CARIBBEAN REGIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL PROGRAMME (CREP)

The Caribbean Regional Environmental Programme (CREP) is a milestone regional sustainable development initiative authorized by the Caribbean Forum of African, Caribbean & Pacific States (CARIFORUM) through a Financing Agreement with the European Union.

The overall objective of CREP is to enhance the contribution of natural areas of biodiversity and economic significance (Amenity Areas) to the sustainable development of the CARIFORUM Member States.

During CREP's Preparatory Phase, national consultations were held in thirteen CARICOM States to identify areas of significant ecological and economic value for implementation of CREP Demonstration Projects. The PORT HONDURAS MARINE RESERVE and PAYNES CREEK NATIOAL PARK were identified as the location where the Belize Demonstration Activities were to be implemented. The Ministry of Natural Resources, Environment, Commerce and Industry & the Toledo Insitute for Development and Environment were chosen as the Focal Point Organizations, which will implement the activities.

Activities proposed for these areas include, but are not limited to, the installation of mooring buoys, demarcation of boundaries, training in ecotourism and business development for local communities, a honey development project and fish stock assessments.

The project seeks to strengthen collaboration between government and non-governmental organizations, in order to demonstrate how governments and civil society can work together to manage natural resources in a manner that internalizes environmental conservation and supports sustainable social and economic development.