How Are Belize’s Landowners Protecting Mangroves While Building?

On Saturday, the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) hosted the awards ceremony for the 2025 Mangrove Friendly Development Challenge, a contest that recognises property owners, resorts, and community projects that are building in ways that protect mangroves.

Nadia Bood, senior program officer for WWF Mesoamerica, explained why these efforts matter. “Most of the mangroves in Belize are in private hands. That makes the need for us to truly work with these landowners… they can still have something beautiful and functional if they integrate the mangroves within their landscape design, rather than clear-cutting it and putting up a concrete seawall.”

She added that mangroves are often more resilient than man-made barriers. “Seawalls can fail. When a storm comes through, a seawall can collapse”, she said.

The competition has two categories. Aesthetics and Creativity reward developments that fit into the mangrove landscape with minimal impact, while Conservation and Sustainability recognise projects that actively protect or restore mangroves.

In the Aesthetics and Creativity category, Hideaway Caye won first place for its off‑grid retreat built in harmony with mangroves. “They have conserved the majority of the mangroves on their property and just created windows or small areas… where guests can enjoy nature,” Bood said. Naia Resort and Spa placed second for its winding boardwalk through mangroves, and Coral Pointe near Hopkins came in third for leaving mangrove buffers and reserves within its property.

In the Conservation and Sustainability category, the Toledo Institute for Development and the Environment (TIDE) won first place for mangrove‑friendly infrastructure at Payne’s Creek National Park and Port Honduras Marine Reserve. The Sarteneja Alliance for Conservation and Development placed second for enhanced management of Bacalar Chico National Park, and the St George’s Caye Village Council took third for its long-standing mangrove reserve.

In addition to the six winners, seven Mangrove Champions were recognised for their contributions to restoration, research, and conservation advocacy.

“We see them as being ambassadors that can then speak on the benefits that mangroves provide to their establishment and to their pocket as well,” Bood said.