Fisherfolk Raise Concerns Over Expansion of No-Take Marine Zones

The Resilient Bold Belize Project (RBBP) initiative is looking to increase the fully protected marine areas in Belize from 4% to 20% by 2026.  The ambitious target is part of the country’s Blue Bond program commitments that the Belize Flats Fishery Association is somewhat disturbed about.  The association called a press conference today expressing concerns that the expansion of the no-take-zones would limit fishing and tourism activities and essentially affect the livelihoods of fisherfolk and tour guides across Belize.  Acting President of the association, Eworth Garbutt, explained to the media that there is a need for public consultations and a view by the ministry of other projects affecting the very areas they are seeking to protect.

Eworth Garbutt, Vice President, Belize Flats Fishery Association: “The main purpose was awareness. There’s a lot going on the cutting block. Literally 20% of the coral coverage in our lovely country were going from 4% full protection to 20%, so an increase of 16%. And yet, less than 1% of our population know about this move that is taking place. Regardless of the countless, according to them, so called consultation of the representation from them. They were well attended with Coastal Zone, fisheries, and I don’t know who else, but a consultant but other than the people that they needed to have informed, the people wasn’t there. I was at the meeting October 27th, and it was 15 of us and I’m the closest person to a commercial fisher. And that’s where these decision and idea is getting pushed around. So today’s meeting is really I call it a consultation pro bono because we’re not charging and we’re showing the nation what we stand to lose if we don’t stand together.”

The objective of the RBBP is to ensure the long-lasting protection of Belize’s biodiversity, economic viability, specifically in the fisheries and nature-based tourism sectors, and community resilience against climate change impacts.  The Belize Flats Fishery Association was joined by other key representatives from conservation organizations, fisheries groups, and local stakeholders.