FAO and Partners Launch Biodiversity Conservation Project in Belize's Maya Golden Landscape
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), with support from the Global Environmental Facility (GEF) and the Government of Belize, officially launched a transformative four-year project aimed at mainstreaming biodiversity in the Maya Golden Landscape (MGL) of Toledo, Belize. The launch event took place at Kiki Witz Resort, Belmopan, Cayo District, and was attended by key stakeholders from various sectors.
The project, titled “Mainstreaming Biodiversity in Belize’s Maya Golden Landscape,” is a collaborative effort between FAO and Ya’axché Conservation Trust. It focuses on integrating biodiversity conservation, protected areas management, and sustainable livelihoods at the landscape level. The initiative targets farmers and organized groups from ten stakeholder communities, operating within both protected areas and community zones of the MGL.
Dr. Kenrick Williams, CEO of the Ministry of Sustainable Development and Climate Change and GEF Focal Point/FAO country representative in Belize, emphasized the critical role of this project in promoting sustainable development and biodiversity conservation in the region.
Ya’axché’s Executive Director, Christina Garcia, provided an overview of the project, highlighting its key objectives and components. The workshop also saw the establishment of the Project Steering Committee (PSC) as the governance structure, and the formation of the Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) to provide specialized expertise. An 18-month work plan was presented, detailing the current implementation status and future opportunities for enhancing collaboration between the PSC and TAC.
Expected outcomes of the project include the development of ethnically sensitive action plans for priority protected areas, community-supported biodiversity monitoring, and improved community resource management. Additionally, the project will offer gender-responsive training and technical support in sustainable agriculture practices. Lessons learned and best practices will be disseminated through multi-stakeholder forums and various platforms to inform similar efforts in other parts of Belize.
Ya’axché Conservation Trust, a grassroots community-based organization, has been instrumental in promoting harmony between nature and human development in southern Belize since its inception in 1998. Their experience in community outreach and livelihoods within the MGL will be crucial in ensuring the success of this ambitious project.