The Ambergris Caye Citizens for Sustainable Development(ACCSD) is proud to announce that they have a newly appointed Co-Chairman for their organization. As of May 13, 2014 Mr. Francis ‘Billy’ Leslie has accepted the post and will be working with the ACCSD in his new position. He has been serving as Director for the past four years and has been very fundamental in the establishing of the organization. The ACCSD is pleased that Mr. Leslie has accepted this appointment and know he will represent the organization well and will contribute much to the community.
Board of Directors
Co-Chair – Francis ‘Billy’ Leslie
Vice Chair – Miguel Alamilla
Secretary – Chris Beaumont
Treasurer – Sarah Dalsin
Chair of Media/Communications committee – Catherine Paz
Chair of Education/Community committee – Kirah Forman
Chair of Fundraising committee – Sarah Dalsin
Co-Chairs of Program committee – Miguel Alamilla/Chris Beaumont
Directors – Billy Leslie, Rebbeca Arceo, Abner Marin, Ernesto Gomez.
About ACCSD
The ACCSD was created by residents of the island who see an urgent need for planned sustainable use of our coastal and marine resources. The Stated mission of organization is to support and promote sustainable development on Ambergris Caye and in its surrounding area through education, awareness and citizen involvement. Sustainable development meets the needs of the present while protecting and enhancing natural resources without compromising the livelihood of this and future generations.
Members of the organization come from varied backgrounds and professions but share a common interest of conserving the environment through proper planning as responsible stewards.
Ambergris Caye is an important tourist destination in the Belize, catering to approximately 60% of overnight tourist arrival in the country. However, the success of the tourism industry on the island has attracted mega-developments that do not confer with the ecotourism tourism product being marketed for Ambergris Caye.
This uncontrolled development now threatens the long term health of our coral reefs and associated ecosystems. Additionally, it will affect the livelihood of many locals who depend on a healthy coastal and marine environment for their sustenance.
