A governance analysis of three MPAs in Belize: Conservation objectives compromised by tourism development priorities?

Abstract

This comparative governance analysis of three MPAs in northern Belize identified two different approaches to governance and some significant challenges undermining effectiveness. Across Hol Chan Marine Reserve (HCMR), Bacalar Chico Marine Reserve (BCMR: a World Heritage Site) and Caye Caulker Marine Reserve (CCMR), the challenges stem from a lack of political will for conservation, high levels of tourism for short-term economic gain, a significant lack of community involvement and inadequate focus on evaluating ecosystem health. There were indications of all these challenges at each site, but to differing degrees. At the time the fieldwork supporting this paper was undertaken (2014), Bacalar Chico Marine Reserve, a World Heritage Site, was listed as ‘In Danger’. In 2018 this status was removed by The World Heritage Committee, due to steps taken by the government of Belize to introduce ‘a moratorium on oil exploration in the entire maritime zone of Belize’ [1] as well as improved mangrove protection. Whilst this is positive progress to offer some protection, it could be argued that this move has been made too soon. The majority of challenges highlighted in this paper still remain, and those elements in combination are severely undermining the effective achievement of the conservation objectives of all three MPAs. Focus is needed to address tourism volumes, illegal/over fishing and continued coastal development, to improve governance for the future and ultimately improve effectiveness across the MPAs.