TIDE and YCT Conduct Joint Conservation Action Plan

The Toledo Institute for Development and Environment (TIDE) together with the Ya’axche

Workshop participants get briefing from TIDE Executive Director

Conservation Trust (YCT) met with representatives of The Nature Conservancy (TNC) Belize Chapter, for a one day workshop during the first week of August, 2007 at the TIDE Conference Room.

The purpose of the workshop was to continue work on a Charter for the Conservation Action Plan (CAP) for Monitoring and Evaluation of projects carried out by TIDE and YCT in the Maya Mountain Marine Corridor (MMMC). The CAP which is conducted by consultants for TNC uses methodology which incorporates community concerns and environmental concerns in the areas TIDE and YCT work together.

Some of the deliverables which came out of the workshop was the completion of the Charter done by conservation consultants for TNC, Osmany Salas and Jan Meerman, as well as, the composition of the Core Planning Team (Team) who will continue to work on the CAP process scheduled to end in February of 2008.  The Team comprises of representatives from TNC, TIDE, YCT, Flora and Fauna International (FFI), and the Belize Forest Department.

According to TIDE Executive Director, Celia Mahung, TIDE and YCT together with FFI are currently collaborating efforts on the management of the Golden Stream Watershed in the Toledo District and the CAP will provide them with a model which may be used to monitor and evaluate projects in the entire MMMC.

Joe Villafranco, TIDE’s Freshwater Initiative Coordinator and Manager of the Private Lands Initiative has been appointed Coordinator of the CAP process and will work together with Natalie Rosado, TNC’s Conservation Program Manager.

TIDE’s management appreciates the collaborative efforts with its partner organizations and the assistance from TNC to help them successfully carry out  their conservation efforts that fosters community development and empowers communities to sustainably manage and use the natural resources in Toledo District.

To find out more on how to become involved with Conservation Action Planning and how to contribute to the sustainable development of Toledo’s natural resources visit us at home page and sign up to make a donation and become a member of TIDE.