Strategic Focus

The mandate for PACT is set out in the Protected Areas Conservation Act. The Act states the following functions for the Trust.

"The general functions of the Trust shall be to encourage and promote, for the benefit and enjoyment of the present and future generations of the people of Belize, the provision, protection, conservation and enhancement of the natural and cultural resources of Belize."

Vision
PACT is a strategic partner in the funding, management, and sustainable development of Belize’s natural and cultural resources for the benefit of Belizeans and the global community.

Mission
To contribute to the sustainable management and development of Belize’s natural and cultural heritage by providing effective funding support to protected areas.

Guiding Principles and Values

The strategic direction of any organization will evolve over time as it responds to the changes in its operating environment.  It is therefore useful for PACT to embrace certain broad principles and goals that will guide its actions and choices in the long term.  Based on consultation with the stakeholders the following guiding principles have clearly emerged for PACT’s direction setting:

• Equity, transparency, accountability, and good governance are hallmarks of PACT
• The success of PACT as a National Trust Fund is dependent on its ability to continuously grow the fund
• Being responsive to protected areas and constituents’ needs is a permanent campaign of PACT
• Networking and engagement with constituents on a local, national and global scale is indispensable for PACT to deliver its mission
• PACT continuously sets new standards of efficiency in grant-making and delivery
• Effective communications is a key function of the day to day operations of PACT

Objectives and Strategies

Over the fourteen years of existence, PACT has developed an impressive network of governmental and non-governmental stakeholders with whom we enjoy a close working relationship.  Stakeholders are of varying sizes, and PACT has successfully embraced a growing number of small community based organizations through their grants programme.

The PACT 2011-2016 Strategic Plan comes at a time when PACT must be cognizant and responsive to the dynamic circumstances surrounding the protection, conservation and financing of Belize’s natural resources. This ever-changing environment presents new challenges that require creativity, reform and continued leadership in order for PACT to remain a relevant and necessary player in the financing of protected areas in Belize.  The strategic objectives and actions outlined in this Strategic Plan were informed by extensive constituent consultations and reflect, for the most part, the concerns and suggestions of constituents.

The first two years of the implementation period will see a key focus at streamlining the organization for enhanced operational and financial efficiency. Other early priorities in the strategic development of PACT will include the establishment of a Development Office, the introduction of a Grant Management Software, the definition of a more focused protected area investment portfolio, the establishment of a PACT Foundation, an immediate reduction in PACT administrative expenses, and a restructuring of the Board of Directors to enhance strategic leadership, delivery of purpose and an overall increase in the size and rate of growth of the fund.  Strategic deliverables that will either be continuous through-out or implemented in the latter years of the planning period include a comprehensive Board Development Program, tailor-made Mentorship Programs for grantees, the implementation of the PACT Communications Strategy, the implementation of a Micro-Grant Program in buffer communities, the establishment of a Constituent Engagement Policy, a Cost-Benefit Analysis of protected areas management to truly assess protected areas management ‘core costs’ at multiple levels of management, and an assertive and structured attempt to meet fifty percent (50%) of protected areas core costs.

The PACT 2011-2016 Strategic Objectives

1. Develop and Implement Mechanisms to Grow and Sustain the Fund in Order to Progressively Increase the Impact of the Trust on Protected Areas and Natural Resources Management in Belize
2. To Achieve Enhanced Institutional Capacity
3. Improve the Allocation, Management and Impact of PACT Grants
4. Improve the Overall Management of the Fund
5. Improve and Consolidate Inter-Institutional Linkages and Stakeholder Confidence
6. To Improve the Strategic Leadership and Overall Governance of the Board