Coastalzone Belize

The Coastal Zone Management Institute is the leading marine scientific research organization in Belize . It is headed by a Director with a technical staff to carry out monitoring and research programmes. The Coastal Zone Management Institute carries out the technical functions of coastal management in coordination with the various agencies involved. The Institute's main functions are to conduct marine research, maintain a data centre, provide information as required by the Authority, organize training courses, support other agencies involved in CZM, maintain coastal monitoring programmes, and to assist with preparat... full article »

Belize has an intricate coastal zone that consists of coastal plains, coastal lagoons, estuaries, numerous coral islands, the largest barrier reef in the Western Hemisphere and three outstanding atolls (Turneffe, Glover's and Lighthouse). Since 1987, a network of coastal and marine protected areas has been established to preserve the biodiversity of the coastal zone and to ensure sustainable use of the coastal resources. Schematically, it would appear as though the protected areas are in isolation of each other. The reality is that the protected areas are interconnected to the mainland via water and the atmosphere.... full article »

The Manatee Project of the Coastal Zone Management Authority and Institute began in August of 1996. The project focuses on research, management and education of the endangered Antillean manatee in Belize. The National Manatee Working Group acts as an oversight committee for the project. Committee representation is broad, including government (Forestry Department, Fisheries Department), academia (University of Belize), non-governmental (TIDE), and researchers (CZMAI, Dr. James Powell of Wildlife Trust, USA and Dr. Benjamin Morales of ECOSUR, Mexico). The primary activities of the committee are: To oversee the CZ... full article »

The Coastal Zone Management (CZM) Institute’s Coastal Planning Programme officially came about during the agency’s 1990’s project life. Today, the programme now boasts two coastal planners who are supported by the diverse array of agency technical staff, whilst being guided by the Director of the Institute. The scope of work and activities are driven by the programme’s objectives and current coastal developmental issues in Belize. Why is Coastal Planning Necessary in Belize? Planning in Belize’s coastal zone was once considered a low priority. This was probably due to the inaccessibility, unfriendly physic... full article »

The Belize Barrier Reef stretches 220 km along Belize's shoreline and has earned its place as the second largest unbroken reef system in the world. This worldly acclaim only partially represents the reef's importance, as its role as a critical host to a myriad of marine life is unparalleled. It is extremely critical to the livelihood of the Belizean populace as it offers great ecological and socio-economic benefits . In 1996, in recognition of both its scientific and aesthetic importance, the World Heritage Site Committee formally adopted a portion of the reef system called the Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System (Vie... full article »