Strengthening Cooperation to Improve Management of Laughing Bird Caye

A stakeholder consultation led by the Ministry of Sustainable Development was held recently in Placencia.  Minister Orlando Habet, along with teams from the National Biodiversity Office and the Forest Department, met with various organizations to strengthen cooperation for improved management of the Laughing Bird Caye National Park. Together with the Southern Environmental Association, the Government of Belize co-manages this UNESCO World Heritage Sub-site which provides a habitat to an abundance of marine life and bird colonies, including the laughing gull.  Increased threats, as well as the impacts of climate change, including increased erosion of its shoreline, have been occurring on the island. The meeting was part of an effort by the ministry to improve protected areas management through the reinforcement of co-management agreements.  It is also focused on enhancing community engagement, enforcement and benefits to local communities and stakeholders from buffering sites.