For immediate Release

Mangroves: Beauty and Brawn?

CZMAI Hosts Sustainable Mangrove Management Workshop

Belize City, Belize, March 29, 2004 - - Mangroves are often times seen as a bothersome eyesore by many – an obstacle to be removed to increase the development value of a property. This misconception has led to a decrease in the mangrove population in Belize. To provide developers and mangrove resource users with alternative options to mangrove removal, the Coastal Zone Management Authority and Institute (CZMAI) will be hosting a two day workshop starting, tomorrow, Tuesday, March 30, 2004 on “Sustainable Mangrove Management.” The aim of the workshop is to provide a range of ideas and techniques developers and mangrove resource users can use to aid them in their decision-making in regards to mangrove usage.

Issues that will be addressed include the functions and benefits of mangroves, particularly for coastal stability and storm mitigation; legal issues including the permitting process; and the review of case studies illustrating sustainable management techniques and best practices.

According to a 1992 report entitled “The Mangroves of Belize- distribution, composition and classification”, a little over three percent of Belize's national territory was inhabited by mangroves and mangrove subspecies. While there have not been any similar studies conducted since then, it is acknowledged that the mangrove population has decreased, largely due to the increase in residential and tourism development.

The Sustainable Mangrove Management workshop ends with a one day field visit to the Turneffe Isle's to view mangrove management techniques currently being used on the atoll.

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