Belize Nature Conservation Foundation Awards BZ$100,000 to Protected Areas Co-Managers
Monkey Bay Wildlife Sanctuary, Belize District, March 20, 2025 — Today, the Belize Nature Conservation Foundation (BNCF) awarded BZ$100,000.00 in grants to two terrestrial co-management organizations. The recipients, Monkey Bay Wildlife Sanctuary (MBWS) and the Sarteneja Alliance for Conservation Development, (SACD), will each receive BZ$50,000 to enhance the protection and management of Belize’s terrestrial protected areas. The grants were awarded during a ceremony at the Monkey Bay Wildlife Sanctuary Campus.
The MBWS will use its funds to implement the project, “Increased Management Effectiveness of the Monkey Bay National Park through Strategic Actions under MBWS’ Protected Area Management Program”. The project will focus on improving mobilization and enforcement efforts to combat illegal activities and mitigate wildfires within Monkey Bay National Park. Additionally, the MBWS will work with buffer communities to increase their awareness and appreciation of conservation efforts within the national park.
SACD’s project, “Establishing Management and Protection for Bacalar Chico National Park (BCNP),” aims to strengthen surveillance and enforcement in the national park, fully operationalize the San Juan Ranger Station by 2025, and improve boundary demarcation and maintenance of the BNCP.
Speaking on the impact of the grant program, Mr. Leonardo Chavarria, BNCF Chairman, said “The endowment fund managed by the Foundation has provided grants worth nearly BZ$1.9 million for diverse projects that include biodiversity research, community engagement, practical training and education initiatives and upgrades to facilities, nature trails and public spaces in often remote locations, among many other successful efforts.” He added, “BNCF remains committed to supporting initiatives that create meaningful and lasting change.”
Established in 2001, the BNCF is an independently governed organization that supports registered co-managers in their endeavors to protect Belize’s natural resources and terrestrial protected areas through grants. The Foundation was established under the Tropical Forest Conservation Agreement, a landmark debt-for-nature swap between the governments of Belize and the United States of America, brokered by The Nature Conservancy.
For the last 20 years, the Protected Areas Conservation Trust (PACT) has administered the BNCF’s endowment and operational funds, overseeing grant management and project monitoring.
###
For more information, contact:
Jeanelle Mencias
Communications and Marketing Manager
822-3637
