By Belize Live News Staff: The Association of Protected Areas Management Organizations (APAMO) has reaffirmed the effectiveness and integrity of its members in managing Belize’s protected areas, following comments by Minister Habet on Channel 7. During a press conference on July 18, APAMO clarified several points regarding the funding and management of these areas.
APAMO highlighted that in 2018, a new funding strategy was adopted with the introduction of the first Conservation Investment Strategy (CIS 2019-2022). This strategy moved from a project grant-based approach to a conservation investment approach, emphasizing the tracking and reporting of conservation returns on investment. This model ensured transparency and accountability throughout its implementation.
Minister Habet had previously mentioned a three-year investment of approximately $10 million. APAMO responded by explaining that co-managers had successfully leveraged an additional $10 million, bringing the total investment to $20 million for the Protected Areas System. APAMO’s reports on the Conservation Returns on Investment indicated that the 2019-2022 strategy had moderate success, though its impact was limited by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The fiscal year 2022-2023 was designated as a transition year, during which the fund and co-managers jointly prepared the second CIS (2023-2026). Transitional funding was provided to select protected areas for this period.
In July 2023, PACT introduced CIS 2.0, with a commitment of $16.5 million over three years. However, APAMO pointed out that since its launch, there has been a delay in the implementation of this plan. To date, no revised strategy or implementation mechanism has been proposed to the co-managers.
APAMO’s statements aim to address and correct the inaccuracies and negative aspersions cast on the co-managers’ access to and use of funds. The organization emphasized that such comments are not only incorrect but also disrespectful to the dedicated efforts of co-managers.
