Case Study: Belize
Over a period of 12 years, between 1986 and 1998, CCC, along with many partners, played a crucial role in safeguarding the Belize Barrier Reef. This case study describes the complete process, from pilot surveys to the declaration of a World Heritage Site containing several Marine Protected Areas.
The Belize Barrier Reef
- Unique in the Western Hemisphere on account of its size, its array of reef types and the luxuriance of corals thriving in such pristine condition. UNEP
- The world's second largest barrier reef system comprising a chain of reefs 13-28km offshore, plus three large offshore atolls.
First Steps
- In 1986, the first CCC expedition (a joint universities venture) visited Belize to examine the affects of tourism and fishing.
- The team reported their findings to the Belize Fisheries Department who invited CCC to return the following year to perform a second pilot survey.
Forging Partnerships
- In 1989, the Belize Government, concerned by potential threats to the reef from the country's expanding tourism and agricultural industries, established the Belize Coastal Zone Management Unit (CZMU). The role of the CZMU was to devise a management plan that would protect the reef while allowing for its sustainable use.
- CCC were asked to assist the CZMU by beginning a programme of surveys and research.
Volunteer Expeditions
- Between May 1991 and December 1995, over 1,000 CCC Volunteers surveyed more than 200km2 of reefs and lagoons around South Water Cay.
- Satellite expeditions surveyed further afield at key locations such as Laughing Bird Cay, the Sapodilla Cays, Cay Caulker, Bacalar Chico and the Snake Cays.
- In 1994, CCC relocated its expedition base from South Water Cay to Calabash Cay on Turneffe Atoll in order to extend its surveys to the reefs, lagoons and mangrove forests of this unspoilt atoll.
Capacity Building & Skills Development
- In 1991, CCC joined forces with the Belize Fisheries Department to establish a Diving Scholarship Programme.
- Hundreds of Belizeans were taught how to dive, identify marine life and perform surveys. Many have gone on to excel in the field of marine conservation.
- In 1994, CCC collaborated with the Belize Government and University College of Belize (UCB) to establish a Marine Research Centre (MRC) on Calabash Cay.
- The UCB MRC is now recognised as a centre of excellence for research, training and education.
Education
- CCC visited schools throughout Belize to promote awareness of the importance of the Belize Barrier Reef and worked with local organisations, such as the Belize Audubon Society, to highlight conservation issues.
Results
- Using data gathered by CCC volunteers, a new marine habitat classification scheme for Belize and the wider Caribbean was developed.
- Volunteer data formed an intrinsic part of the Belize Barrier Reef being declared a World Heritage Site in 1996 - along with several new Marine Protected Areas.
- A new Marine Research Centre was established for ongoing study.
- Hundreds of Belizeans benefited from a Diving Scholarship Programme.
- Thousands of schoolchildren appreciated the importance of the reef.
"CCC's contribution to the coastal zone management project has been enormous.. there is no doubt that the World Heritage Site nomination of the Belize Barrier Reef could never have been adopted without the extensive and detailed management plans and habitat maps provided by CCC."
