ANNUAL REPORT 2012—2013

Annual Report 2012 – 2013

Published by: Protected Areas Conservation Trust

Design and Layout: Protected Areas Conservation Trust, Belize

Printed in Belize, Central America

Printer: BRC Printing Ltd.

PHOTOS

Copyright ©2013. Protected Areas Conservation Trust

Front Cover

Top: Corozal Bay Wildlife Sanctuary - SACD

Left: Billy Barquedier National Park - STACA

Right: Port Honduras Marine Reserve - TIDE

Back Cover© 2013, Protected Areas Conservation Trust, Belize

[ Table of Contents ]

[ Message from the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries

Message from the Chairperson of the Board of Directors Message from the Acting Executive Director

Board of DirectorsAdvisory CouncilPACT StaffOrganizational Chart

MissionVisionGuiding PrinciplesWhat is PACTFunding

Grants ProgrammeLarge GrantsMedium-Sized GrantsSmall GrantsEnvironmental Support GrantsIndividual Professional Development Grants

Financial ReportAuditInternal Control Statement

Protected Areas ListProtected Areas Map

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and Sustainable Development

01 ] [ Sleeping Giant-Hummingbird Highway ]

[ ]I take this opportunity on behalf of the Government of Belize to congratulate the Protected Areas Conservation Trust (PACT) and its stakeholders for the invaluable work completed and the commitment to Belize’s protected areas over the past challenging years. PACT, as the financing arm of the Government of Belize for protected areas, diligently strives to fill the financial gap within protected areas and unrelentingly strives to build the capacity of protected areas managers to better manage and sustain Belize’s natural resources.

PACT, through expanding its donor-partnerships, works arduously to assist stakeholders in addressing the innumerable threats facing conservation in Belize. Since its inception in 1996, PACT has disbursed over $23.7 million dollars across the conservation spectrum resulting in the successful completion of four hundred and sixty-two (462) projects to aid its stakeholders in capacity building, reforestation, protection of our seas, the reef and life within, reducing the rate of incursion to our protected areas, as well as increasing consultation and collaboration among stakeholders, to name a few.

In order to increase its responses to the dire need of protected areas in Belize, PACT plans to award significant financial resources to combat the effects of climate change and substantially reduce incursions into our protected areas. In 2011, PACT qualified as Belize’s Implementing Entity for (Climate Change) Adaptation Funds and as a follow up we submitted a marine climate change adaptation project in 2012. During the UNFCCC in Warsaw, Poland it was announced that Belize’s project, for USD$6 million, was funded and it is expected that implementation will commence in 2014. The rapidly increasing tourism industry will also positively inject funds into PACT’s revenue stream thereby making more funds available for working with stakeholders. Another injection into PACT’s funding stream will be the second phase of the German Development Bank’s (KfW) project which will inject significant funding into two marine protected areas (Corozal Bay Wildlife Sanctuary and South Water Caye Marine Reserve) over a five year period commencing in 2014.

The Government of Belize continues its collaboration with PACT to further increase funding for Belize’s protected areas. However, PACT alone cannot close the existing financial gap and as such implore you, our stakeholders, to maximize usage of these funds and where possible, leverage additional funding so that the work may continue. PACT, along with the Government of Belize, commits to further increase its funding for protected areas in order to further enhance the indelible efforts of its stakeholders in achieving a sustained and well managed environment. The Government acknowledges that while so much has been accomplished, the work continues and the road ahead proves to be even more challenging, and as such commits to sustaining a financial mechanism for protected areas and the work with stakeholders.

I take this opportunity to once again thank all of you, especially those on the ground, for your continuous efforts in not only preserving but also for your challenging attempts in sustaining the natural heritage of beautiful Belize. I encourage all Belizeans and visitors alike, to continue supporting and visiting our protected areas for without you conservation will not be possible. I also take this opportunity to thank PACT, the Board of Directors, Management and Staff for their sustained efforts towards achieving the national mandate of this institution - sustaining and maintaining protected areas.

________________________________Hon. Senator Lisel AlamillaMinister of Forestry, Fisheries and Sustainable Development

Message from the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and Sustainable Development

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[ ]The Board of Directors takes great pleasure in presenting the Protected Areas Conservation Trust’s (PACT) annual report for the fiscal year 2012-2013.

Following its redesignation to the Ministry of Forestry, Fisheries, and Sustainable Development, the early part of this fiscal year saw PACT more strongly contributing to the implementation of the national protected areas system plan. In maintaining its commitment to the operationalization of the Plan, an additional $200,000 was awarded towards the operations of the National Protected Areas Secretariat (NPAS) while continuing to provide its expert fiduciary services. Moreover, through its active participation on the National Protected Areas Technical Committee, PACT was instrumental in charting the new strategic direction for protected areas management which is also informing the next steps in the development of PACT.

This year, as the national implementing entity, PACT also lent its support to the NPAS in the development of a US$6 million grant proposal to the Adaptation Fund for a “Marine Conservation and Climate Change Adaptation” project which has since been approved by the Adaptation Fund Board and placed in the pipeline for funding. Additionally, support is being provided in the development of a US$6 million grant proposal to the Global Environment Facility for a “Management and Protection of Key Biodiversity Areas” project. Both projects are expected to make direct contributions to the national protected areas system plan and it is envisioned that PACT will be a key player in their implementation and management. In order to maintain and strengthen its fiduciary and technical support to the NPAS in these and other initiatives, PACT continued to build its capacity in financial management through the improvement in its operational systems and staff training.

In maintaining its partnerships and networks, PACT continued its grant management services for the PACT Foundation and the Mesoamerican Reef Fund awarding over BZ$596,000 in new grants on their behalf. Through its membership in the Network of Environmental Funds in Latin America and the Caribbean (REDLAC), PACT is also contributing to the development of a monitoring system for the evaluation of the impact of Environmental Funds on biodiversity in the region.

Finally, in fulfillment of its primary mandate, PACT invested a total of over BZ$1.9 million in new grants. While this investment goes a long way in supporting on the ground protected areas management, PACT recognizes its vital role in the national effort towards protected areas financing. Therefore, this year PACT began the task of exploring new funding avenues for development of its grant programme within the new strategic direction of the organization.

While the process of implementing a new vision for PACT has been slow and challenging, the Board of Directors remains committed to PACT’s purpose and is grateful to our staff, the many collaborators and stakeholders for your support and contributions to this process.

________________________________Wendel Parham, PhD.

Chairperson

Message from the Chairperson of the Board of Directors

03 ]

[ ]The fiscal year 2012-2013 was off to a slow start for the Protected Areas Conservation Trust (PACT) as it was redesignated to the Ministry of Forestry, Fisheries, and Sustainable Development, which was a new Ministry in the Government of Belize. The Board of Directors was inaugurated on July 23, 2012 and has been working arduously since then and is committed to the challenges faced by PACT.

This year was a transition year in many respects which also contributed to our slow start. We saw the

departure of the Executive Director and then the appointment of an Acting Executive Director for the remainder of the fiscal year. This no doubt created some uncertainties for PACT. However, the staff remained steadfast in accomplishing our mission and I extend a heartfelt thanks to the staff for their unwavering support and commitment.

In August 2012, Belize provided its endorsement for phase II of the Project “Conservation of Marine Resources in Central America” funded by the German Development Bank (KfW) for an additional 5 million euros for four protected areas in the region. Two marine protected areas (Corozal Bay Wildlife Sanctuary and South Water Caye Marine Reserve) will receive significant funding over a five year period. PACT will manage this project in Belize through our grant management services with the Mesoamerican Reef Fund (MAR Fund). In order to meet the requirements of KfW, PACT’s financial systems were again subjected to heavy scrutiny through a special audit conducted by an audit firm approved by KfW and once again demonstrated that our standards and practices stood up to the test and were acceptable at the international level.While we lost six months of implementation time for our work plan as a result of the transition, we were still able to rebound and award over BZ$1.9 million in new grants for fiscal year 2012-2013. PACT supports capacity building of stakeholders through various avenues and during this fiscal year signed a two year Memorandum of Understanding with the University of Belize to support the implementation of the National Training Program for Protected Areas Managers developed by the Environmental Research Institute and its partners. PACT’s support is through a grant agreement for two years and the University of Belize intends to deliver at least eight modules of the National Training Program. We take this opportunity to thank our collaborators and stakeholders for their continued support and look forward to your unwavering cooperation as we chart the way forward for an invigorated PACT. I also thank the Board of Directors, Management and staff of PACT for your commitment during this transition year and anticipate full teamwork moving forward. Without your support, our accomplishments would not have been possible.

________________________________

Natalie RosadoActing Executive Director

Message from the Acting Executive Director

b o a r d o f d i r e c t o r sChair, Dr. Wendel Parham Ministry of forestry, fisheries & sustainable DevelopMent

Vice Chair, Mrs. Tracy Panton Ministry of tourisM & Culture

Dr. Candy Gonzalez Mr. Earl Green belize auDubon soCiety

Ms. Diane Haylock national institute of Culture & history

Dr. Ydahlia Metzgen-Quemarez finanCe expert

Mrs. Denise OcKey belize national tour operators assoCiation

Mrs. Zita Perez Ministry of finanCe (absent from photo)Mr. Osmany Salas belize tourisM inDustry assoCiation

Ms. Carolie Verde sarteneja allianCe for Conservation & DevelopMent

a d v i s o r y c o u n c i lChair, Mr. Vincent Gillett Coastal zone ManaGeMent authority & institute

Dr. Leroy Almendarez finanCe expert

Mr. Abil Castaneda Ministry of tourisM

Dr. Robin Coleman natural resourCe ManaGeMent expert

Dr. Elma Kay tertiary level institution

Mr. Ovel Leonardo belize fisherMen Cooperative assoCiation

Mr. Wilber Sabido forest DepartMent

Dr. Pio Saqui natural resourCe ManaGeMent expert

Ms. Armeid Thompson belize tourisM boarD

Ms. Beverly Wade fisheries DepartMent

Mr. Brian Woodye institute of arChaeoloGy

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Belize Alliance of Conservation Non-Governmental Organizations

t h e p a c t s t a f f

Left to RightFront Row: Ms. Deidra Smith, Mrs. Angela Usher, Mrs. Modesta Cal, Ms. Ellen Arnold, Ms. Natalie Rosado, Ms. Lorena Ramirez, Mrs. M. Joyce Tun, and Mrs. Nayari Diaz-Perez.

Second Row: Mr. Kerry Belisle, Ms. Farrah Tingling, Mr. Darrel Audinette, Mr. Michael Pipersburgh, Ms. Vanessia Burke, Mr. Mark Zelaya, Mr. Kevin Maddison, and Ms. Christine Valerio.

Advisory Council Board of Directors

Executive Director Standing Committees

Executive Assistant

Administrative OfficerAccountant

Accounts Clerk

Accounts Clerk

Administrative Assistant

Office Assistant/Driver

General Helper

Senior Grants OfficerNational Portfolio

Grants OfficerSouthern Portfolio

Grants OfficerNorthern Portfolio

Grants OfficerCapacity Building

Grants Programme

Clerk

Associate Director - Grants Associate Director - Finance

Research and Information

Officer

o r G a n i z a t i o n a l C h a r t

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» Equity, transparency, accountability, and good gover-

nance are hallmarks of PACT

» The success of PACT as a National Trust Fund is de-

pendent on its ability to continuously grow the fund

» Being responsive to protected areas and constituents’

needs is a permanent campaign of PACT

» Networking and engagement with constituents on a lo-

cal, national and global scale is indispensable for PACT

to deliver its mission

» PACT continuously sets new standards of efficiency in

grant-making and delivery

» Effective communications is a key function of the day to

day operations of PACT

G u i d i n G p r i n c i p l e s

VISION PACT is a strategic partner in the funding, management, and sustainable development of Belize’s natural and cultural resources for the benefit of Belizeans and the global community.

MISSION To contribute to the sustainable management and development of Belize’s natural and cultural heritage by providing effective funding support to protected areas.

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W H AT I S PAC T ?The Protected Areas Conservation Trust (PACT) was established in 1996 as Belize’s Na-tional Conservation Trust Fund. It was legally established as a statutory body after several years of consultations and meetings with various non-governmental organizations, govern-

ment departments, private sector and international conservation organizations.

07 ]

[ Laughing Bird Caye National Park ]

S O U R C E S O F F U N D I N GRevenue is derived from three main sources: 1. A Conservation Fee of BZ $7.50 (US $3.75) per visitor paid upon departure. 2. Twenty percent (20%) commission from Cruise Ship Head Tax. 3. Investments and donations from agencies, corporations and interested individuals.

The revenue derived is invested back into the protected areas through PACT’s Grants Programme.

[ 08[ Elijio Panti National Park ]

[ Chiquibul National Park ]

The Protected Areas Conservation Trust (PACT) continues its vital role of financing conservation and protected area management efforts in Belize. As a key partner to the Ministry of Forestry, Fisheries, and Sustainable Development, PACT recognizes the urgent need to increase the national effort in ensuring effective and sustainable financing sup-port to our national protected areas system.

This fiscal year, the Grants Programme continued to align its investments with the operational frame-work of the National Protected Areas Policy and System Plan (NPAPSP) and awarded a total of $1,989,646.16 in new project and capacity build-ing grants. PACT also continued to strengthen its capacity in grant management services via ongo-ing partnerships with the PACT Foundation and the Mesoamerican Reef Fund (MAR Fund) while con-tinuing to administer its own portfolio of 12 grant types. A total of $188,999.80 and $407,992.00 from the PACT Foundation and MAR Fund respectively was awarded in new projects for the period April 2012 - March 2013.

Recognizing that the Programme remains a criti-cal financing mechanism for protected areas management in Belize, PACT continues its efforts at improving it year after year with the support of grantees.

[ Grants Programme ]

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[ ]Grants1 Large6 Medium-Sized1 Small3 Environmental Support3 Individual Professional Development

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LARGE GRANTSThis year PACT granted a Large Grant to Friends for Conservation and

Development (FCD).

Reinforcing Management Efforts in the Maya Mountains Phase 1Grant $300,000.00 Approved Nov.22.2011 Period 2 years. Status OngoingObjective To halt the human footprint expansion in Southern Chiquibul through the installation of a conservation post through a well coordinated joint forces unit comprised of BDF, Police, Forest Department and FCD personnel.

[ Chiquibul National Park ]

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M E D I U M - S I Z E D G R A N T SThis year PACT granted $881,671.00 in Medium-Sized Grants to 6 different organizations. These grants will increase protected areas awareness, reduce illegal activities in protected areas, protect bio-diversity, and improve capacity of protected areas staff and overall

management of protected areas.

13 ]

[ Ya’axche ]

Maintaining an Effective Enforcement Presence within the Southern Barrier Reef Complex (SBRC)Southern Environmental Association (SEA)Grant $205,000.00. Approved Mar.18.2013. Period 1 Year. Status Ongoing

Objectives 1. By the end of the project period a minimum of 10 enforce-

Targeting Agricultural Incursion through Monitoring and Enforcement Friends for Conservation and Development (FCD)Grant $143,554.18 . Approved Mar.20.2013. Period 1 Year . Status Ongoing

Objectives 1. Joint forces capability is strengthened through collabora-tion, coordination and training. 2. Develop GIS capability to monitor land

Enhancing the protection of the Rio Bravo Conservation and Manage-ment AreaProgramme for Belize (PfB)Grant $73,850.00. Approved Mar.18. 2013. Period 1 Year. Status Ongoing

Objective To provide adequate transportation to the ranger team for ef-fective patrolling and protection of the Rio Bravo Conservation and Management Area.

Promoting Evidence-based Integrated Landscape Management in the MGLYa’axche Conservation TrustGrant $156,267.00. Approved Mar.20.2013. Period 1 Year. Status Ongoing

Objectives 1. Evidence base strengthened and used to inform the adaptive management of BNR, GSCP and buffer areas. 2. Increasing environmental awareness of the value of healthy ecosystems, particularly towards bird conservation, for tourism and ecosystem services among >25 farmers and community members. 3. Deforestation halted and biodiversity protected as the result of effective enforcement of protected areas law leading to a 30% decline in illegal incursions and extraction of timber and NTFPs from BNR and GSCP by the end of the project.

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use change. 3. Agriculture incursion issues are socialized and made visible 4. FCD’s monitoring and enforcement program is efficiently executed along Chiquibul’s western border.

ment personnel are trained in weapon handling and safety and self defense tactics and basic first aid skills 2. To reduce fishing violations in the SBRC by 10% as compared to 2012 within the project time frame.

Enhancing Indigenous Communities Role in Protected Areas Management Sarstoon Temash Institute for Indigenous Management (SATIIM)Grant $98,000.00. Approved Feb.19. 2013. Period 1 Year. Status Ongoing

Objective To enhance community participation in park management through strengthening the awareness and building the capacity of indigenous leaders to ensure greater compliance on the part of local communities with park regu-lations.

15 ]

[ Indigenous Community ]

Payne’s Creek National Park (PCNP) Conservation and Sustainable DevelopmentToledo Institute for Development and Environment (TIDE)Grant $205,000.00 . Approved Mar.19.13 . Period 2 Years . Status Ongoing

Objectives 1. Key stakeholders within 15 communities in Toledo have enhanced understanding of and support for Toledo’s protected areas. 2. Fifteen members of the Southern Belize Fire Working Group and buffer communities are apply-ing enhanced capacity to manage fire in and around PCNP. 3. Increase the number of breeding pairs of endangered yellow-headed parrot within PCNP. 4. Twenty tour guides from Monkey River are deriving, on average, an additional $500.00/year/person from ecotourism in PCNP. 5. Have measures in place to reverse the decline in the population of critically endangered Goliath Grouper in and around PCNP. 6. Update the park management plan to address actual and projected threats (including climate change) and respond to new oppor-tunities. 7. The frequency and severity of illegal extraction and wildfires in PCNP are reduced relative to present day levels. 8. A paying volunteer program is established and on target to finance 10% of TIDE’s administrative costs.

[ 16

[ Nassau Grouper ]

Payne’s Creek National Park (PCNP) Conservation and Sustainable DevelopmentToledo Institute for Development and Environment (TIDE)Grant $205,000.00. Approved Mar. 19. 2013. Period 2 Years. Status Ongoing

Objectives 1. Key stakeholders within 15 communities in Toledo have enhanced understanding of and support for Toledo’s protected areas. 2. Fifteen members of the Southern Belize Fire Working Group and buffer communities are applying enhanced capacity to manage fire in and around PCNP. 3. Increase the number of breeding pairs of endangered yellow-headed parrot within PCNP. 4. Twenty tour guides from Monkey River are deriving, on average, an additional $500.00/year/person from ecotourism in PCNP. 5. Have measures in place to reverse the decline in the population of critically endangered Goliath Grouper in and around PCNP. 6. Update the park management plan to address actual and projected threats (including climate change) and respond to new opportunities. 7. The frequency and severity of illegal extraction and wildfires in PCNP are reduced relative to present day levels. 8. A paying volunteer program is established and on target to finance 10% of TIDE’s administrative costs.

S M A L L G R A N T SThis year PACT granted a Small Grant to the Belize Fishermen Cooperatives Association (BFCA).

Improvement of Marine Biodiversity Through Empowerment of FishersGrant $55,000.00 . Approved Apr.4. 2013 . Period 1 Year . Status OngoingObjective Empower fishers in the conservation, protection and sustainable use of the marine resources from the Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System.

17 ]

[ 18[ UB Earth Day 2013 ]

Conservation and Protection of Rivers and WatershedsBelize Institute of Environmental Law and Policy (BELPO)

Grant $10,000.00 Approved Mar.4. 2013Period 1 Year Status Ongoing

Objective To educate the public on the need to protect freshwater re-sources through watershed-based management.

Sarteneja Fishermen Association Alter-native Livelihood Pig Farming FacilitySarteneja Fishermen Association (SFA)

Grant $10,000.00 Approved Aug.29. 2012Period 8 Months Status Completed

Objective This project addresses gaps and challenges identified as poten-tial threats to the continued success of the project, overcoming short term barriers for long term success through essential material and maintenance support for the established facilities.

Primate Rehabilitation Nursery Unit Pro-grammeWildtracks

Grant $10,000.00 Approved Mar.4. 2013Period 3 Months Status Completed

Objective To contribute to the much needed rehabilitation of confiscated primates through the construction of a nursery unit

19 ]

E N v i Ro N m E N TA LS u p po RT G r a N t S

This year PACT granted $30,000.00 in Environmental Support Grants to 3 different organizations for conservation, rehabilitation

and alternative livelihood projects.

XVI Meso-American Society for Biology and Conservation Congress: Valuation of Hydrology Resources – A Step Towards Sustainability in Meso-America.Friends for Conservation and Development (FCD)

Grant $3,620.00 Approved Aug.16. 2012Period 2 Weeks Status Completed

Objective To Participate in the MSBC congress in Panama

Achievement Results of illegal logging assessment was presented and better knowledge of challenges faced by other protected area managers were obtained and interventions were successful.

Pathways to Success Conference and Training: Integrating Human Dimensions into Fisheries and Wildlife Management.Belize Audubon Society (BAS)

Grant $3,386.00 Approved Aug.16. 2012Period 3 Months Status Completed

Objective To allow the BAS Protected Areas Manager the opportunity to participate in this training programme

Achievement Increased knowledge in dealing with wildlife conflict issues that can be shared with the BAS Community Liaison Officer and field staff, especially in areas where prevailing poverty continues to reflect the reason for increasing pressures on the natural resources making conservation management more challenging.

International Youth Forum Go4BioDiv parallel to CBD-COP-11.Toledo Institute for Development and Environment (TIDE)

Grant $959.19 Approved Aug.16. 2012Period 3 Months Status Completed

Objective To facilitate the participation of Mr. Marlon Williams in the International Youth Forum in India

Achievement Exposure to current issues, identifying experts within the conservation field, increased participatory efforts in the bigger conservation realm, youth networking, and increased dissemination of information to the wider community.

i N d i v i d uA L p Ro f E S S i o N A L d E v E Lo p m E N T G r a N t Sthis year PaCt granted $7,965.19 in Individual Professional Development Grants to 3 different organizations to increase capacities among stakeholders for effective

protected areas management.

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F I N A N C I A L R E P O R T

[ Belize audubon Society (BaS) ]

[ Financial Report ]

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For the fiscal year 2012/13 The Protected Areas Conservation Trust generated total revenues of $4.58 million dollars versus $4.56 million in 2011/2012. This income was earned primarily from conservation fees levied on departing tourists and commissions from cruise ship passengers both contributing $2.2 million and $1.8 million dollars respectively. However, while total revenues for the fiscal years 2012/13 and 2011/12 remained almost identical the composition differed considerably as in 2011/12 conservation fees and cruise commissions contributed $1.97 million and $2.0 million respectively. In addition, income from term deposits declined by 28% from $511,000.00 to $370,000.00 as a result of reduced interest rates. However due to PACT’s reinvestment from revenues the endowment grew to over $5.1 million dollars – an increase of $358,000 over the previous year. During this fiscal period, PACT approved over $1.6 million in new grant funds and paid out an additional $500,000.00 towards existing projects while incurring operating costs of $1.31 million compared to $1.25 million in 2012. PACT also strengthened its fiduciary capacity for service to local and international organizations and through its collaboration with the MAR Fund, PACT foundation and NPAS provided management services that resulted in getting an additional $465,518 in project funds on the ground.

As we move forward, PACT is reviewing its institutional arrangements to further enhance our revenue earning and distribution facilities for improved service to our partners.

[ ]Revenue Performance 2012/2013

[ ]Expenditure Distribution 2012/2013

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Internal Control Statement

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GUIDING PHILOSOPHY The Protected Areas Conservation Trust is committed to a culture and organizational structure that upholds the following principles:

• Equity, transparency, accountability, and good governance.

• Continuous fund growth and responsiveness to protected areas and constituents’ needs on a local, national and global scale.

• Continuously setting new standards of efficiency in grant-making and delivery.

• Effective communications to support the day-to-day operations of PACT.

• Programmatic funding that will lead to the benefit of as wide a stakeholder interest as possible.

PACT GOVERNANCE STRUCTURE The highest decision making body of the trust fund is its Board of Directors. PACT enjoys the unique distinction as the only statutory authority in Belize in which the Board has autonomy in the selection of its Board members and Chairperson. While as a statutory authority it cannot be an independent trust fund, its legislation has allowed for a substantive level of autonomy from the Government of Belize.

BOARD COMPOSITION AND FUNCTION The Board of Directors of the Protected Areas Conservation Trust is appointed in accordance with the Protected Areas Conservation Trust Act Chapter 218 Revised Edition 2003 part (ii) section (4).

The Board comprises eleven(11) members of which three (3) represent the non-government community, two(2) represent the tourism industry, four(4) for the Government of Belize, the Executive Director and one financial expert elected by members of the Board. The Board is guided in its roles and responsibilities as outlined in the PACT Act part II Delegation of powers and the Board Manual of March 2011 and retains the executive control and management of the affairs of the Trust. It is ultimately responsible for the Trust’s effective and efficient administration. The Board meets on a quarterly basis and generally makes rules of the Trust for the proper oversight of its affairs as is provided for in Section 13 of the Act.

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EXECUTIVE MANAGEMENT PACT’s daily operations are managed by the Executive Director with the assistance of the Associate Director-Finance and the Associate Director-Grants. These three positions constitute the senior management team of the Trust. The Executive Director is the General Manager of the Trust and is responsible for the overall day-to-day management of the Trust’s affairs.

ORGANIZATIONAL COMPONENTS AND PURPOSE OF THE TRUST The functions of the trust as outlined in Section 16 of the PACT Act are:

• to encourage and promote, for the benefit and enjoyment of the present and future generations of the people of Belize, the provision, the protection, conservation and enhancement of the natural and cultural resources of Belize;

• to distribute from the Trust Fund such grants as it thinks fit to encourage, promote, and

assist the undertaking by suitable persons and bodies of any research, studies or other activities relating to the nationwide effort to establish, operate, maintain and enhance protected areas, and other natural and cultural protected resources for the purposes of conservation, maintenance of biodiversity, protection of ecological processes and for recreational enjoyment;

• assist in the funding of activities which are eligible for funding under the Schedule of the

Act;

• perform any other functions which may be necessary for the effective functioning of the Trust Fund.

AUDITS An annual audit of the Trust’s accounts should be carried out at the end of each fiscal year by an independent auditing firm approved by the Board of Directors. A copy of the completed audited financial statements should be forwarded to the Central Bank of Belize as the trustee and fiduciary manager of the Trust Fund and Ministry of Finance on behalf of the Government of Belize.

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ENDOWMENT FUND As is provided for in the PACT Act, Section 30, the Board of Directors is responsible for the establishment of the Endowment Fund of the Trust Fund. The purpose of the Endowment Fund is to ensure that the Trust has funds in perpetuity in order that it can be sustainable and viable to continue its function in the event that the regular stream of revenues decreases or is interrupted. The Endowment Fund receives no less than 5% of the total revenue of the Trust during each fiscal year. The Board of Directors can determine if the Trust shall contribute more than this minimum amount required for a fiscal year.

FINANCE AND AUDIT COMMITTEE Composition and terms of reference

The Finance Audit Committee consists of at least three and no more than five members of the Board of Directors one of whom is financially literate. The Board nominates the members and the Committee chair.

The Finance and Audit committee has the authority to conduct investigations into any matters within its scope, including:

• Approve and terminate the employment of the external auditors • Retain counsel, accountants or any other advice to inform in the conduct of any

investigation. • Meet with the external auditors, staff and management to perform its function

ADVISORY COMMITTEE Composition and terms of reference

The Advisory Council’s existence is enshrined in the PACT Act and is composed of eleven members including representation from the Coastal Zone Management Institute, The Belize Tourist Board, development agencies, Government of Belize, Academia and technical experts.

The Council shall:

• Advise the Board on technical and administrative matters and areas of improvement in the granting of funds;

• Coordinate the preparation of the National Strategic Trust Plan; • Evaluate grant proposals and advise the Board on their eligibility.

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RISK MANAGEMENT AND INTERNAL CONTROLS PACT promotes a culture of prudent risk management and employs various mechanisms that

are designed to identify and monitor key risk areas on a regular basis.

Major processes in place to support this function are accounting manuals and procedures requiring appropriate separation of duties, transparent procurement and disbursement functions and a managerial and financial reporting framework that is regularly evaluated.

The Finance and Audit committee is a subcommittee of the Board and is responsible for the oversight of the risk management function. The committee is composed of four Board members, the Executive Director and the Associate Director-Finance. The committee’s terms of reference has been broadened to review adherence to proper financial management, ethical conduct and reporting standards and to take corrective actions where necessary. In addition the overall efficiency and relevance of the organization’s mission is secured by the commission of an external, independent five year institutional review and strategic plan and large grants evaluation.

PACT’s physical assets are insured and reviewed for adequacy of coverage annually. The organization’s endowment and other fixed deposits provide a strong capital base and are held with Central Bank regulated commercial banks.

EMPLOYMENT EQUITY AND GENERAL WORK ENVIRONMENT PACT adheres to the philosophy of providing equal employment opportunities. PACT will not discriminate for the purpose of hiring, promotion, retention, training and other personal employment matters against any person because of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, age or handicap. The employees of PACT are regulated by the PACT Personnel Policy Manual which is consistent with the Belize Labor Act Chapter 297 Revised edition 2003. The manuals provides for the provision of a working environment consistent with PACT’s philosophy by addressing the conditions of work including but not limited to:

• Employee training • Employee responsibility • Employee Health and Safety

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CODE OF CONDUCT AND CONFLICT OF INTEREST PACT’s Board is guided by the PACT Act chapter 218 Revised Edition 2003 and its Board manual which contains clear and detailed policies and guidelines defining its code of conduct, conflicts of interest and a manner on how the Board should proceed in addressing any contraventions that may arise.

GRANT MANAGEMENT We hereby affirm that Protected Areas Conservation Trust Grants Program Manual of June 2011 was adhered to.

LEGISLATIVE COMPLIANCE The Protected Areas Conservation Trust complies with the following legislations and Standards.

• PACT ACT Chapter 218 Revised Edition 2003 • Finance and Audit(Reform) Act, 2005 • Office of the Contractor General • Labor Act 297 Revised Edition 2003 • International Financial Reporting Standards

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name iUcn DocUmenteD location co-manager

category area (acre)

Archaeological Reserves (Managed by NICH)Altun Ha II Bze Barton Creek II Cayo Cahal Pech II Cayo Caracol II Cayo Cerro Maya II Czl El Pilar II Cayo Lamanai II OW Lubaantun II TD Marco Gonzalez II BzeNim Li Punit II TD Nohoch Che’em II CayoSanta Rita II Czl Serpon Sugar Mill II SCSt. George’s Caye Cemetery II BzeXunantunich II Cayo Yarborough Cemetery II Bze

Bird Sanctuaries (Managed by the Lands Department)Bird Caye IV Bze Doubloon Bank IV Bze Little Guana Caye IV Czl Los Salones IV Czl Man of War Caye IV SC Monkey Caye IV TD Un-Named Caye IV Bze

Forest Reserves (Managed by the Forest Department)Caye Caulker (Marine) VI Bze Forest & Marine Reserves Assoc. of Caye Caulker (FAMRACC)Chiquibul VI Cayo Friends for Conservation & Development (FCD) Columbia River VI TD Deep River VI TD Freshwater Creek VI Czl/Bze-OW Grants Work VI SC Machaca VI TD Manatee VI Bze-SC Mango Creek 1 VI SC Mango Creek 2 VI SCMango Creek 4 VI SC/BZ-TD Maya Mountain VI Cayo Monkey Caye VI TD Mountain Pine Ridge VI Cayo Sibun VI Cayo Sittee River VI SC Swasey Bladen VI TD Vaca VI Cayo

93.0005.020

22.39025,000.000

43.781,997.000

958.50040.0108.601

121.320453.710

3.730114.000

0.23951.6001.500

1.2883.6902.5672.9281.9131.2851.066

100.000147,810.000148,357.00078,574.00028,069.0007,590.0003,119.000

89,929.09013,795.037

213.00011,687.65741,741.0001,460.000

106,477.809106,192.00093,920.00015,000.00040,243.000

AC - Ambergris Caye | Bze - Belize District | Cayo - Cayo District | Czl - Corozal District OW - Orange Walk District | SC - Stann Creek District | TD - Toledo District

P R O T E C T E D A R E A S47 ]

name iUcn DocUmenteD location co-manager

category area (acre)

Mangrove ReserveSt. George’s Caye Bze

Marine Reserves (Managed by the Fisheries Department)Bacalar Chico IV AC Caye Caulker VI Bze Forest & Marine Reserves Assoc. of Caye Caulker (FAMRACC)Gladden Spit/ Silk Cayes IV SC Southern Environmental Association (SEA)Glover’s Reef IV SC Hol Chan II Bze Port Honduras IV TD Toledo Institute for Development & Environment (TIDE)Sapodilla Cayes IV TD Southern Environmental Association (SEA)Southwater Caye IV SC

National Parks (Managed by the Forest Department) Aguas Turbias II OW Bacalar Chico (Marine) V AC Billy Barquedier II SC Steadfast Tourism and Conservation Association (STACA)Chiquibul II Cayo Friends for Conservation & Development (FCD)Five Blues Lake II Cayo Belize Audubon Society (BAS)Gra Gra Lagoon II SC Friends of Gra GraGuanacaste II Cayo Belize Audubon Society (BAS)Honey Camp II Czl/Bze-OW Laughing Bird Caye (Marine) II SC Southern Environmental Association (SEA)Mayflower Bocawina II SC Friends of Mayflower BocawinaMelinda II SCMonkey Bay II Bze Noj Kaax Meen Eligio Panti II Cayo Belize Development Foundation (BDF)Payne’s Creek II TD Toledo Institute for Development & Environment (TIDE)Peccary Hills II Bze Rio Blanco II TD Rio Blanco Mayan Association (RBMA)Sarstoon/Temash II TD Sarstoon Temash Institute for Indigenous Mgt. (SATIIM)St. Herman’s Blue Hole II Cayo Belize Audubon Society (BAS)

Natural Monuments (Managed by the Forest Department)Actun Tunichil Muknal Ia Cayo Belize Audubon Society (BAS)Blue Hole (Marine) III Bze Belize Audubon Society (BAS)Half Moon Caye (Marine) II Bze Belize Audubon Society (BAS)Thousand Foot Fall III Cayo Belize Audubon Society (BAS)Victoria Peak III SC Belize Audubon Society (BAS)

Nature Reserves (Managed by the Forest Department)Bladen Ia TD Ya’axche Conservation TrustBurdon Creek Ia Bze Hopkins Wetlands SCTapir Mountain II Cayo Belize Audubon Society (BAS) Private Reserves (Managed by the Forest Department)Aguacate Lagoon IV Cayo Mennonite Community Community Baboon Sanctuary IV Bze Community Baboon Sanctuary Women’s Cons. GroupGolden Stream Corridor Preserve IV TD Ya’axche Conservation TrustMonkey Bay Wildlife Sanctuary IV Bze Matthew MillerRio Bravo Conservation & IV OW Programme for Belize (PfB) Management Area Runaway Creek IV Bze Birds Without BordersShipstern Nature Reserve IV Czl Corozal Sustainable Future Initiative (CSFI)TIDE Block 127 IV TD Toledo Institute for Development & Environment (TIDE)

15.000

15,577.0009,670.000

25,600.00086,652.09713,336.194

101,100.00038,594.000

117,874.900

8,950.00028,148.0001,500.000

285,937.0004,250.0001,197.000

51.5007,772.000

10,119.0007,565.610

85.0002,250.000

14,124.30037,680.00010,744.000

100.00041,000.000

574.500

455.0001,023.0009,700.0001,290.0004,847.000

99,673.8004,865.0001,565.6286,286.000

283.90012,980.01115,000.0001,473.588

259,134.152

7,123.80018,840.38111,000.000

[48

name iUcn DocUmenteD location co-manager category area (acre)

Public ReservesCockroach Bay BzeDolphin Park II BzeGrants Land CzlKrooman Reserve BzeSeine Bight Village SC

Wildlife Sanctuaries (Managed by the Forest Department)Agua Caliente (Luha) IV TD Aguacaliente Management TeamCockscomb Basin IV SC/BZ-TOL Belize Audubon Society (BAS)Corozal Bay IV Czl Sarteneja Alliance for Conservation & Dev. (SACD)Crooked Tree IV Bze-OW Belize Audubon Society (BAS)Gales Point IV Bze Gales Point Wildlife Sanctuary Management CommitteeLabouring Creek Jaguar Corridor IV Bze-Cayo PANTHERASpanish Creek IV OW Rancho Dolores Environmental Dev. GroupSwallow Caye IV Bze Friends of Swallow Caye (FOSC)

Spawning Aggregation Site Reserves (Managed by the Fisheries Department)Caye Bokel, Turneffe Island Atoll IV BzeDog Flea Caye, Turneffe Island Atoll IV BzeEmily or Caye Glory IV SCGladden Spit IV SCNicholas Caye, Sapodilla Cayes IV TDNorthern Glover’s Reef Atoll IV SCRise and Fall Bank, Sapodilla Cayes IV TDRocky Point, Ambergris Caye IV CzlSandbore, Lighthouse Reef Atoll IV BzeSeal Caye, Sapodilla Cayes IV TDSouth Point, Lighthouse Reef Atoll IV Bze

Nassau Grouper & Species Protection (Managed by the Fisheries Department)Maugre Caye, Turneffe Atoll IV BzeNorthern Two Cayes, Lighthouse Reef IV Bze

Note: S.R. & O - Statutory Rule & Order S. I - Statutory Instrument Documented Area may differ from the GIS area Private Reserves are only those recognized by the Forest DepartmentSource: Land Information Centre, Land and Surveys Department

19,9882.4680.820

57.8000.750

5,492.00087,318.000

180,500.00041,297.0009,095.0009,184.0005,985.0008,970.130

1,375.9941,407.9941,343.9953,590.3961,663.9931,799.1934,249.5831,404.7941,279.9951,599.9941,343.995

1,918.224e927.313

49]

Founder: Swallow Caye Wildlife Sanctuary

An advocate for the protection of

manatees and sustainability of

conservation in Belize.

Lionel ‘Chocolate’ Heredia

3 Mango Street Belmopan Cayo District, Belize Tel: +501 822 3637 Fax: +501 822 3759 info@pactbelize.org

www.pactbelize.org

Founder: One of the founders of the Swallow Caye Wildlife Sanctuary and an advocate for the protection of manatees and sustainability of conservation in Belize.

In Memory of Lionel ‘Chocolate’ Heredia

Our Partners: