Even though they might appear to be an unwelcome sight of inconsequential bush to some developers, Belize’s mangroves have major ecological, and therefore economic, significance. Their value lies largely in their ability to provide protection for Belize’s precious landscape from erosion and other structural degradation – thereby protecting our world famous coral reefs, as well as to provide a vital nursery ground for some of Belize’s important fishery resources and a haven for endangered wildlife, such as crocs.
But with development projects encroaching more and more on this very fragile mainstay of Belize’s coastal terrain, authorities decided way back in February to impose a nationwide moratorium on the alteration of mangroves, while experts in the field undertake a comprehensive stocktaking of Belize’s mangroves.
Even with the moratorium in place, enforcement has been a challenge. On June 25, 2008, the Forest Department had to write a developer, Reagan’s International, calling on them to cease mangrove clearance, citing regulations for the protection of mangroves and a possible fine of up to $1,000 and/or 12 months jail time for contraventions of the regulations.
Wilber Sabido, the Chief Forestry Officer, was the person who issued that cease work order, but when we tried to reach him for further information we were informed that he was not in office.
Working group leader, Marcelo Windsor, deputy chief forestry officer, who is holding over for Sabido, spoke with Amandala. He said that the last such comprehensive study was undertaken by Dr. Simon Zisman, who was contracted by the Government. He said that a new review is urgent, so as to update the country’s mangrove protection regulations, as well as to determine the true status of mangroves countrywide. To this end, the working group is slated to meet on Friday, Windsor informed.
The working group will draw expertise from various Government and non-government arms, including the Department of the Environment, Health, Reefs, the Belize Audubon Society, and the Association of Protected Areas Management Organizations (APAMO).
The Belize Country Report: Forestry Outlook Study for the Caribbean by the Forest Department, Ministry of Natural Resources, which we obtained from the website of the Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO), says that, the 1992 study by Dr. Zisman described the composition, range, and distribution of the mangrove forests of Belize. That report indicated that the mangroves occupied about 771 square kilometers or approximately 3.4% of Belize’s national territory.
The Forestry Department report cited above says Belize has three main species of mangroves: red (Rhizophora mangle), black (Avicennia nitida), and white (Laguncularia racemosa) are found growing in this order with increasing distance away from the salt water of the sea coast.
It added that 6 mangrove communities are identified in Belize: (i.) over-wash mangrove, (ii.) fringe mangrove, (iii.) riverine mangrove, (iv.) basin mangrove, (v.) hammock mangrove, and (vi.) saltmarsh with sparse mangrove (also referred to as scrub mangrove or mangrove savanna).
The new mangrove study to be undertaken this year, said Windsor, will first review baseline data at the Forestry Department.
Windsor told Amandala that the moratorium remains in effect for 9 months.