When it comes to environmental issues
it is often said that no one cares, that the world is plagued with
complacency. A group of concerned citizens, led passionately by Lionel
"Chocolate" Heredia of Caye Caulker, is proving that, in fact,
environmental activism is alive and well in Belize. Known as the "Friends
of Swallow Caye," this organization is fighting to protect this popular
manatee habitat located off the coast of Belize City. Last Tuesday, with
the assistance of the San Pedro Tour Guide Association, this organization
held an open forum at the San Pedro Town Hall to discuss the project and
address any concerns of the community, particularly those of tour
guides.
The project focuses on establishing Swallow Caye as a
Wildlife Sanctuary. This mangrove island is located a few miles east of
Belize City in an area known as Drowned Caye Range. Due to its proximity
to Belize City, there is commonly heavy traffic from water taxis, tour
boats and barges. Normally this wouldn't be cause for concern, but
Swallow Caye also happens to be a critical feeding and breeding site for
the West Indian Manatee.
As most are aware, throughout the world the manatee
population is severely threatened and in some places even endangered.
According to the Coastal Zone Management Authority and Institute, the
organization responsible for conducting annual aerial manatee surveys,
the current population of manatees in Belize hovers in the 700 - 900
range. Reports of declining manatee populations date back to 1883, when
hunting of these docile and slow-moving creatures was rampant. Illegal
hunting still occurs (mostly in southern Belize), but today the greatest
threat to manatees results from boat traffic. Due to collisions with
boats, propeller-scarred manatees are becoming an increasingly common
site. Moreover, as boat traffic increases, manatees are left with fewer
undisturbed creeks and channels for calving and resting areas, thus they
are forced to seek out less suitable habitats to avoid such
harassment.
In an effort to minimize these threats, the Friends of
Swallow Caye was formed in July of 1999. Since this time, Chocolate has
approached the Belize Rural South Area Representative Patty Arceo, the
Department of Natural Resources, the National Manatee Working Group, as
well as tour guides from Belize City, Caye Caulker and San Pedro for
support in establishing the area as a sanctuary. The primary objective of
the proposed project is to have regulations set in place to reduce the
amount of engine or anchor use in this critical habitat. With the
exception of a few guides who would rather not follow any rules or
regulations, the organization has received full support for this project
thus far.
If, after additional government lobbying and community
support, the area is finally declared a Wildlife Sanctuary, the Friends
of Swallow Caye will develop a management plan as an outline to explain
how the sanctuary can most thoughtfully be utilized and protected.
Ultimately, through fund-raising and allocation of grants, the
organization hopes to hire a full-time ranger to monitor the area,
ensuring enforcement of regulations.
At this point, it looks hopeful that this
project will advance. Fortunately for Belize, the Friends of Swallow Caye
have had the foresight to know that if something is not done now to
protect this habitat and the manatees that live there, these creatures
could eventually be gone forever. If you would like to assist the Friends
of Swallow Caye in their cause, they can be reached at 022-2151 or
[email protected]
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