Mangrove Conservation Done Right!

In the heart of Belize, a remarkable initiative is taking root—the Mangrove Friendly Development Challenge. This inspiring competition is not just about winning awards; it’s about celebrating local heroes who are championing the conservation of mangroves. These vital ecosystems are nature’s unsung protectors, shielding our coastlines, nurturing diverse marine life, and playing a crucial role in the fight against climate change. As Belize faces the pressing need to preserve its natural treasures, the Mangrove Friendly Development Challenge shines a spotlight on innovative projects that blend development with sustainability, ensuring a resilient future for our coastal communities. On Thursday night, here in Belize City, an award ceremony was held to recognize the winners of the annual challenge.  Here’s Isani Cayetano with that story.

 

Isani Cayetano, Reporting

Belize’s mangrove forests are incredibly important for the country’s diverse wildlife and the health of the Belize Barrier Reef. These trees act like natural shields against storm surges, waves, and coastal erosion, with thick roots helping to keep shorelines stable and prevent land loss during extreme weather. Mangroves are also home to many marine and land species, serving as nurseries for young fish, crabs, and mollusks, giving them a safe place to grow. Unfortunately, there’s been a troubling decline in mangrove covers in key coastal areas.

 

Orlando Habet, Minister of Sustainable Development

“The first global mangrove assessment shows that more than fifty percent of mangrove ecosystems are at risk of collapse.  In the absence of additional conservation efforts, by 2050, seven thousand, sixty-five square kilometers or five percent more mangroves will be lost and twenty-three thousand, six hundred and seventy-two square kilometers, or sixteen percent more will be submerged.”

 

To tackle this issue, the WWF teamed up with leading environmental and government agencies to launch a national competition. This contest is all about celebrating and rewarding individuals and groups who are pioneering mangrove-friendly projects on private lands.

 

Nadia Bood, Country Representative, WWF

“The reason we did this is because we realized that mangroves are under a lot of stress.  We are seeing increasing loss of mangroves from development, you know, many people are driven to develop along the coast.  We have hotels, resorts, expansion of communities, of municipalities, and so we said that we need to find a way that we can engage the public, we can try to engage the development sector, the government, the planners, in an initiative that can bring people together to effect change.”

 

Healthy mangrove ecosystems draw tourists and promote sustainable fishing. Keeping these ecosystems intact is crucial for the well-being and longevity of coastal communities. Mangroves are nature’s all-stars, offering protection, supporting diverse wildlife. Mangroves are amazing at soaking up and storing carbon dioxide, playing a big role in fighting climate change. They can capture up to four times more carbon per square meter than rainforests.

 

Beverly Wade, C.E.O., Blue Economy & Marine Conservation

“We have challenges that we have no control over, like climate change, as mentioned earlier, but we have challenges that are man-made challenges. We have development challenges which we are challenged to find that balance and for us to not see mangrove areas as an area that we need to mow down full and look pretty, but that it can be aesthetically pleasing and at the same time allowed to maintain its functionality which has so many other co-benefits.”

 

The Belize Tourism Board launched the Tourism Gold Standard Recognition Program to tackle the health and safety challenges brought by Covid-19. This program introduced better guidelines and protocols for hotels and restaurants, ensuring guest experiences remain top-notch. It has significantly raised the bar for hotel operations across Belize. El Ben has not only met these high standards but surpassed them, and on Thursday night, they proudly took home the prestigious award from the Mangrove Friendly Development Challenge 2024.

 

Saira Mahabir, Manager, El Ben Cabanas

“I was really shocked and really, really happy, humbled that we were recognized. From the beginning when they were doing the development, the owner, Mr. McWaters, Brian McWaters, he saved a lot of the mangroves and used it to beautify the property, and he saved all the mangroves in the front of the sea so he can actually use it as a shield to the property. If you look at the seaside, you will see all the mangroves, you wouldn’t see the resort at all.”

 

The Mangrove Friendly Development Challenge tells an inspiring story of local efforts to boost environmental sustainability and resilience in Belize. Isani Cayetano for News Five.