Millions to Defend Belize’s Natural Frontiers

The people protecting Belize’s forests and borders are getting more resources to take that fight deeper into some of the country’s most vulnerable areas. Three conservation groups will share more than one million Belize dollars to strengthen forest protection, support Indigenous-led conservation and expand patrols along the Chiquibul National Park. The funding comes through a partnership involving the Government of Belize, the European Union and the International Organization for Migration. Officials say the grants will place critical resources directly into the hands of frontline organizations working to defend Belize’s territory, biodiversity and natural heritage. Tonight, we examine where the money is going and how it could strengthen conservation efforts along Belize’s borders.

 

Lawrence Thompson, Director, Border Management

“I therefore extent a sincere thanks to the EU and IOM for providing this level of input to our border management controls and border management systems to support the continues development of our Midas system. This is supporting the continuous strengthening of border management system and its capabilities.”

 

Rafael Manzanero, Executive Director, FCD

“I wish to thank the IOM and the EU for giving us the opportunity to participate in this unique program which seeks to empower conservation and environmental civil society like FCD. We are grateful for that. Our project is titled, Strengthening the Natural and Cultural Protection of the Chiquibul National Park Through Improved Capability and Operational Support.”

 

Christina Garcia, Executive Director, Ya’axché

“The project, entitled strengthening transboundary conservation in southern Belize’s Maya landscape has a total project fund of one hundred and thirty-nine thousand, six hundred and eighty-nine euros. I won’t translate to Belize dollars. The project will address gaps in conservation and enforcement through strengthening operation capacity in advancing conservation field skills. Together, these three initiatives place resources directly in the hands of organizations and communities working on the ground to protect Belize’s forests and safeguard the country’s natural and cultural heritage.”

 

Attention readers: This online newscast is a direct transcript of our evening television broadcast. When speakers use Kriol, we have carefully rendered their words using a standard spelling system.

 

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