Reef Guard project: Sustaining life and livelihoods

© Antonio Busiello / WWF Mesoamerica

Preserving a Paradise


Belize's coastal and marine environment is the backbone of the country's economy and culture and the heart of the Mesoamerican Reef - the largest transboundary coral reef system in the world and a hotspot of marine biodiversity. However, the coastal region is coming under increasing pressure - and with it the livelihoods of the local people.

The Mesoamerican Reef stretches along the entire coast from Belize to the neighboring countries of Mexico, Guatemala and Honduras. It is home to a variety of marine and coastal ecosystems, including corals, mangroves and seagrass beds. There are more than 60 species of coral, over 500 species of fish and several endangered marine species, including sea turtles and whale sharks.

Within the Mesoamerican Reef, the Southern Belize Reef Complex is a crucial region when it comes to conserving viable populations of endangered species, including the hawksbill turtle, great hammerhead shark, Morelet's crocodile and Antillean manatee. However, the region is not only a jewel of marine biodiversity, its reefs, mangroves and seagrass beds also provide protection from extreme weather events for the local population and coastline.

© Antonio Busiello / WWF Mesoamerica
© Antonio Busiello / WWF Mesoamerica

A Paradise under Pressure


But this is only possible if the ecosystems remain healthy. Unfortunately, like many other coastal regions, this area is under increasing pressure from human activities such as unregulated, unsustainable construction activities (e.g. hotel construction) along the coast and in the lagoons. An estimated 17.3 percent of the region's mangrove forests has been lost through deforestation.

Unsustainable fishing practices and shipping also threaten the rich biodiversity and vital ecosystem services of the Southern Belize Reef Complex. At the same time, climate change poses enormous challenges to the region due to rising sea levels, rising sea temperatures and increasing ocean acidification, as well as increasingly frequent and intense storms.

Joining Forces for the Reef


WWF wants to counteract the further destruction of ecosystems in this fascinating region, which is also particularly threatened by the climate crisis. As part of the project “Strengthening ecological and livelihood resilience in the Southern Belize Reef Complex”, which runs from November 2024 to 2029 and is funded by the Blue Action Fund, WWF has formulated specific goals and developed measures to be implemented on the ground. Within this project, WWF Mesoamerica is working closely with WWF Germany and the local NGO Southern Environmental Association (SEA) as well as Humana People to People. As co-managing partner of two of the five marine protected areas, SEA is an important partner for the project in terms of improved management and direct contact with fishermen and local resource users, while Humana People to People Belize supports the activities in the development of alternative sustainable livelihoods.

© Antonio Busiello / WWF Mesoamerica
© WWF Mesoamerica

Geographic scope:​


The Reef Guard project: Sustaining life and livelihoods aims to improve the management of 4 existing marine protected areas in the Southern Belize Reef Complex (SBRC):

  1. South Water Caye Marine Reserve
  2. Glovers Reef Marine Reserve
  3. Laughing Bird Caye National Park
  4. Gladden Spit and Silk Cayes Marine Reserve


The project is further working towards the protection and designation of Placencia Lagoon as a conservation area.

Additionally, project activities will benefit the people and livelihoods in 7 coastal communities:

  1. Dangriga
  2. Hopkins
  3. Riversdale
  4. Maya Beach
  5. Seine Bight
  6. Placencia
  7. Independence

Overview


Project Timeframe: 5 years​​ (2024-2029)

Project executing partners:

  • WWF Germany​
  • WWF Mesoamerica​
  • Southern Environmental A​ssociation (SEA)
  • Humana People to People​ Belize


Government Partner:​

  • Belize Fisheries Department​
© Antonio Busiello / WWF Mesoamerica

Project components​

1. Increase MPA monitoring & enforcement effectiveness ​

  • Scientific analyses including ecological and climate assessments
  • Update management plans based on scientific analyses
  • Strengthen management capacities (on the job training & community engagement techniques)​
  • Provision of necessary equipment and infrastructure​
  • Training & awareness on existing legislation & standards (tourism, construction and transport)​
  • Awareness on relevance of use restrictions and ecosystem services for resource-dependent livelihoods​
  • Community participation (especially youth) in resource monitoring​

2. Increase the protection status of Placencia Lagoon

  • Ecological, socio-economic, and economic sustainability analysis ​
  • Participatory and inclusive consultation process with local communities
  • Preparation of statutory instruments and management plans for government approval ​
  • Legal designation as conservation area​
  • Build a rangers station​

3. Alternative livelihood options for affected stakeholders ​

  • Participatory livelihood analyses
  • Business plans and trainings
  • Attention to women’s and youth livelihood opportunities
  • Support for female leadership
  • Seed funds for businesses
  • Capacity building for improved employment opportunities

4. Mangrove, coral and seagrass restoration for climate adaptation

  • Disseminating best practices and generating innovative approaches to restoration​
  • Climate-smart mapping of restoration sites
  • Building seedling nurseries for restoration ​
  • Restoration activities for mangroves, corals and seagrass involving local communities​
  • Monitoring of restoration efforts

© Antonio Busiello / WWF Mesoamerica

Social & Environmental Safeguards​:


A comprehensive safeguards framework is set up to systematically identify and assess environmental and social risks and impacts through the course of the project. This framework includes the following:
 

  • Environmental and Social Management Plan (ESMP)​
  • Stakeholder Engagement Plan​
  • Gender Action Plan​
  • Free Prior Informed Consent (FPIC)  ​
  • Informed Consultation and Participation (ICP)​
  • Grievance Mechanism​


You may find more information on the Complaints Resolution Process (Grievance Mechanism) by following this link.

Safeguards local liaisons:​


We are also working with local liaisons (community representatives) to:
 

  • ​Assist locals in understanding Safeguards​
  • Support consultation processes​
  • Support stakeholder engagement activities
  • Support social monitoring​
  • Assist locals in filing a grievance​
© Antonio Busiello / WWF Mesoamerica



With support from the Blue Action Fund​.