Nov. 4, 2003

 Honourable Johnny Bricenio
Minister of Natural Resources

Dear Minister Bricenio,

The Belize Ecotourism Association (BETA) understands that you are reviewing an application to de-reserve between two to four thousand acres of land in the Paynes Creek National Park for a private venture. On behalf of the eco-tourism industry of Belize,  BETA urges you not to approve this de-reservation request.  We are cognizant of the need for development within Belize but feel strongly that this should take place outside of Protected Areas, which, after all, were placed under protection for specific reasons.

Belize, “Mother Nature’s Best Kept Secret,” promotes itself to the rest of the world as a green haven in Central America. It boasts that over 40 percent of its land mass has protected status. This marketing has been effective in attracting a growing number of eco-tourists to Belize. The dollars spent by those tourists has great impact on the entire economy of the country: not just hoteliers, tour guides and operators, but restaurateurs, taxi drivers, grocers, farmers and the mercantile sector, to name just a few, equally benefit from these tourists’ presence.

The unprecedented increase in cruise tourism is sending a message to the world that Belize is rapidly becoming known as a mass tourism destination instead of the enviable reputation of a nature-based tourism enclave.   De-reservation of Paynes Creek National Park might well be taken as yet another tell tale sign of the country's departure from the philosophy of ecotourism and environmental protection.   It could also set a precedent for further demands on protected areas.  To ensure that Belize continues to be perceived as an environmentally concerned country interested in sustaining and protecting its natural resources, it is critical that protected land remains protected. If protected acreage declines, nature-based tourism will similarly decline, and those tourist dollars will be lost to Belize.

Moreover, Paynes Creek National Park is unique to Belize in the diversity of habitats that fall within its boundaries: hyper saline, saline and brackish lagoons, mangrove wetlands, broadleaf and riparian forests, and pine ridge savannahs are found within the park. Because of these diverse habitats, the park supports incredible biodiversity, which would no doubt decline as a result of de-reservation and development.  It is the only example in Central America where a Marine Reserve (the Port of Honduras Reserve) is buffered by a mainland Reserve (Paynes Creek Reserve).  As recently as 2002, archaeologist Heather McKillop discovered unique "salt production factories" within the reserve that are mentioned in her book "White Gold of the Ancient Maya".  The effects of  the proposed de-reservation on sport and commercial fishing along that part of the coast is unknown, but must be considered.  Just this year there have been over five different articles written in fishing magazines referring to the excellent Permit fishing of this area.

For the future of sustainable tourism in Belize, and to protect the country’s biological legacy for its grandchildren, we respectfully urge you to keep Paynes Creek National Park intact and maintain the reserved status of all of its acreage.

Sincerely,

Mick Fleming
President
Belize Ecotourism Association
P.O.Box 53, San Ignacio
Tel 820-4010/4009
Email <mick@chaacreek.com>

cc.  Hon Mark Espat, Minister of Tourism,
      Senator Therese Rath, Chairman Belize Tourist Board      
      Tracey Taegar, Director of Tourism
      Steve Schulte, President BTIA