Landowner Pays $10K After Clearing Red Mangroves 

A landowner has paid BZ$10,000 to settle with the Forest Department after clearing red mangroves without a permit. 

The settlement involves Sanju Lal Chulani, whose property at Mile 6.5 on the Phillip Goldson Highway was inspected by the Forest Department on September 17 following concerns about land clearing and possible mangrove alteration. 

The department said the inspection found that red mangroves had been altered during the clearing. The affected area was less than one-quarter acre, but no permit had been obtained to carry out the work.  

“Under Regulation 3(1) of the Forests (Protection of Mangroves) Regulations, 2018, a person shall not alter, allow, or cause to be altered any mangrove unless the alteration is carried out pursuant to a permit. Contravention of the Regulations is punishable under Regulation 19(1), which provides for a fine of up to BZ$25,000.00 or imprisonment for up to twelve months, or both,” the department said in an official statement. 

The matter was resolved through an out-of-court settlement on Wednesday, September 30. Chulani agreed to pay $10,000 in full and final settlement of the matter. 

Mangroves Under Pressure as Development Expands on Caye Caulker

The Forest Department is reminding landowners, developers and contractors that mangrove alteration requires prior authorisation.

Members of the public can report suspected mangrove damage or destruction to the Forest Department’s hotline at 610-1524.