Protected Areas Conservation Trust

The Protected Areas Conservation Trust (PACT) is an environmental trust fund serving an enabling and empowering role in the conservation, preservation, enhancement, and management of Belize's natural resources and protected areas. Through a strategic, clear, equitable and flexible, and transparent process of grant making for all projects, PACT supports the involvement of large and small organizations to implement programmes and projects which enhance the quality of life for Belizeans and Belize's role as a world leader in environmental conservation while supporting national developmental goals.

PACT will be a world class national funding organization promoting the sustainable use, conservation, preservation, enhancement, and management of Belize's natural resources and protected areas. PACT will be an enabling agent for government and non-governmental organizations, communities and individuals to work together in a successful national quest for sustaining Belize's bountiful natural heritage for the environmental, social and economic benefit of present and future generations of Belizeans.

Background

Belize has become one of the world's most biologically diverse nations with the integrity of its natural resources still very much intact. It boasts 93% of its land under forest covers, the largest coral reef in the western hemisphere (second only to Australia's), the largest cave system in Central America, over 500 species of birds, thousands of Maya archaeological temples and the only jaguar reserve in the world. With only 8, 867 square miles (22,960 sq.. km) and 250,000 people, the population density is the lowest in the Central American region and one of the lowest in the world. The only country in Central America with English as its official language, Belize also boasts a rich mix of ethnicities including Creole, Maya, Mestizo, East Indian, Chinese, Garifuna and Mennonite.

The people of Belize have for years monitored its rate of economic development, agricultural expansion and tourism growth in particular. A conservation consciousness has emerged that challenges the government, private sector , investors and the public at large to balance development with conservation of its natural resources. Consequently, to date Belize has 42% of its land under some form of legal protected status.

In 1996, the PACT Act was passed and introduced a conservation fee of BZ $7.50 (USD $3.75) per visitor to be paid upon departure and a 20% commission from cruise ship passenger fees. These constitute the primary source of funding for the trust fund. No less than five percent of all revenues is deposited into an endowment fund.