FCD’s Macaw Research Permit Renewed

After a period of uncertainty, Friends for Conservation and Development (FCD) has had its research permit for scarlet macaws renewed. Earlier this month, FCD Executive Director, Rafael Manzanero, confirmed to News Five that the Forest Department had renewed the permit, this time for two years. 

When we asked Prime Minister John Briceño about it he said, “As I’ve always said, FCD is a very good partner in development, and we need to do everything possible to cooperate with them.” 

The uncertainty came after a logging company had raised concerns. According to the prime minister, the company saidresearchers were moving through zones where active, though sustainable, logging was taking place. “But we worked it out, and that’s important,” Briceño said.

With the permit renewed, the government is now working closely with FCD to expand its operations. Briceño pointed to ongoing efforts at the Las Cuevas Research Station, where plans are underway to secure a long‑term agreement and introduce “educational tourism” that would allow students and professors to stay on site while conducting research.

He added that a new headquarters site has been identified near the Chalillo Dam, with the consent of the Belize Defence Force, and will include a visitor centre. “I feel very strongly about the work that they do. They started out when I was a minister. I helped them in so many ways, so I do feel I have a vested interest in seeing that they continue the fantastic work that they do,” Briceño said.