Celebrating 25 Years of Manatee Conservation in Belize

Wildtracks 2024 Annual Report: Celebrating 25 Years of Manatee Rehabilitation and Conservation in Belize

As Wildtracks marks 25 years of manatee rehabilitation in Belize, the 2024 Annual Report reflects a year of progress, resilience, and renewed commitment to the conservation of one of Belize’s most iconic species — the Antillean (or Greater Caribbean) manatee.

This year saw the completion of a new, purpose-built Manatee Rehabilitation Centre, replacing the original building that had served as an interim measure for more than two decades. With support from the Belize Fund for a Sustainable Future, Twycross Zoo, Burger’s Zoo, and Save the Manatee Club, this upgrade significantly strengthens Belize’s national capacity for manatee rescue, rehabilitation, and release.

In 2024, Wildtracks continued to respond to manatees in distress across Belize — providing emergency care, hand-rearing orphaned calves, and preparing rehabilitated individuals like Tess and Toby for soft release into the wild. Each success story represents the dedication of an extraordinary team of staff, volunteers, and partners who make manatee conservation possible.

Beyond rehabilitation, Wildtracks continued to build national conservation capacity, training officers from the Belize Fisheries and Forest Departments, and co-management partners, in first response care and rehabilitation. Through partnerships with WildTeam UK, three accredited training courses in strategic conservation planning, project management, and grant writing were delivered, strengthening skills across eleven organizations managing nearly 300,000 hectares of manatee-critical habitat in Belize.

Two new Manatee Conservation Action Plans, for Corozal Bay and Swallow Caye Wildlife Sanctuaries, were also completed, providing practical, science-based roadmaps for safeguarding manatees and their habitats well into the future.

These achievements build on years of collaboration between Wildtracks, the Belize Fisheries Department, the Sarteneja Alliance for Conservation and Development, and our many national and international partners. Together, we are ensuring that Belize remains a stronghold for this endangered species — keeping the wild in Belize’s wildlife for generations to come.

📘 Read the full 2024 Annual Report: Manatee Rehabilitation Centre

Paul Walker recognized for dedication and protection of Belize's wildlife

We are proud to share that Paul, co-founder of Wildtracks, in Belize, has been honoured with the Meritorious Service Award from the Government of Belize for his outstanding dedication to the protection and care of Belize’s wildlife.

Paul Walker receives the Meritorious Service Award from Belize’s Governor General, Dame Froyla Tzalam

For more than three decades, Paul has worked side by side with Zoe, the Wildtracks Belize team, and countless partners, volunteers, and supporters to safeguard manatees, primates, and ecosystems that are part of Belize’s natural heritage. This award is a recognition not only of Paul’s personal commitment, but also of the collective efforts of all those who believe in a future where people and wildlife thrive together. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Paul for this well-deserved recognition - and our gratitude to everyone who has walked this journey with Wildtracks. Together, we continue building on this vision for Belize’s wildlife and wild places.

Video: Government of Belize Press Office

Back to the Wild: The Science of Howler Monkey Reintroduction

The forests of Belize's North Eastern Biological Corridor (NEBC) provide critical habitat for the successful reintroduction of Yucatan black howler monkeys (Alouatta pigra), supporting both the ecological restoration of these important seed dispersers and the development of evidence-based rehabilitation protocols. Between April and July 2025, eleven rehabilitated howler monkeys were successfully released into carefully selected sites within the protected corridor, building upon fourteen years of accumulated knowledge in primate rehabilitation and reintroduction methodologies. The North Eastern Biological Corridor, managed by the Corozal Sustainable Future Initiative (CSFI), offers optimal ecosystem conditions for howler monkey populations while providing the foundation for long-term collaborative conservation efforts aimed at strengthening forest resilience against increasing climate change impacts.

Rehabilitation Protocol Development

The Wildtracks rehabilitation programme employs a systematic four-stage approach designed to maximize successful reintroduction outcomes. All rescued howler monkeys undergo mandatory 30-day quarantine protocols, serving dual purposes of health screening and disease prevention for both rehabilitation populations and existing wild troops. Infant monkeys progress through specialized nursery stages that balance essential human care with wild preparation techniques. Critical social development occurs through facilitated troop formation, introducing monkeys of similar ages to encourage natural bonding behaviours essential for survival in wild environments.

Progressive stages move animals through increasingly naturalistic environments, with forest enclosures designed to reduce human contact while encouraging greater reliance on natural social hierarchies and troop dynamics. Natural climbing structures and palm leaf enrichment develop the muscular strength and neural reflexes required for effective canopy navigation. Final pre-release stages utilize forested enclosures that allow gradual acclimation to intimidating canopy heights, building practical experience necessary for successful wild adaptation.

Troop bonds form early in the rehabilitation process

Release Strategy Implementation

Two distinct release methodologies were employed, each tailored to individual rehabilitation histories and skill development assessments. Soft releases were implemented for seven monkeys completing full rehabilitation programmes from infancy, representing the culmination of the multi-year preparation process. These animals were transported secure kennels to selected release sites within the Biological Corridor, where they underwent three-day acclimatization periods in soft release enclosures.

Transporting howler monkeys to the release site

This pre-release phase facilitated environmental conditioning to the complex acoustic landscapes including dawn choruses and potential predator sounds. The forest's aromatic profile became familiar through exposure to natural plant and wildlife scents, while monitoring ensured appropriate feeding responses and behaviour. Following release, enclosures served as feeding stations with daily food and water replenishment, while intensive three-week monitoring protocols tracked detailed behavioural metrics including canopy height preferences, feeding behaviours, and social interactions using standardized data collection methodologies.

Rehabilitated Yucatan black howler monkeys in the release enclosure

Hard releases were reserved for four adult monkeys possessing established survival skills but requiring relocation from high-risk urban situations. Following completion of quarantine, these animals were transported to release sites and freed immediately - a hands-off approach that respected existing behavioural competencies and acknowledging established life skills.

Translocated monkeys Jimmy and John arrive at the release site in preparation for a hard release

Social Dynamics and Behavioural Adaptation

Post-release monitoring revealed significant variations in social cohesion and its influence on the ease of reintroduction. The trio of Obi, Dobbie, and Rea demonstrated exceptional social bonding, remaining together for 71% of observed periods and achieving 80% upper canopy utilization - optimal positioning for wild howler monkey populations. Their cohesive group dynamic appeared to enhance confidence levels and exploration success across all troop members.

In contrast, adult males Lenin and Quigley showed initial hesitation in canopy navigation, often remaining closer to ground level or near the release enclosure. Both individuals had been impacted by delayed release timing as a result of Covid-19, resulting in increased comfort in captivity and slower adaptation responses. However, significant behavioural improvements were documented by the end of three-week monitoring periods, with enhanced vertical movement and foraging behaviours. Limited social bonding between the pair (21% togetherness) suggested natural dispersion patterns typical of young adult males or individual exploration tendencies, with Lenin maintaining proximity to familiar trail systems while Quigley ventured deeper into forest areas, eventually becoming too elusive for continued tracking.

The Ultimate Aim - To be Wild (Photo: Tony Rath / Tony Rath Photography)

Reproductive Behaviour and Territory Establishment

The male-female pair Archie and Anerie provided valuable insights into courtship behaviours and territorial establishment within reintroduction contexts. Archie, a wild-born male rescued after being shot and losing vision in one eye, demonstrated rapid adaptation with territorial howling calls initiated within three hours of release. Anerie, raised in captivity from infancy, exhibited more cautious behaviour patterns, initially maintaining proximity within 50 meters of her release cage.

Social dynamics between the pair proved fluid, with Archie temporarily leaving the immediate release area for ten days before returning to reunite with Anerie. Over time, Anerie gradually expanded her ranging behaviour and tree usage, likely benefiting from visual cues provided by Archie's movements, demonstrating progressive skill development and behavioural independence.

Behavioural Assessment and Success Metrics

Post-release monitoring protocols documented five key behavioural categories across standardized observation periods: resting behaviours (69-72% across all groups), traveling (12-13%), feeding (6-15%), and periods when subjects moved beyond visual range. Canopy height utilization served as a critical indicator of successful adaptation, with wild howler monkeys being fundamentally arboreal and spending most time in middle and upper canopy levels for optimal safety and foraging opportunities.

Monitoring data revealed significant variations in canopy usage: Lenin and Quigley utilized upper canopy space only 33% of observation time, with 11% of observations occurring lower in the forest structure or on or near the release cage, while the more adaptable younger trio achieved 80% upper canopy usage during three-week monitoring periods. Social dynamics were quantified through "togetherness coefficients" measuring the percentage of time group members remained within visual contact, revealing crucial adaptation patterns with highly bonded groups like Obi's trio (71% of the monitoring time spent together) showing enhanced confidence and exploration success.

Feeding behaviour analysis proved essential for assessing speed of adaptation to the wild, with the individuals demonstrating the fastest adaptation showing dietary flexibility and effective foraging for ramon, a key food source for howler monkey populations in the NEBC. This dietary transition from provided rehabilitation food to self-selected wild foods represents one of the most impressive aspects of primate reintroduction success.

Post-release monitoring provides information on troop locations and movement

Conservation Significance and Future Applications

This reintroduction programme represents active conservation science, providing crucial data for refining primate rehabilitation techniques and informing future release protocols, building on the 14 years of lessons learnt from previous releases. The varying adaptation rates observed across different troops offers valuable insights for optimizing release methodologies and improving the speed of reintroduction success. The results highlight the complex cognitive and social requirements of primates, recognizing released animals as individuals with distinct personalities, relationships, and learned behaviours that influence their transition back to wild environments.

The success demonstrated by cohesive groups, particularly the trio of Obi, Dobbie, and Rea, provides evidence that carefully planned social groupings and tailored release strategies can enable captive primates to successfully reclaim their wild heritage. For conservation biologists working toward ecosystem restoration and displaced wildlife population recovery, these eleven howler monkeys represent proof that science-based approaches, combined with patience and respect for animal intelligence, can provide rescued wildlife with genuine opportunities for successful return to natural environments.

Long-term success requires continued monitoring beyond initial three-week assessment periods, during which animals continue to master complex skills including food source identification, predator avoidance, and potential integration with existing wild troops. The developing partnership with CSFI for reintroducing these important seed dispersers strengthens the foundation for ongoing collaborative conservation efforts in these critical forest ecosystems.

The Power of Volunteering

We have an active volunteer programme that supports Wildtracks’ ongoing work in rehabilitation of threatened species, and have recently benefited from the forward-thinking generosity of a donor who has invested in expanding volunteer and intern opportunities for young Belizeans

Abel, a recent volunteer, shares his views on his time at Wildtracks

Volunteering at Wildtracks has been a fulfilling experience. It feels so good to know I am a part of saving our wildlife and restoring biodiversity to our ecosystems. Each animal here has its own story and reason for being here, many of which are tragic. I would recommend volunteering to any Belizean capable of doing so as not only will you be contributing to the preservation of wildlife, but you will also gain skills such as teamwork and time management, along with responsibility. We as Belizeans need to get more involved in conservation, as the work that Wildtracks and other organizations like Wildtracks does is essential and requires a lot of manpower. If we are not willing to help our own wildlife, then what does that say about the future of our country?

Abel joined the Manatee Rehabilitation Team, involved in the care of Kit and Kat, the two young manatees currently in rehabilitation

Hosting Abel and the other volunteers, whether from Belize or from across the globe, is always an inspiring experience. Their energy, dedication, and willingness to contribute shine through, not only during the day’s work but also in the meaningful conversations that unfold around the dinner table each evening. These informal exchanges create a unique space where people of all ages and backgrounds connect, sharing their stories, experiences with wildlife, and perspectives on conservation.

Volunteering at Wildtracks is more than just supporting the day-to-day care of animals - it’s about becoming part of a collaborative effort to protect and rehabilitate Belize’s wildlife. For many, it’s a transformative journey. Local and international volunteers alike gain hands-on experience in wildlife conservation, deepen their understanding of ecological issues, and build lifelong friendships grounded in shared values.

The diversity of voices and cultures enriches the Wildtracks community, fostering mutual respect and cross-cultural learning. For young Belizeans, especially, the opportunity to volunteer offers exposure to the world of conservation and the chance to develop new skills, confidence, and a greater sense of environmental stewardship. Volunteers leave with a stronger sense of purpose, knowing that their contributions, large or small, are part of something meaningful and impactful.

Jasmine and Amaia - returning volunteers…and now an integral part of the Wildtracks family

Volunteering isn't for everyone...animal care involves long days, hard work, and can be uncomfortable, wet and smelly... and when manatee calves have arrived, short nights….but also extremely rewarding, For many Wildtracks volunteers, it has given a new direction in life, a second home, and a second family that they return to year after year...

Measuring Success of 12 years of primate reintroduction

We are pleased to be able to share "12 Years On, An assessment of the success of the Release Rehabilitation Program of Yucatán Black Howler Monkeys, Alouatta pigra, in the Northeastern Biological Corridor of Belize".

Primate rehabilitation does not finish with the release of our primates back into the wild - the post release monitoring and periodic assessment is also an important part of the rehabilitation process. This 12 year assessment measures the long term success of rehabilitation and rewilding, to inform future rehabilitation care and releases so that they can be tailored to ensure continued high outcome success.

Living wild - Yucatan black howler monkey in the Northeast Biological Corridor (Photo: Alisha Huotari)

The starting point: 78 rehabilitated / translocated Yucatan black howler monkeys reintroduced into the wild, between 2012 and 2023, repopulating Belize's Northeastern Biological Corridor.

What did the team, led by Alisha Huotari, find out during the year of field work?

> 23 howler monkey troops in the study area, with a total of 118 individuals located.

> 51 were male, 65 were female (the gender of two individuals was unidentified).

> 58% of the population were mature individuals. 42% were immature (24% juveniles and 18% infants).

> Information on population growth, troop size and composition, ranging, activity budgets and feeding behaviour.

It was also noted that primates had also established territories outside the study area, in the Corridor, but there was insufficient time to include them in the survey. The survey area will be extended in 2025 to fill some of our knowledge gaps.

The conclusion?

> The released, rehabilitated howler monkeys collectively contribute to a healthy and established population in the Northeastern Biological Corridor

> The reintroduction is considered successful as the population has remained in the area where the rehabilitated animals were released; the released animals have maintained individual territories.

> The successful growth of the population and the high percentage of immature individuals further indicate successful reproduction within the released population.

> The reintroduction of howler monkeys in the Fireburn forest and the Northeastern Biological Corridor will help restore the ecological links in the area, further increasing the forest’s resilience.

Alisha Huotari in the field

Many thanks go to Alisha Huotari, Rudy Castellanos Delmar Gongora, the Belize Forest Department, Corozal Sustainable Future Initiative and the Fireburn Community for all their support

Interested in reading a copy of the thesis? Download a copy here.

This research was completed with permission from the Belize Forest Department. (Permit Ref. No.: FD/WL/1/22(50), and supported with funding from Twycross Zoo

Wildtracks joins 1% for the Planet as a fully vetted environmental partner!!

Wildtracks, as a 501 (c) (3) has been accepted as a vetted environmental partner by 1% for the Planet, a platform that provides businesses an opportunity to commit 1% of their annual sales to vetted environmental partners such as Wildtracks. 1% for the Planet provides the assurance that its environmental partners are credible and accountable.

Wildtracks, as a 1% for the Planet environmental partner, provides impacts across the Conservation and Restoration Impact Area, through supporting biodiversity and preventing the extinction of threatened species, and in the management of marine, freshwater and terrestrial protected areas. Our work goes beyond biodiversity conservation, ensuring strong conservation outcomes that build resilient ecosystems, wildlife and communities across Belize. This is through strengthened species and protected area management, providing water security, support of livelihoods and the protection of life and property provided by forested steep slopes, riparian vegetation, the barrier reef and mangroves.

We feel very honoured to be selected as a 1% for the Planet environmental partner by Edge Impulse, and added to their portfolio of supported organizations - Thank you!

If you are interested in joining the 5,200 businesses that support the planet and people through committing 1% of annual sales to organizations such as Wildtracks, with a direct impact on the ground, then we encourage you to explore 1% for the Planet


Wildtracks directors awarded MBEs on the UK King's New Years Honours List

WIldtracks Celebrates: We would like to congratulate Paul and Zoe Walker, who have both been awarded MBEs (Members of the Order of the British Empire) as part of the King's New Year's Honours list this year in recognition of their services to conservation and biodiversity in Belize!

Paul and Zoe Walker

Paul and Zoe Walker are widely recognised in Belize for working tirelessly towards the conservation of Belize’s endangered species, tropical forests and reefs. They founded their organisation, Wildtracks, in 1990, and continue to lead its activities more than 30 years later. As part of the Wildtracks conservation work, Paul and Zoe established the National Manatee Rehabilitation Centre in 1999 to provide rehabilitation care for orphaned and injured Antillean manatees rescued from Belize’s coastal waters. In 2010 they established the National Primate Rehabilitation Centre for Belize’s Yucatan black howler monkeys and Central American spider monkeys confiscated from the Illegal Wildlife Trade to ensure that these endangered primates can be returned to the wild.

Since its inception in 1990, Wildtracks has responded to numerous wildlife emergencies, rehabilitated 174 primates and returned over 100 back to the wild, reestablishing these species in critical forest areas. Wildtracks also collaborates with the Forest and Fisheries Departments of the Government of Belize and other national and international conservation organisations towards effective and sustainable management of Belize’s natural resources. Their work has brought great credit on the UK and its reputation in Belize and beyond.

On learning of their awards, Paul and Zoe Walker said:

“We feel very honoured to be entrusted by the Government of Belize to provide rescue, rehabilitation and release services for some of its amazing wildlife, including endangered manatees, spider monkeys and howler monkeys. It has also been an inspiring adventure in the world of conservation planning across Belize's tropical forests, seas, and species....protected areas, conservation organizations and communities....and one that hasn't yet finished.

Whilst the awards may have our names on them, they reflect the commitment of the Belize Government and the many conservation organizations and individuals we have collaborated with over the years, the work they do and the impacts they make. The awards also reflect the hard work and commitment of the volunteers and supporters who have made Wildtracks what it is today, and the greatly appreciated support from our local communities of Sarteneja and Fireburn.”

Find out more…

Wildtracks honoured to be recipient of award from SACD

On the 28th October, 2023, Sarteneja Alliance for Conservation and Development celebrated the 25th anniversary of the designation of the Corozal Bay Wildlife Sanctuary, a key marine protected area in Belize, and the release site for the rehabilitated manatees at Wildtracks.

Wildtracks Director, Zoe Walker, receives the Award of Recognition form the Executive Director of the Sarteneja Alliance for Conservation and Development (SACD). Photo: O. Salas.

Wildtracks and SACD have a long history, with Zoe Walker being a founding Board member of the organization. It has been an honour to watch this community based organization grow and flourish into the full fledged NGO it has become, under the leadership of its very effective Executive Director, Joel Verde.

Whilst Wildtracks has played a small role in providing technical support over the years, it is the SACD Team’s willingness to learn, to adapt, to be innovative and to reach for the skies in terms of conservation outcomes that has led to the successes it has achieved, and resulting in it being among the most effective protected area managers in Belize today.

Congratulations to SACD for their role in bringing effective management to Corozal Bay Wildlife Sanctuary, ensuring traditional livelihoods are supported and creating an environment in which new livelihoods can flourish!

Benchmarks of Success

Benchmarks for success in wildlife rehabilitation can be measured through contribution to the next generation - this was celebrated two weeks ago when Twiggy, one of our first rehabilitated manatees, turned up with....a new born calf!! Over the years, Twiggy has developed a routine of turning up in the lagoon twice a year for a week or so, hanging out with the soft-release manatees before she is off again into Corozal Bay Wildlife Sanctuary and Shipstern Lagoon, living her life as a wild manatee. We have always joked that one day, she would turn up with a calf.

Twiggy and her new-born calf (Photo: Shannon Nelson)

Twiggy had arrived two days earlier, no calf in sight. An early morning by the terrace enjoying the sunrise led to Shannon, a member of the Wildtracks Team, being in the right place at the right time to see Twiggy swim up with a newly born calf at her side, accompanied by one of the other rehab manatees. A proud mother showing off her contribution to the next generation of Antillean manatees in Belize. For a species that is at increasing risk from boat traffic, every calf counts. We don’t know whether this little addition to the manatee population is male or female, but in watching Twiggy care for it over the last two weeks, we do know that she is providing the nurturing care that it will need to grow successfully. Once she is ready to take it out of the sheltered lagoon, she will teach it where to find seagrass, freshwater and ensure it has the life skills it needs for the future. It is success stories like this that the support of our donors and Wildtracks volunteers helps to make a reality!

Twiggy and her two-week old calf (Photo: Adam Lloyd)

Twiggy and her two-week old calf (Photo: Adam Lloyd)

Improving awareness of wildlife rehabilitation at Wildtracks

It was a pleasure to be able to introduce Minister Habet of the Ministry of Sustainable Development, Climate Change and Disaster Risk Management, the National Biodiversity Office team and members from the Department for the Environment to see wildlife rehabilitation in action at Wildtracks!

The visit was part of the National Biodiversity Office initiative to highlight the work being done by conservation organizations across Belize to ensure that Belize continues to be biodiversity-rich...and that no species becomes extinct.

One Manatee at a Time...

Belize is known for its rich wildlife, both in its tropical forests and its coastal reefs, and as the stronghold for iconic species in the Mesoamerican region that include the Yucatan black howler monkey, Central American river turtle and Antillean manatee. The World Wildlife Fund is showcasing work in Belize that contributes to ecosystem and wildlife protection - including manatee rehabilitation at Wildtracks.

‘Wildtracks functions at a critical crossroads for the future of wildlife and healthy oceans in Belize: rehabilitating and reintroducing manatees and primates into the wild as well as providing technical support to strengthen and implement national wildlife and protected area strategies—important areas of work for WWF, too. Working alongside other local, national, and global nonprofits, government, and communities, the organization wants to meet a national target that says no animal will become extinct in Belize by 2030. It’s a tall order considering the threatened and declining population of the Antillean manatee—even in their Belizean stronghold they number only from 700 to 1,000 individuals—but it’s one that the Walkers face head-on.’

Read the full article to learn more about Wildtracks manatee conservation strategies, including manatee rehabilitation :

Protecting Belize's threatened seascapes and wildlife - one manatee at a time

Wildtracks awarded grant to strengthen manatee conservation in Belize

The Belize Fund for a Sustainable Future is supporting Wildtracks through investment in the project goal ‘Contributing to securing the long-term viability of manatees in Belize’.

The coastal waters of Belize are home to the Antillean manatee – one of the most charismatic large marine mammals in the world. Belize’s manatee is Endangered, and the most recent global assessment suggests that at the current level of decline, it may become critically endangered in another two generations. Belize is the stronghold in the region for this species, but there has been an alarming increase in the number of manatee strandings, animals that are either dead, injured or orphaned, from 2011 onwards. With a population estimated at around 700 individuals, and over 376 verified manatee deaths reported between 2010 and 2019 – we need to be concerned. Over 40 manatees died or were orphaned in 2018 alone, with the primary cause of death identified as impacts from boat traffic.

Wildtracks is a Belize non-profit organization that has been working with its partners to implement actions to conserve manatees in Belize for more than twenty five years. The organization takes a holistic approach, working with partners across Belize to strengthen ecosystem and species protection, build management effectiveness in protected areas, and improve public awareness and engagement. The organization also manages Belize’s manatee rehabilitation centre, which ensures that injured manatees and orphaned calves have the care required to recover, and the rehabilitation to develop the skills they need to return successfully to the wild. All these strategies are needed to manage a species effectively.

The Belize Fund for a Sustainable Future is investing in the implementation of actions to achieve three objectives through this project.

Objective 1. Strengthen capacity for management of manatees in key protected areas

Objective 2: Build knowledge and capacity of wildlife management authorities in manatee rehabilitation

Objective 3: Ensure rescued manatees continue to have the opportunity to contribute to the wild population

Zoe Walker receives the award from Chief Executive Officer Kennedy Carrillo (Ministry of Blue Economy, Belize

The Belize Fund for a Sustainable Future (BFSF) is a Belizean, non-profit organization, established in 2022 to provide funding and other forms of support for conservation and climate change adaptation activities in the marine environment. The fund supports projects aligned with national commitments under Belize’s Blue Bond debt relief agreement , including Biodiversity Protection…

‘effective protection for marine biodiversity focused on strategies and interventions that ensure full protection and prevents depletion or loss of biodiversity. Such protection includes the marine protected areas, especially no-take zones, and the effective management of these. It also includes protection for species of conservation concern and ecosystems crucial for maintaining the health of ocean ecosystems’.

Belize Fund for a Sustainable Future

Satellite Data helps to assess Belize Coral Reef Risk

The Meso-American Reef barrier reef is the longest in the Western Hemisphere and the second longest in the world - and most of it runs parallel to Belize's coastline. It supports the livelihoods of traditional fishers who free dive for lobster and conch. It also attracts large numbers of visitors from around the world wanting to snorkel and dive to experience the rich colours and diverse shapes of the reef and the vibrant life that lives there, supporting the tourism sector, and contributing significantly to the national economy.

The reef is important in so many ways to the lives, livelihoods and culture in Belize...but it is suffering from the impacts of climate change, with increasing water temperatures resulting in increased coral bleaching events and emerging coral diseases. These are compounded by human impacts, either directly on the reef itself, or originating from the land - including the increased forest clearance, especially of river-edge (riparian) forests and mangroves. The sediment that is no longer trapped by these trees is washed into the rivers and eventually out into the sea, turning the crystal clear waters a solid brown when heavy rains fall.

This study has developed a toolkit to assess the clarity and surface temperature of the waters of 24 marine protected areas off the Belize coast. It ranks these areas based on the risks coral face from murky water and rising temperatures, to indicate where areas are less impacted, and where reefs that are less stressed may be located, enabling informed decision making in the management of the National Protected Areas System.

It is tools like this, like the Healthy Reef Report Cards, national management effectiveness assessments and marine spatial planning that ensure Belize can manage protection of its reef effectively for the benefit of those who depend on it and those who enjoy it...guiding the work and the dedicated marine protected areas teams on the ground...

Scientists Use NASA Satellite Data to Determine Belize Coral Reef Risk


Ensuring Effective Management of Marine Protected Areas

From Knowledge to Action: A Case Study of Protected Area Management Effectiveness in Belize.

Wildtracks Conservation Planning Unit Director, Zoe Walker, joined the BIOPAMA and Belize Audubon Society teams in Vancouver for the Fifth International Marine Protected Areas Congress. The BIOPAMA session provided an opportunity for Belize to showcase its use of protected area management effectiveness as a tool to ensure strong marine protected areas that deliver the key outputs of biodiversity protection, ecosystem services and socio-economic benefits.

Zoe Walker (Wildtracks) presenting on protected area management effectiveness

IMPAC 5 recognizes the oceans as a global priority - they represent over 90 per cent of the living space for species on the planet, supporting billions of people around the world. They generate oxygen; provide food security, climate resilience and storm protection; preserves biodiversity and create cultural and economic opportunities for humankind. IMPAC 5 provided an opportunity for the global community to come together to share experiences, learn from each other and to chart a course for achieving global conservation targets to protect at least 30 per cent of the world’s oceans by 2030.

IMPAC 5 brought marine protected area practitioners together against the backdrop of the mountains of Vancouver

Wildtracks was hosted by BIOPAMA (the Biodiversity and Protected Areas Management Programme), which assists the African, Caribbean (including Belize) and Pacific countries to address priorities for improved management and governance of biodiversity and natural resources. It supports actions on the ground in Belize through the BIOPAMA Action component.   

The pollution causing harmful algal blooms

“Rising temperatures and pollution have led to an explosive growth of harmful algal blooms, contaminating rivers, lakes, drinking water and harming human health”. This natural disaster has been slowly increasing in many countries around the world, and has become an ongoing environmental issue in the USA.

“The explosive growth of algal blooms is linked to rising temperatures and rising pollution. These green waves are both a warning sign and a symptom of a changing climate. As farming fertilizer and a tsunami of human sewage hit our warming waterways, we are in danger of turning our very drinking water toxic”.

In the past, Belize has been known for its crystal-clear rivers, for its unpolluted waterways and abundant aquatic wildlife. However, the toll of agricultural and industrial pollutants and the impacts of limited sewage treatment and grey water management in river-side towns and villages is finally catching up. In the north of Belize, the New River winds from the low hills in the west across a flat limestone plain to empty into coastal waters. The slow flow of the river, combined with the increasing agricultural and urban footprints, and the changing weather of drought conditions and higher-than-normal temperatures, has provided the perfect conditions for eutrophication. The result? A toxic brew that results in fish-kills and sulphurous fumes that close schools, restaurants and hotels in close proximity to the river.

Rural communities that use the river for fishing and bathing are impacted by the changes in the river. Children develop skin rashes and the fish are inedible. People with houses near the river live and breathe in the sulphurous environment for the weeks or months that the river is eutrophicated, and the tour guides using the river are forced to look elsewhere for work, impacting their houseold incomes.

Is this the ‘new norm’? Can the eutrophication be reversed? Studies are being conducted in the New River area. Water quality testing is being conducted on an ongoing basis, and a New River watershed Management Plan is being developed. 2022 was a reprieve - a wetter year that flushed the contaminants out of the river fast enough for there to be only a few days where the river turned green and the air sulphurous. However, with increasing droughts, the future looks less certain.

"There will always be some of these blooms," says Stumpf. "The world is getting warmer which means that blooms may last longer." But, he says, it ultimately comes down to the pollution and nutrients we release into the water. It's the choices we make as to "how we use the land", he says. And we do have control over them.

The pollution causing harmful algal blooms