Belize needs PACT to meet the critical need for an immediate and sustainable infusion of funds essential for Belizean efforts to manage and protect the valuable resource base. This can be achieved through conservation efforts, maintenance of biodiversity, protection of ecological processes and maintenance of visitor enjoyment and quality of life.

Belize is at a very crucial stage in the management of its protected areas, and its endowment of natural and cultural resources in general. The country's unspoilt beauty, and its diversity of world class natural and cultural wonders, offer a unique niche to attract tourists, to facilitate internationally rated research in fields related to natural and cultural resources, and to develop techniques for conserving, preserving, enhancing and managing these resources.

Given that there is an increase in sensitivity world wide about maintaining and enjoying pristine environments, and given Belize's natural and cultural resource endowment, the tourism industry in Belize has emphasized an eco-cultural tourism approach in its development. The country's unique attributes constitute a primary motivation for travellers to this region who are seeking an "eco" destination.

During the last ten years, Belize has developed into an attractive tourist destination because of its eco-tourism and adventure travel reputation. Belize's tourism attraction is derived from its diverse and lush rain forests, its unusual range of bio-diversity, (both plants and animals), its numerous archaeological sites, and the Belize Barrier Reef, the longest in the Western Hemisphere.

The intrinsic value of Belize's natural and cultural resource endowment, its potential to contribute to national development in a sustainable manner, and the large number of players involved in natural and cultural resource management and use, give rise to the need for a coordinating force that could help to support the nation wide effort to maximize the conservation and management of Belize's natural and cultural resource endowment.

PACT arose out of this vision. It represents an innovative way of raising additional funds for the conservation, preservation, enhancement and management of Belize's natural and cultural resources. It seeks to put in place the first major step for long term financing of these activities, including the management of protected areas. It will generate funds through various mechanisms, then use those funds to provide financial assistance for activities which are consistent with the mission goal and purpose of PACT, and which are included in the schedule to the PACT Act.

Over the last five years PACT developed from an idea in 1991, to a concept in 1992, to an Act (No. 15 of 1995) in 1995, and to a real entity in June 1996. The next phase is for PACT to consolidate, and become a player in the conservation, preservation, enhancement and management of Belize's natural and cultural resources.