The PACT Grant
The Board of Directors of the Protected Areas Conservation Trust awarded a small grant in the amount of $29,537.50 to the Sarteneja Alliance for Conservation and Development (SACD) for their 1 year project entitled “Proactive Management Strategies for Corozal Bay Wildlife Sanctuary (CBWS).” This project is proactive in addressing critical climate change issues for improved long term management effectiveness. Currently, there is limited understanding of the ways in which climate change will affect the aquatic systems of CBWS and since Northeast Belize has a high risk climate change status it is important for management to be aware of such information. SACD will also work to involve the community in the project in an effort to increase their appreciation for the CBWS.

Sarteneja Alliance for Conservation and Development
The Sarteneja Alliance for Conservation and Development (SACD) is a community based organization that has been operating since 2007. SACD co-manages CBWS in conjunction with the Belize Fisheries Department. It is “dedicated to improving the quality of life for the key communities of Corozal Bay Wildlife Sanctuary (CBWS) through conservation, effective protected areas management and the promotion of sustainable use of the natural resources.” SACD has a surveillance and enforcement presence within the Wildlife Sanctuary, consisting of community rangers that have been trained and certified as Special Constables and Fisheries Officers.

Corozal Bay Wildlife Sanctuary
Corozal Bay Wildlife Sanctuary (CBWS) was established in 1998 under the National Park Systems Act of 1981, as part of Belize’s strategies to increase the viability of the West Indian Manatee. The Wildlife Sanctuary encompasses approximately 178,000 acres.

CBWS is a part of the Belize Barrier Reef System, the world’s second longest barrier reef. This Wildlife Sanctuary protects habitats for many species of concern, among them the critically endangered Goliath Grouper (Epinephelus itajara), and the Hawksbill Sea Turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata). The vulnerable West Indian Manatee (Trichechus manatus manatus) also inhabits the area and the south of the bay protects the only known Bull Shark nursery in Belize. The Wildlife Sanctuary forms part of Belize's north east Important Bird Area (IBA). The Roseate Spoonbill (Ajaia ajaja) and the Reddish Egret (Egretta rufescens) can be found in nesting colonies on several mangrove cayes within the Wildlife Sanctuary, as well as one of the largest Frigate Bird (Fregata magnificens) nesting colonies in northern Belize.

The five direct stakeholder communities are Corozal, Consejo, Copper Bank, Chunox, and Sarteneja. Of these, Sarteneja (a fishing community with 80 percent of the population entirely dependent on fishing and the largest fishing community in Belize) is considered the primary stakeholder, with the greatest number of people directly dependent on the natural resources of the Bay.