The Belize Tourism Board (BTB) and the Association of Protected Areas Management Organizations (APAMO) today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that will strengthen cooperation in the sustainable development of protected areas in Belize.

The MOU was signed at the BTB headquarters in Belize City this morning by the Hon. Anthony Mahler and Mr. Jose Perez, Executive Director of APAMO. Other speakers at today’s event included Mr. Evan Tillett, Director of Tourism, Mr. Josue Carballo, Director of Industry Development, Michelle Bowers Flowers, Director of Marketing and Miss Earth, Destiny Wagner. As part of the MOU, the BTB will develop a pilot project alongside APAMO to further develop areas of Sustainable Certification/Accreditation and growth.

Recently, the BTB established a $75,000.00 fund for conservation, sustainable development and regeneration. This year’s fund was awarded to APAMO for its conservation efforts and stride towards embracing sustainable tourism. The fund will assist APAMO in its infrastructure upgrade, administrative and marketing efforts as they enhance their co-managed sites as tourism destinations in Belize.