Audubon's Land Preservation In Belize

The Belize Audubon Society is a national conservation leader and development partner that aims to inspire people to live in harmony with the environment and benefit from it. The society is a non-governmental, membership-based organisation dedicated to the sustainable management of Belize's natural resources. It was formed in 1969 as a foreign chapter of the Florida Audubon Society and became independent in 1973. The Belize Audubon Society is actively involved in environmental advocacy and the sustainable development of Belize. The society cares for national lands in areas designated as national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, and natural monuments, encompassing over 184,000 acres. These areas provide critical habitats for a variety of flora and fauna and are also home to sacred caves and ancient Mayan ruins. The society promotes research and monitoring of critical species, fosters community engagement, and works towards improving the environmental integrity of key marine and terrestrial protected areas through effective, collaborative natural resource management.

To protect endangered bird species

Belize is home to a diverse range of bird species, with over 590 species recorded in the country. Almost half of Belize's land is made up of protected areas, including national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, and natural monuments. Audubon has partnered with the Belize Audubon Society, a national conservation leader, to develop the bird tourism market in Belize. This project aims to protect endangered bird species and promote sustainable management of natural resources.

One of the primary goals of the partnership is to protect endangered bird species in Belize. Some of the endangered bird species found in Belize include:

• Scarlet Macaw (Ara macao): This magnificent bird, often considered the most spectacular member of the parrot family, is known for its strong wings and raucous calls. They prefer higher elevations and riparian forests and are known to have large territories.
• Keel-Billed Toucan (Ramphastos sulfuratus): The Keel-billed Toucan, also known as the "bill bird," is the national bird of Belize. It is distinguished by its huge, multicolored bill, which is dextrous and allows the bird to feed on various tropical forest fruits.
• Yellow-Headed Amazon (Amazona oratrix): This yellow-headed parrot is a subspecies unique to Belize. They are highly sought-after in the illegal pet trade due to their striking appearance and ability to mimic human speech.
• Golden-Cheeked Warbler (Setophaga chrysoparia): This warbler is considered endangered in Belize and is a priority species for conservation efforts.
• Harpy Eagle (Harpia harpyja): Once near-extirpated due to forest fragmentation, shooting, and nest destruction, the Harpy Eagle is now the subject of restoration projects aimed at re-establishing its population in Belize.
• Jabiru Stork (Jabiru mycteria): Standing five feet tall with a nine-foot wingspan, the Jabiru Stork is the largest bird in Belize and is considered an endangered species. Belize has the healthiest breeding population of jabirus in Central America.

Audubon's partnership with the Belize Audubon Society focuses on critical forest habitats in areas surrounding the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary, Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary, and St. Herman's Blue Hole National Park. These areas provide essential habitats for numerous bird species, including endangered and vulnerable populations. By promoting bird tourism and community engagement, Audubon aims to protect these endangered bird species and ensure their long-term survival in Belize.

To preserve Mayan heritage

Belize is home to hundreds of caves that were once portals to the underworld, or Xibalba, in Maya mythology. These caves, which were also used for burial, bloodletting, and sacrifice, contain relics, pottery, and artefacts from the ancient Maya. The Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM cave) in western Belize, for example, contains four skeletons, stoneware, and ceramic vessels left by the Maya. The Barton Creek Cave in Belize's western Cayo District was once an ancient Maya ceremonial site, and guided tours allow visitors to see cathedral-like chambers, rock formations, and relics.

The ancient Maya also left behind a rich legacy of art, science, and mathematics. They developed their own crops, fish ponds, and irrigation systems, and their agricultural and construction practices allowed them to build large metropolises with imposing temples, broad causeways, and open-air plazas. The Maya were also enthusiastic long-distance traders, bartering jade, obsidian, cacao, salt, and seashells for gold and other goods from as far away as Panama and the Gulf Coast of Mexico.

The Maya civilisation began to decline in the 16th century with the arrival of the Spanish, and much of their knowledge was lost as the Spanish conquistadors destroyed their libraries and administrative centres. However, the Maya recorded parts of their history and predictions in stone inscriptions that can still be seen today in stelae and the remains of cities, buildings, and temples.

Today, the Maya of Belize account for about 11% of the population and live mostly on communal lands that are self-governed under a village leader system. The Maya language and some traditions survive, and the people support themselves through agriculture, hunting, and the production of arts and crafts. Eco-tourism is also becoming an important source of income for the Maya, and contemporary Maya leaders view education, healthcare, and the promotion of cultural self-esteem as important components for the Maya to participate in modern society while preserving their traditions and cultural identity.

Audubon has partnered with the Belize Audubon Society to develop bird tourism in the country, with a focus on towns surrounding critical forest habitats such as the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary, Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary, and St. Herman's Blue Hole National Park. This project has trained over 50 locals to be bird guides, and Audubon offers sample itineraries for birding in Belize, including the Forest and Archaeological Tour and Birding the Tropics.

To promote sustainable development

The Belize Audubon Society (BAS) is a non-governmental organization that promotes sustainable development in Belize by advocating for the sustainable management of the country's natural resources. BAS achieves this through leadership and strategic partnerships with various stakeholders, including communities and other groups.

One of the core functions of BAS is to improve the environmental integrity of key marine and terrestrial protected areas in Belize through effective and collaborative natural resource management. This is achieved by implementing a comprehensive set of site management strategies, such as enforcement and surveillance, resource management, visitor management, environmental education, community outreach, research, and monitoring.

BAS recognizes the importance of engaging with the communities that surround the protected areas. By understanding the needs and dependencies of the local people, BAS can provide knowledge and opportunities for them to participate in the management of the environment. This approach fosters a balance between human activities and the conservation of natural resources.

In addition, BAS also focuses on promoting sustainable livelihoods and biodiversity research and monitoring. The organization has trained over 50 locals to be bird guides in three different areas, promoting sustainable tourism that supports conservation efforts.

BAS's efforts contribute to the preservation of Belize's rich natural heritage, including critical habitats for terrestrial and marine flora and fauna, as well as cultural sites such as sacred caves with limestone formations and remains of the ancient Maya. By promoting sustainable development, BAS aims to protect these invaluable resources for future generations to appreciate and enjoy.

To educate and engage communities

The Belize Audubon Society (BAS) is a non-governmental organisation dedicated to the sustainable management of Belize's natural resources. It aims to foster the appreciation and dissemination of the exceptional scientific, educational, and cultural values of Belize's protected areas, and to preserve this heritage for future generations.

BAS engages with the communities that buffer their protected areas. The society provides knowledge and opportunities for people to participate in the management of the environment. For example, the society has organised a local bird club for young people and holds monthly bird walks to foster an environmental ethic. They also work with local communities to promote conservation, which can create challenges when traditional practices are restricted in protected areas.

BAS offers environmental education and community outreach, including training over 50 locals to be bird guides in three different areas. They also provide educational displays and materials, such as modern field guides, to enhance awareness of the environment.

In addition to their work in Belize, BAS has partnered with organisations in other countries, such as the Bahamas National Trust, to support science and conservation action. These partnerships focus on areas such as community engagement, capacity building, and the development of bird-based tourism as a tool for conservation and development.

To support biodiversity research

The Belize Audubon Society (BAS) is a non-governmental organisation that works towards the sustainable management of Belize's natural resources. BAS is dedicated to creating a balance between people and the environment. To support biodiversity research, BAS has implemented a comprehensive set of site management strategies, including enforcement, surveillance, resource management, visitor management, environmental education, community outreach, and research and monitoring. These strategies are implemented in partnership with local communities and other stakeholder groups.

BAS is actively involved in environmental advocacy and plays a crucial role in protecting Belize's natural lands and biodiversity. They co-manage seven of Belize's most biologically and topographically diverse protected areas, encompassing more than 184,000 acres. These protected areas include Half Moon Caye Natural Monument, Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary, Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary, Guanacaste National Park, and St. Herman's Blue Hole National Park. These areas provide critical habitats for numerous terrestrial and marine species, including the Jaguar, Yellow-headed Parrot, and Scarlet Macaw.

The impact of BAS's research and conservation efforts is evident in the protection and monitoring of critical species. For example, their work with local academic institutions and international organisations has promoted the study of frogs, which provides valuable insights into water quality and climate change. Additionally, BAS's efforts to protect the Scarlet Macaw from poaching and conserve its critical habitat in the Red Bank area are crucial for the survival of this species.

BAS also recognises the importance of community engagement in their biodiversity research and conservation efforts. They engage with communities surrounding the protected areas to understand their needs and dependencies on natural resources. By providing knowledge and opportunities for participation in environmental management, BAS fosters a harmonious relationship between people and the environment.

Through their work in Belize, BAS has become a leader in conservation and sustainable development. Their efforts have resulted in the establishment of protected areas, the development of scientific knowledge, and the promotion of biodiversity research. By partnering with organisations like the Belize Audubon Society, Audubon supports biodiversity research and contributes to the preservation of Belize's natural heritage.

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