Given the great benefits that forest, forest species and their ecosystem services provide to society, they require significant recognition. This year's World Wildlife Day is being celebrated under the theme "Forests and Livelihoods: Sustaining People and Planet". Our mangroves are forest, so, let's also give them a bow, a curtsey, a double hand raise and a shout of glee.

In 2018, Belize revised its national mangrove regulations - the Forest (Protection of Mangroves) Regulations. Socialization of this regulation is, however, much needed. With partners, we have thus embarked on such an initiative.

DID YOU KNOW? Every MANGROVE permit holder shall install at the location where a mangrove alteration is occurring or will occur, a prominently displayed sign on which a waterproof copy of the permit is affixed, and the sign shall remain in place for the duration of the alteration. The dimensions of the sign should be 4 feet by 4 feet and contain the words “Mangrove Alteration in Progress”. If this is not present the law is being broken.

IF THIS IS NOT EVIDENT, THE LAW IS BEING BROKEN!!!