JANUARY 2009 Donations Go A Long Way in Belize $25,000 was received by Belize Conservation Make A Donation Fund from the Wallace Research Foundation for repairs and improvements to the kitchen and To make a donation to the Programme for Belize dining facilities at PfB’s La Milpa Field Station. For those who have visited La Milpa in the past, (PfB) or to The Toledo Institute for Develop- the delicious fare was always a highlight. We are mental and Environment (TIDE), please com- proud to say that this great food will now be plete this form and return to: prepared in a wonderful new kitchen Massachusetts Audubon Society Keeping the researchers and ecotourists coming NEWS FROM HILLBANK STATION to PfB’s La Milpa facility is essential for the ongoing Belize Conservation Fund support and protection of the forest. The kitchen Located on the banks of the New They also enforce the enhancements will improve the quality of the River Lagoon, the Hill Bank Field boundaries to keep local 208 South Great Road visitors’ experience. Almost 30% of the revenue of PfB comes from ecotourism, a percentage that Station serves as a research base farmers from cutting into the forest Lincoln, MA 01773 PfB hopes to increase as it strives for financial self- for sustainable forest management for more agricultural land. With their sufficiency over time. and specialized tourism, which dangerous and demanding job, these Name incorporates research activities into rangers are to be applauded for their the visitors’ forest experience many successes. Address With a workforce of up to 30, Hill However, insufficient funding and the Bank is home to a diverse crew of lack of transportation has created rangers, forestry personnel, and a host some difficulties in recent years. City of others committed to tropical forest It takes two rangers five months protection. Visitors include active (February to June) to continuously researchers and college students patrol the Rio Bravo savannah land State ZIP taking Tropical Forestry classes. If you that is home for the Yellow Headed Yellow-headed parrot protection have the opportunity to stay at Hill parrots. Despite many years of Phone Bank you will become part of our success, the lack of funding in 2009 The Belize Conservation Fund recently made a $40,000 grant to field station community, learning about constrained the ability of the PfB staff TIDE for yellow-headed parrot protection in southern Belize and tropical forest conservation activities. to protect the nesting area constantly. specifically in Payne’s Creek National Park, managed by TIDE for E-mail JULY 2009 The nests were all robbed of the the Government of Belize. The parrot is a key indicator species Hill Bank is the central base for the chicks by poachers in this season. for this ecosystem and therefore its wellbeing attests to the ___Yes, I would like to make a donation Based on the success of the grant listed above, rangers who patrol and protect the the Belize Conservation Fund received a second overall health of the pine savannah habitat. This is a key objective boundaries and wildlife in the Rio It is imperative that funds are grant of $85,000 from the Wallace Research in TIDE’s long term goal to conserve vital ecosystems and species Donation Information Foundation. These funds allow the La Milpa staff Bravo Conservation and Management raised before January 2010 in order in southern Belize, from the ridges of the Maya Mountains to the to make many renovations to staff housing units, area. These rangers have the very to protect the nests next season. Enclosed check ______reefs of Port Honduras. the visitor dormitory and cabanas, the gift shop, difficult task of patrolling the entire Checks should be made payable to and the maintenance facility. Work is currently 262,000 acres of the reserve, tracking In Northern Belize, it takes two rangers five months (February underway and is anticipated to be completed Mass Audubon –Belize Conservation Fund prior to the 2010 tourist season. When these down bird and wildlife poachers, and to June) to continuously patrol the Rio Bravo savannah land that repairs are completed, there will be only a few stopping illegal logging operations. is home for the Yellow Headed parrots. Despite many years of or please charge my credit card for the major projects remaining at the La Milpa station: success, the lack of funding in 2009 constrained the ability of amount of______• Upgrading the photovoltaic system to the PfB staff to protect the nesting area constantly. The minimize the need for use of the diesel nests were all robbed of the chicks by poachers in generator ($20,000) this season. It is imperative that funds are raised VISA___MC___ Card Exp:______• Improving and expanding interpretation on before January 2010 in order to protect trails and constructing a small observation the nests next season. tower ($10,000) Signature • Re-building and improving the education center, including a small library and museum ($20,000)

The Belize Conservation Fund will seek funding to assist PfB in making these final improvements. Any suggestions for funders are most welcome! We hope you will visit La Milpa to enjoy these new facilities and to see the wildlife and ruins. Please help spread the word to fellow travelers and supporters!

2 7 Belize Conservation Fund Newsletter January 2010 Belize Conservation Fund Newsletter January 2010

Abalone Caye Jaguar Research Ranger Station at RBCMA Your support keeps Non-invasive tracking of jaguars and solar power going other feline species in Belize has been strong! conducted in Rio Bravo’s subtropical With financial assistance provided forests by Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University and Dr. Marcella through the Belize Conservation Kelly. Using camera “traps,” her team Projects at the Fund, TIDE was able to upgrade and Tourist facilities on has identified population numbers and Programme for Belize repair to the solar powered energy West Snake Caye densities for large mammals. In the system at the Abalone Caye Ranger summer of 2009, they counted 9 jaguars, SUSTAINABLE FORESTRY IN BELIZE Station. This Station and tower is Few locals have the opportunity Funding from the Belize 18 pumas, 9 ocelots, and 1 margay. The Timber is one of the most important These operations are conducted in a home to TIDE rangers on duty in to visit the Port Honduras Marine Conservation Fund allowed the research team is currently analyzing forest products in Belize. In theory, it is special zone covering less than 20% of the the Port Honduras Marine Reserve Reserve despite its close proximity to Toledo Institute for Development thousands of photos to get additional possible to manage sustainable extraction RBCMA and buffering the fully protected and home to scientists, interns, and the town of Punta Gorda and other and Environment (TIDE) to build estimates on these populations. of timber without compromising core that constitutes the bulk of the nearby villages. In part, this is because a palapa on West Snake Caye. This environmental values. In reality, however, property. The operation is subjected volunteers conducting monitoring Jaguars and wild cat populations are there are very few practical examples to annual external audit. The timber is and research. there are very few cayes (islands) structure provides shade and comfort in the reserve that are suitable for to local visitors. On West Snake threatened primarily by habitat loss and of such management around the world. certified by SmartWood and WoodMark fragmentation. Due to human presence, Integrating timber and conservation under the rules set down by the Forest The power system at the Abalone visitors. One of these is West Snake Caye snorkelers, bird watchers and Caye. With 90 feet of shifting white weekend recreational visitors have forest areas have disappeared and management is one of the great Stewardship Council. This acts as an Caye ranger station has been challenges for tropical forest protection assurance to PfB, its many supporters, beach and snorkeling on the fringing experienced and enjoyed the vital reduced to isolated patches. Isolated operating for eight years and populations have a decreased level on a large scale. and the purchasers of its timber products reefs, West Snake Caye is an ideal and precious the marine reserve. The that RBCMA timber operations are of is a generally good system but place for visitors to enjoy and learn palapa provides a place to rest, enjoy of dispersal of breeding individuals The Programme for Belize staff, centered deterioration over time required impacting the genetic divergence of at the Hill Bank station, is leading the way the highest environmental quality. And to appreciate the reserve. a picnic, change clothes and enhances most importantly, PfB’s work serves as an these needed repairs and upgrades. populations. So the viability of the jaguars for researching and managing responsible the experience of the visitor and timber extraction. With experiments and example that others can imitate. With care and good maintenance, local resident to Port is further threatened. Rio Bravo is one of the few large, extensive, continuous rigorous monitoring of forestry impacts, Forestry provides approximately 30% the system should provide good, Honduras Marine Reserve. the Programme is building an important of the income for PfB, assisting in its clean energy for the future. tropical forest areas available to jaguars and other large cats. understanding of responsible forestry. drive for self-sufficiency.

Community Involvement Successful conservation for the Rio Bravo area depends on what In addition, foreign student groups that come to Hill Bank for the is done outside the reserve, as well as what is done within the Tropical Forest course are encouraged to donate and contribute conservation lands themselves. to the local Belizean villages. Some of these college students from Keeping local communities around the reserve the US and UK have painted local schools, donated books, and informed and involved is vitally important. installed solar systems for Belize primary schools that did not Efforts included: previously have electricity. • Providing local schools with needed resources The Programme for Belize • Educating local Belizean students about the demonstrates the importance of value of the reserve – including giving them conservation—and the value of opportunities to stay at La Mila and take birding helping local communities as well “After a while, we headed on to West Snake Caye. A spectacular view and wildlife walks. the forests. The wildlife cannot welcomed us, the dark blue ocean that suddenly turns turquoise and will not be safe unless the Efrain Cocom, station manager at Hill Bank Field local people in the surrounding blue at the caye, the white sand beach and the palm station, has a busy job. He manages the dormitory like right out of a picture” communities understand and are and kitchen staff and facilities. He also takes care of equally invested in preserving the the visiting researchers and tourists and provides conservation area. supervision of the ranger team. Efrain also works PfB staff help Belizean school children In May, as part of the Green Wave on the landscaping and building repairs. Somehow, plant mahogany trees. while doing all this, he also finds time to enhance the Initiative (established by the relationships between Programme for Belize conservation efforts United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity,) the PfB staff and the needs of the villages around the conservation area. visited 15 primary schools to give presentations, awards and help each school planted a mahogany tree at the end of the program. This year, Efrain made picnic tables and donated 15 chairs/desks, and picnic tables to the local primary school in neighboring Rancho Dolores village. As connections are built, the schoolchildren are encouraged to learn about the biodiversity of the area and the importance of conservation.

6 3 Belize Conservation Fund Newsletter January 2010 BelizeBelize Conservation Conservation Fund Fund Newsletter Newsletter January 2010 Did you know there RANGERS at the Port are 566 species of birds Honduras Marine Reserve: reported in Belize! The Port Honduras Marine Educating people about the laws and Reserve in southern Belize is a the benefits to conservation is an vitally important resource for all important part of his work and Cash of Central America. The Toledo takes time to talk with fishermen Institute for Development and and residents in the area. Cleaning Environment (TIDE) is responsible up trash on the water and cayes is News From Tide for the protection and preservation also an important responsibility. of this resource. There are only 2 boats and 4 Toledo Institute for Development The rangers who work for TIDE are on rangers on duty and the work is and Environment the frontline for conservation. difficult and can be dangerous; however, Cash believes his work TIDE continues to lead communities • Protecting the resources of the Carlos “Cash” Ramirez is the head DID YOU KNOW ?? ranger for Toledo Institute for and that of the other TIDE staff is in conservation by: Port Honduras Marine Reserve, making a difference. The Black tipped Victoria Peak in Belize is only 3675 feet Payne’s Creek National Park and Development and Environment Creating innovative ways to (TIDE). Born in Guatemala and and Hammerhead sharks are back in elevation. Yet it challenges the most • the TIDE Private Protected Lands engage schools and communities brought to Belize when he was just and there are reports of turtles fit hiker and takes 3 days to climb. The through the Fish Fest, the Youth • Conducting crucial research and 5 years old, Cash was raised on the increasing in numbers. Over time, peak is located in the Maya Mountains Conservation Competition, the monitoring biodiversity from islands of Head Caye and has lived TIDE hopes the reserve will have an within the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Freshwater Football League and Ridge to Reef within the Maya his entire life in what is now the increase in all kinds of marine life. Sanctuary. These mountains and foothills essay contests. In addition they Mountain Marine Corridor Port Honduras Marine Reserve. are among the oldest surface rock provide training for community As Cash was growing up, residents formations in all of Central America. educators, teachers and children The Belize Conservation Fund seeks funding to assist TIDE in its important of these islands had only sailing Vladimir Rodrigues, station manager at La dories to get from place to place. Milpa, recently repeated his trek to the • Engaging locals with the conservation mission in southern Belize. Community Stewards Program “If the wind was not favorable, summit of Victoria Peak. It is a difficult sometimes we would be stranded climb, he reports, because of the thick • Implementing the goals of the at sea and it would take days to get tropical forest and rough trails. Guiding Maya Mountain Marine Corridor home” said Cash. Fishing was the and permits are available from the Belize Conservation Action strategy livelihood for his family, yet as he Audubon Society, which manages the got older, he became aware of the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary. dangers of exploitation of natural Updating the Port Honduras Marine resources. He observed that illegal Cockcomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary is Reserve Management Plan. fishing, gill nets, and other practices damaged the health of the reserve. recognized internationally as the world’s 1 October 2009 first jaguar preserve. It is also known Cash became a ranger and now for its spectacular waterfalls, mountain TIDE has received funding from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Agency spends his days patrolling the views, nature trails, and rich diversity of NOAA) to complete the update and revision of the Port Honduras Marine borders of the reserve and the neotropical birds. Reserve Management Plan. Activities began in January this year with a literature “no-take preservation zones.” These and organizational review and continued with an adaptive management survey zones are completely restricted and conducted by interns Rob Ferguson, Glennis Padilla, and Lisa Gualitieri. Alastair protected from human activity. Daly is the new TIDE volunteer and will also be working on this project.

4 5