One only has to look at the coastal zone in Belize to observe a bustle in activities : housing and hotel developments, tourism activities, fisheries, coastal agriculture such as shrimp farming, boating and a number of other activities. Undoubtedly this area is under considerable pressure resulting from multiple and competing uses. It is evident that management plans are critical, not only to accommodate the various users but also to ensure the development of this area in a sustainable manner so that generations today and in the future will still have use of the resources.
Our renewable resources such as the coral reef, fish, conch, lobster need to be managed and conserved in order to be able to use them sustainably. The goal of fisheries management is to keep enough lobsters, fish and conch in the sea so that we can fish them forever. These goals can be achieved through :
Data Collection and Mapping -
We need to continuously inventory our resources and their use through research programs to gather adequate information on the population sizes and growth rates of our marine resources before a rational management system can be implemented. This is essential so that enough mature individuals are left unfished so that they can provide enough juveniles to fill the gaps produced by the harvesting of these creatures.
The Coastal Zone Management Unit has gathered information since 1990 on different coastal and marine issues. This information is exchanged with other government agencies and in-country projects for the development of effective management strategies.
The University College of Belize, in collaboration with Coral Caye Conservation, has established a Marine Research Centre with a Field Station on Calabash Caye since 1994. Coral Caye Conservation has prepared three management plans for marine protected areas in Belize, along with the Marine Research Centre as the lead agency; a geo-referenced management plan is being prepared for the Turneffe Island Atoll.
Planning, Zoning, Development and Control -
A key component of the Coastal Zone Management Program is a scheme that will provide for a mosaic of different uses within the coastal zone, while at the same time controlling negative impacts. A wide range of activities that take place in and on marine waters is regulated through a variety of legislation and responsible authorities. The powers afforded by the environmental impact regulations greatly enhance the Department of Environment's potential for controlling and mitigating the potential negative effects of developments and other activities.
Advocates for Marine and Coastal Zone Protected Areas -
Protected areas form an essential component of Belize's Coastal Zone Management Program. These areas can be designated either under the fisheries legislation or under the National Parks System Act and the Forest Ordinance. Currently there are five marine reserves, seven crown reserves, two natural monuments, four national parks, one private reserve and several proposed protected areas in the coastal zone.
Research and Monitoring -
The Coastal Zone Management Program includes the development of a conservation based research program aimed at supporting the management strategy and environmental monitoring programs necessary to provide managers and planners with the necessary information for effective management.
The Marine Research Centre and the Smithsonian Institute are carrying out research in shallow water marine ecosystems, including habitat mapping and the establishment of transects for the measurement and monitoring of coastal marine productivity in mangroves, seagrass and coral reefs.
Public Education and Participation, Training and Public Awareness -
These include plans for a number of trained and qualified personnel to provide training for both private and public sectors involved in sustainable use and management of these coastal resources. Environmental education is recognized as a high priority for all those involved regarding coastal issues. Workshops and in-country training courses will be developed by the Coastal Zone Management Program.
