By Belize Live News Staff: The Maya Forest Corridor Coalition, along with its partners, has issued a public appeal to Deputy Prime Minister Cordel Hyde and Orlando Habet, Minister of Sustainable Development, Climate Change, and Disaster Risk Management, regarding illegal deforestation and land issuance activities within the Manatee Forest Reserve.
The Coalition’s open letter outlines significant concerns over deforestation resulting from illegal encroachments and unauthorized land permits within the Manatee Forest Reserve. Established in the 1950s, this protected area is now facing extensive and rapidly expanding deforestation, as revealed by recent land use change analysis. These activities are allegedly occurring without public consultation or transparency, violating Belize’s national laws and international agreements, such as the Escazú Agreement.
The Manatee Forest Reserve is a crucial component of the Maya Forest Corridor, a key ecological link that connects the Maya Mountain Massif to the northern part of the tri-national Selva Maya. This corridor is vital for the movement and genetic diversity of several endangered species, including jaguars, Baird’s tapirs, and White-lipped Peccaries. Furthermore, the reserve plays a significant role in providing essential ecosystem services and contributing to climate resilience for the people of Belize.
In their letter, the Maya Forest Corridor Coalition has called for immediate government action to halt all clearing activities within the reserve and to reverse any land issuance and permits for surveying or clearing land. They also demand a thorough and transparent investigation into these activities, with the findings publicly disclosed to ensure accountability. Additionally, the Coalition urges the government to initiate an open dialogue with local communities, conservation organizations, and other stakeholders to develop a collaborative action plan for the protection of the reserve.
This recent appeal is not the first instance of concern raised by the Coalition. The letter mentions that every signatory has previously reported similar illegal activities in other protected areas, with little to no resolution from regulatory agencies. The Coalition emphasizes the need for the Ministry of Natural Resources and the Ministry of Sustainable Development and Climate Change to uphold transparency and accountability in their actions.
The integrity of Belize’s national protected areas system, particularly the Manatee Forest Reserve, requires immediate and decisive action. The ongoing deforestation threatens not only the biodiversity and ecosystem health but also Belize’s efforts in combating climate change and biodiversity loss on a global scale.
The Coalition expresses its readiness to meet with government officials to discuss these pressing issues. They highlight the urgent need for protective measures to ensure the sustainability of Belize’s natural resources and the well-being of its environment.
The Maya Forest Corridor Coalition is a collective of conservationists and environmental organizations committed to preserving the Maya Forest Corridor. Their mission is to ensure sustainable land use and protect Belize’s biodiversity for future generations.
For further information, the Coalition can be contacted at:
Contact:
Maya Forest Corridor Coalition
Email: info@mayaforescorridor.org
Phone: +501-123-4567
Open Letter DPM and Min Habet – Manatee Forest Reserve 24JUN24
