3,500 Acres Strengthen Belize’s Wildlife Corridor
More than three thousand, five hundred acres of critical wildlife habitat have been added to the Belize Maya Forest Corridor Trust, marking a major milestone in the country’s conservation efforts. The acquisition strengthens the link between the Labouring Creek Jaguar Corridor Wildlife Sanctuary and the Manatee Forest Reserve, helping to preserve an important ecological corridor for future generations. Government officials and conservation partners say the achievement reflects years of collaboration aimed at protecting Belize’s rich biodiversity and natural heritage. An official launch event was held this week.
Cordel Hyde
Cordel Hyde, Minister of Natural Resources
“The Ministry of Natural Resources is not always a natural ally of the Maya Forest Corridor Trust. Actually they are usually at odds with us. They more typically work with Minister Landy and the Ministry of Sustainable Development. I have been jealous, but I understand. Often times our ministry is usually taken up with the new subdivisions for first-time landowners and developmental needs and land clinics and not enough with conservation efforts. And we should be striking that harmonious balance that is.”
Elma Kay
Dr. Elma Kay, Chair, Maya Forest Corridor Trust
“Trust is built through consistent action, through listening to each other as DPM has been telling me as we spend some time in the field together, and through patients. Today we are gathered here to celebrate an important and specific milestone in the protection of the corridor, a milestone that took years to achieve.”
Orlando Habet
Orlando Habet, Minister of Sustainable Development
“Since Cabinet’s approval in June 2019, this initiative has evolved through sustained collaboration, planning and resource mobilization. Today we recognize the organizations, the individuals and communities whose contributions have brought this national vision closer to reality. This is not simply the celebration of one more biological corridor in Belize. It is a celebration of our national commitment to protecting biodiversity, safeguarding ecosystems and securing our national heritage for future generations.”
The event was followed by a guided night tour at the Belize Zoo.
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