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Financing Marine Protected Area Management for continued effectiveness through COVID-19 economic crisis Hol Chan Marine Reserve

Marine protected area Key biodiversity area
Management effectiveness Livelihoods
Local communities National/Local PA Agency
Enforcement Illegal activities Protected Areas Management Effectiveness
49,999.44 EUR Belize; Caribbean 22 October 2021 - 21 April 2022

Protected and conserved area(s) concerned

Hol Chan Marine Reserve

The BIOPAMA AC Objectives addressed

  • Enhance the management and governance of priority protected areas by addressing existing limitations (strengthening on-site infrastructure/equipment for patrolling, poaching control, developing capacity of staff).

Priority need addressed

The grant addresses the need for financial assistance to sustain operational activities within the Hol Chan Marine Reserve, due to loss in revenues as a result of the COVID19 pandemic.

Project activities

The project aims to support the effective management and governance of The Hol Chan Marine Reserve through continued patrols and environmental and biodiversity monitoring. With high unemployment rates and an increase in fishing activities it is important to maintain a presence to deter encroachment of fishing into the no-take and conservation areas. Funds will support staff salaries and the purchase of personal and protective equipment for staff members.

The project will include the development of strategies for financial diversification that allow management to cope with the current financial limitations because of COVID-19 and recover financial stability at a faster rate once the threat of COVID-19 has been reduced.

The change the project implementation will bring for the protected area(s)

The project implementation will help to buffer the long-term effects/impacts due to the loss of revenues because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Financial obligations can be met and preventing the Reserve from plunging into a debt hole that would take a long time to recover from.  Enforcement, biodiversity monitoring, education and outreach, and visitor management activities will continue to be sustained ensuring that the Reserve meet its conservation objectives.  

Indirectly the project implementation will support community livelihoods by ensuring compliance with regulations and protection strategies, securing the livelihoods of over 300 license fishers, over 625 licensed tour guides, and 91 registered tour operators, and their families.   

Download the project infofiche

Implementing organisations

Hol Chan Marine Reserve

Photo credits: Hol Chan Marine Reserve

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