Sustainable Development and Management of Biologically Diverse Coastal Resources (Phase 3 also called Conservation and Sustainable Use of the Barrier Reef Complex

SELECTED PROJECT ACTIVITIES/RESULTS

Phase 1

• A Coastal Zone Management Act, a statutory instrument that provides Belize with a permanent formal institution for conserving coastal biodiversity and managing coastal issues, was formerly enacted in April 1998. The act established the Belize Coastal Zone Management Authority (CZM Authority) consisting of a multi-institutional board of directors (originally the GEF project’s steering committee), an Advisory Council and a CZM Institute based at the University College of Belize. The CZM Authority advises and co-ordinates its activities with the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries.
• The CZM Act also provided for the development of a Coastal Zone Management Plan and financial measures to support the work of the Authority and Institute.
• Seven marine reserves were created by the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries and two protected areas were created by the Ministry of Natural Resources. The seven marine reserves (now integrated into the Belize Barrier Reef Marine Protected Area Network) were designated a World Heritage Site in 1996. MPA areas closed to fishing have seen increases in important commercial species according to the National Fisheries Association
• . A GIS system mapping habitat types, dive sites and fisheries was created. It contains baseline data from surveys including crocodiles, water quality, coral reefs and mantees. A study was also made of fish and shellfish species of commercial value, and the effect the establishment of MPA had on their populations.
• Phase 1 supported four Belizeans on BSc courses, one on a Masters degree, and a PhD student. Specialized training on coastal resource management conservation was provided for six others. The project supported teacher training workshops throughout the country and also trained local officials in coastal area wastewater treatment.
• The Marine Research Center of the University College of Belize established a marine base on Clalbash Cay as a teachers training center and to host summer camps. 

Phase 1 Communications

• The project worked closely with two NGOs, Belize Audubon and Coral Cayes Conservation, as well as with the University College of Belize in environmental education. It supported the publication of a teachers’ manual that was endorsed by the Chief Education Officer and was introduced through a series of workshops.
  
  A teacher’s guide to coral reef’ publication was prepared for the project by the Coral Keys Foundation which also helped produce a video documentary ‘The Sea of Belize’

Phase 1 Publications

• The first State-Of the Coastal Zone Report (June 1996); Institutional Arrangements for Coastal Zone management in Belize; Coastal Zone Management, Institutional Development and Financing Mechanisms; and A Review of the Environmental Impacts of Aquaculture in Belize and Guidelines for Sustainable Development.

Phase 3- Selected project results

• The project continued to support the CZM Authority and Institute in successfully developing a national CZM strategy; building technical capacity; and developing widely supported and broadly distributed development guidelines. It also established programmes for native endangered species, and water quality and coral reef monitoring programmes. It advanced community participation by establishing participatory processes for decision-making on coastal resource use and increased national awareness and appreciation of a wide range of coastal resources issues. 
• State-of-the-Coast reports indicate that reefs are recovering from hurricanes and are generally healthy.  Water quality in the coastal zone continues to maintain good quality and flagship manatee populations remain healthy and reproductive capacity is good.
• A National ICZM strategy was produced and endorsed by the government in 2003. It has been frequently consulted in programme development processes by government and NGO partners including the preparation of a draft Cays Development Policy (2003), draft Coastal Development Guidelines (2003/04) and in plans to adopt an MPA entrance fee.
• With project backing the CZM Institute grew into a multi-disciplinary technical institution with a professional staff of more than 26 technical experts highly trained in specific areas of expertise relevant to the needs of the Belize coastal zone.
• Establishment of the Institute had had a national impact and has also been recognized regionally and internationally.  The CZM Institute became the ‘go-to’ agency for all coastal and marine-related issues and was regularly consulted on all coastal development applications for dredging, pier construction, subdivisions, EIAs and coastal infringement reports. 
• The CZM Advisory Council also continued to play a significant role in the multi-disciplinary review of project developments in the coastal zone and in coordination between agencies.
• Although the project has met with problems over its sustainability since GEF funding ended many project benefits remain, including public awareness, species research, the library collection, the system of functioning marine protected areas, the coastal zone management strategy, and draft guidelines for coastal development. The establishment of baseline data and monitoring programmes, in particular coral reefs, endangered and indicator species and coastal water quality, ensured that these programmes provided data on the long-term status and threats to the Belize coastal zone. 
• Tour guide training was organized for groups such fishers and tour guides/operators.
• The GIS and Data Center continued to build its database and partnered with WWF to generate maps of the MPAs and critical species. Students, universities, government agencies, and others regularly accessed this data
• Major improvements in practices were seen in both the fishing and tourism industries. As a result of education and public awareness programmes, and closer coordination with stakeholders, both industries have focused on creating sound industries through sustainable practices and use of coastal resources.
• Management effectiveness of the Belize MPA system was improved. Phase 3 allowed many MPAs to move from the status of ‘paper parks’ into functioning protected areas. In July, 2004 51.5 percent of MPAs were operational compared to just 2.3 percent when the project began.
• Illegal fishing and other activities that damage the reef system have been targeted. Due to increased and more efficient patrols, arrests have been made and several cases been prosecuted, resulting in fines or imprisonment.
• The Education and Public Awareness Unit, established in 1999, expanded its facilities by opening the CZM Reference and Research Library, in May 2003.
• Since the adoption of a coral reef monitoring unit in 1999, the CZMAI has been routinely carrying out biological monitoring to determine the health and productiveness of Belize's coral reefs. Results from these studies are published in the annual State of the Coast Report.
• The first draft of a Belize Manatee Recovery Plan was published in 1998. The plan presented a four-year schedule to prevent extinction or irreversible decline of the manatees, and to preserve the quality of their habitat.
• The GEF Small Grants Programme has been active in the project backing projects to conserve or reintroduce endangered species, such as the manatee or harpy eagle; to improve the management and community participation in protected areas; and to increase livelihoods through ecotourism, tour guide and dive master training.

Phase 3 Legal

• The Coastal Zone Management Act, passed in 1998, was revised in 2000.
• The project has collaborated with other agencies in influencing the creation of additional policies and laws, such as the Fish Spawning Aggregation regulations, the draft Aquaculture policy and the Land Use Plan.

Phase 3 Communications

• The public information and education component of phase 3 saw further publication of State-of-the-Coast reports, the Coastline newsletter, technical reports, special surveys, booklets, press kits and brochures (many available on the project website). The project was also successful in developing awareness and a culture for conservation and coastal and marine resource management among youth, government agencies, local communities, developers, key interest groups such as tourist operators and fishermen, and the public at large.

Partners etc

The project was executed through the Ministry of Fisheries (now, Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries). The implementing agency is the Coastal Zone Management Authority and Institute (CZMAI), with its Board of Directors acting as the Project Steering Committee.

NGO and academic partners included Belize Audubon and Coral Cayes Conservation, and the University College of Belize. 

Project website: http://www.coastalzonebelize.org/about.html

Newsletter: Coastline

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