Belize

Ecologic

(www.ecologic.org)

EcoLogic advances conservation of critical natural resources in rural areas of Latin America by promoting sustainable livelihoods and by strengthening community participation in natural resource management.

Founded in 1999 by indigenous communities living in and around Sarstoon Temash National Park, and with EcoLogic's help, the Sarstoon Temash Institute for Indigenous Management manages the park which encompasses 42,000 acres of diverse coastal ecosystems. The Sarstoon Temash National Park is Belize's second largest park and is consistently recognized as the best managed in the country. It is home to endangered species including the jaguar, the manatee, and the neotropical river otter, among others. Its expanse is recognized as a wetland of international importance under the Ramsar Convention.

The Institute’s creation and work has elevated the status of local stakeholders in negotiating the development direction of their region. The current challenge before the Institute is formidable: mitigating the impact of a new highway from Belize City to Toledo and contending with the numerous logging concessions and oil exploration permits granted in the region.