Last week The Ambergris Caye Citizens for Sustainable Development (ACCSD) were honored to have the visit of a group of environmentalist which consisted of Ms. Lori Maddox and Heidi Weiskel from ELAW, USA along with colleagues Alejandra Serrano –CEMDA Mexico, Emilio d’Cuire – IDAMHO Honduras, Jeanette Noack – Alianza de Derecho Ambiental y Agua, Guatemala, Candy Gonzalez – Belpo, Belize and Mary Toy and Adrian Vernon – PCSD Placencia, Belize.
They were welcomed by ACCSD with a tour to the proposed marine protected areas in the Mexico Rock’s, Los Bajos and Mata Cayo Frances Lagoon. During the afternoon they met at the ACCSD Office for a meeting with its Board of Directors. The purpose of the reunion was to share the effects and strategies to preserve the natural resources shared among the respective countries.
ACCSD briefly gave a description about the proposed marine protected areas they are currently working on which are Los Bajos, Mexico Rocks and Mata Cayo Frances Lagoon. Each attendee was able to share their own strategies, methods and results on their countries and on goals which they are working on together with their communities to protect their environments.
The representatives from Honduras, Guatemala and Mexico had the opportunity to make a presentation at the San Pedro Junior College for the students to listen and enjoy to individual reports on efforts made in their countries to protect the shared natural resources in the eco-region. Each explained how they have been working together with their communities to preserve the reef/ocean ecosystems. Students were well attentive and seemed to be very much interested in the night’s presentation.
On Thursday morning, they were taken to a snorkeling trip to the Hol Chan Marine Reserve and Shark Ray Alley for them to appreciate one of San Pedro’s main tourist attractions. Our colleagues in Environmental Laws were well satisfied and congratulated ACCSD how they initiated their association and on the progress of their work today. They plan to work together with us on future cases in environmental opportunities that may arise and be of benefit to our country.
ACCSD would like to give thanks to Seaduced Tours for providing transportation to the marine sites and to The Palms for accommodation provided for our colleagues. Also special thanks to the San Pedro Junior College for allowing our colleagues to make the presentation and for it to be successful. (Article submitted by the ACCSD)
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