Strengthening Community Participation in the Protection of the Belize Barrier Reef Complex through Capacity Building and Supporting Implementation of Managed Access Project will develop the capacity of a very marginalized group of fishers and give them the tools to be better represented in the Management of the Belize Barrier Reef System, specifically the Glovers Reef Atoll Marine Reserve and the South Water Caye Marine Reserve. This project focus is in development of the organization and members to be more visible, vocal and engaged in programs that lead to the improvement of their livelihoods, the fish stocks, the coral reef system and the larger ecosystem.
The Goal of this project in to increase community involvement in the Management of the Belize Barrier Reef System and increase community resilience to management changes in Marine Protected Areas and support scale-up of managed access. This project seeks to equip the leadership of the Wabafu Fishermen Association to have a meaningful participation in the process supporting the implementation of a Sustainable Fishery Regime Managed Access.
The success of managed access will depend on the compliance and support from fisherfolk as key stakeholders. The WFA will have the capacity to advocate for greater voice of the fishers at national level. It will also train fishers to be able to participate in the data collection programs that are used for the management of the MPA such as CPUE, Catch Landings, and Synoptic Monitoring Programs. This project will also assist fishers to develop individual hurricane preparedness plans to reduce potential loss of life, income and assets as results of hurricanes or storms.
This project supports the GEF SGP OP6 strategic initiative Community landscape / seascape conservation, with a priority focus on building capacity for effective participation of Dangriga fishers in the sustainable use and management of the marine resources.
Progress reports
By 2020, sustainably manage and protect marine and coastal ecosystems to avoid significant adverse impacts, including by strengthening their resilience, and take action for their restoration in order to achieve healthy and productive oceans
Type of commitment
- Community or Locally Managed Marine Areas
Provide access for small-scale artisanal fishers to marine resources and markets
Type of commitment
- Transfer of fishing technology
- Access to coastal fishing grounds
- Community empowerment for fisheries management
August 2017
A volunteer with expertise will be sourced via the National Emergency Management Organization or Red Cross to give a course on hurricane preparedness. This is with the objective that fishers and their families are better prepared in the event of a natural disaster. 15 families have hurricane preparedness plans.
November 2017
All Vessels from WFA membership are color coded complying with Managed Access regulations. WFA Members are complying with catch data submission and meeting minutes.
October 2017
A Groups of 12 Fishers will be trained in diving for research with the finality that they would be able to assist the MPA managers in data collection when needed or work with researches that frequently use the area. They will be taught how to conduct lobster and conch surveys, fish and coral identifications, and catch landing.
September 2017
WFA attending and participating in meetings, workshops and conferences such as Glovers Reef Advisory Boards, South Water Caye Advisory Board, Managed Access Committee for Area 3 and 8 and SPAGS working groups
Belize
