Potential Barriers & Solutions in Preserving the Turneffe Atoll

The Government of Belize, and the pertinent permitting agencies, will be both barriers and allies in this endeavor.  We believe that with the necessary information in hand, Belize will do what they have done historically and protect their fragile and valuable habitats.  The fact that the Government of Belize has been, and still is, an advocate for the environment is key.

Land speculators, wishing to capitalize on the potential of Turneffe, will be barriers.  They can be dealt with through appropriate zoning, environmental impact assessments and the establishment of protected areas.  We believe that it is also feasible to deal with them through some outright purchases.  This will require significant financial resources and further legal assessment.

Land developers wishing to avoid the proper permitting procedures through their “contacts” with government officials have always been an issue in Belize. Through education, public awareness and appropriate activism, this can be minimized, and hopefully eliminated.

The commercial fishing lobby is a potential barrier although they currently appear to be on board.