Project Detail

Supporting the APAMO Central Resource Centre Program Management and its Governance Structures

The project will contribute significantly to the fulfillment of the National Protected Areas System Plan (NPASP). For example, Objective 1 that aims to strengthen the governance, institutional and operational capacities of community based protected areas management organizations in order to effectively and efficiently manage their protected areas, addresses Policy 10 of the NPASP which states that the ?management of Belize?s protected areas shall be accountable and transparent?. Furthermore, the NPASP calls for ?Strengthening co- and participatory management, thus increasing human resources? through capacity building and support services, such as site administration and skills training?.

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Project Snapshot

Grantee:

Association of Protected Areas Management Organizations

Country:

Belize

Area Of Work:

CapDev
International Waters

Operational Phase:

OP6 - Y5 (Jul 19-Jun 20)

Grant Amount:

US$ 25,000.00

Co-Financing Cash:

US$ 22,175.00

Co-Financing in-Kind:

US$ 14,275.00

Project Number:

BZE/SGP/OP6/Y5/CORE/IWBE/2020/02

Start Date:

3/2020

End Date:

12/2022

Status:

Satisfactorily Completed

Project Characteristics and Results

Replication of project activities

? Due to the voluntary nature of the Board of CBOs, APAMO as the umbrella organization, has realized that CBOs may not be qualified nor experienced to properly manage a protected area. However, the commitment and passion exist to collaboratively manage Belize?s Natural Resources. This has further validated model being pursued by APAMO in consolidating resources and capacities at the ACRC to then provided strategic technical and financial oversight of its CBO members. This includes project management, marketing, accounting and business development at the same time building their capacities become better co-managers. Hence, the project activities that have been implemented with STACA, MBEDG and RBMA, will be further replicated and upscaled to better suit other CBOs and continuously support all CBOs under the APAMO umbrella. The Protected Areas Database has been developed, is functional and can be accessed through the APAMO website. Up to date, two members have commenced populating the database. ? Training sessions on governance were held for Board of Directors of STACA and MBEDG. Additionally, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, training was refocused on ensuring that the CBOs? managed parks were prepared and in conformity with the BTB Gold Standard in order to permit visitors into the protected area. An integral component of the capacity building program of APAMO is for the ACRC staff to provide continuous mentorship to, in particular, BBNP, MBNP and RBNP. This included technical, financial, communication and marketing support. The FAMRACC group, which was established to manage the Caye Caulker Forest and Marine Reserves, went defunct, leading to the successful formation of a new organization, the Caye Caulker Group for Environmental Sustainability (CCGES). This group is now functional and has made progress in obtaining c0-management of the Caye Caulker Forest Reserve, developed a Management Plan, and has held several Board planning meetings. Additionally, a Mennonite-constructed wooden building was bought, furnished, and successfully installed at the MBNP to be used as an isolation building.

Policy Influence

? Objective one that aims to strengthen the governance, institutional and operational capacities of community based protected areas management organizations in order to effectively and efficiently manage their protected areas, addresses Policy 10 of the NPASP which states that the ?management of Belize?s protected areas shall be accountable and transparent?

Project sustainability

? This project complemented the first phase of the innovative development of the 3 pillars of a new APAMO framework and progress towards its financial sustainability. The Strategy as a first phase continues to build and operate a well-resourced and capable Resource Centre within the APAMO secretariat to provide improved guidance, support and cost sharing opportunities for its members, with conservation, marketing, business development and accounting and financial services. Simultaneously the award of an APAMO certificate of good standing was created in its first phase to guide the development and implementation of a Sustainable Tourism Plan for participating CBOs. The APAMO Certificate of Good Standing (ACGS) program was finalized, and implementation commenced. The certification will serve as a system for compiling data and information, monitoring, and reporting of protected areas management and governance at sites and provide the basis for system-level management effectiveness evaluation. It will specifically serve as a mechanism for APAMO to monitor that Protected Areas Co-managers are in compliance with an established certification protocol for Good Governance, Sound Financial Management, Accountability and Transparency, and Human Resource Management.

Promoting Public Awareness of Global Environment

APAMO has a Communication Strategy that provides the framework that enables good communication and replication of project results. This strategy ensures that member organizations are kept informed and engaged in the network affairs. Through the Capacity Building Program formal needs will be addressed, lessons learned, and best practices shared through workshops, especially for the CBOs, but also at general membership forums.

Gender Focus

Five of the CBO members of APAMO have women involved at the decision-making level of their organizations as they include at least 2 women on their Board of Directors. One the Community Baboon Sanctuary Women's Group is comprised of all women and the Rio Blanco Mayan Association is comprised of only men however, have a young female Coordinator that works closely with the Board. This long-term governance framework improvement strategy will continue to enhance these women participation in the management of the protected areas through the training that will be provided but more significantly by actively participating in every decision making in the management of this project and management of their respective protected area. The needs of women involved in the protected areas will be strongly considered in the implementation of business plans especially in the development of ecotourism activities. For example, at the MBNP, the Mayan women's group is being consulted directly and their needs incorporated into plans. Currently, a small group sells their tourist product at the field station within the Park. The lessons learned and best practices will be adopted at RBNP where there is also an active indigenous women's group and in any other park where applicable.

Significant Participation of Indigenous Peoples

The Rio Blanco Mayan Association is an indigenous Peoples association that co-manages the Rio Blanco National Park. Through this project, significant participation and involvement will be provided for all the organizations.

Emphasis on Sustainable Livelihoods

This project aims at building the capacity of members of APAMO, an umbrella organization, who manage protected areas.

Inovative Financial Mechanisms

This project is complementing the APAMO PACT Partnership grant supporting the organization?s long-term development strategy that includes improved governance strategies and a comprehensive capacity building program. Therefore, it is intended that through the monitoring of the project?s implementation, lessons learned and best practices in the processes and methodologies used will be recorded. These along with the general achievements of the project will be disseminated among APAMO?s network and to the general public through photo stories and updates/highlights. It is expected that this communication will be incorporated as part of APAMO ACRC wider communications and marketing activities including through social media.

Capacity - Building Component

This project is intended to contribute to the partnership with PACT to strengthen APAMO institutional capacity by supporting its ACRC through its Conservation Investment Strategy.

Notable Community Participation

This project will continue to provide youths with more employment opportunities in protected areas management and eco-tourism that is being promoted with all members of APAMO. Two of the main outputs from this project is a business plan developed for a CBO and an APAMO tourism package. A torch run by Police Cadets was undertaken by the MBNP, this and similar activities will be replicated at other parks.

Project Results

? Board of Directors Training (MBEDG & STACA)
? BTB Gold Standard Certification Training (MBEDG, STACA & RBMA)
? APAMO?s Annual Ranger Forum
? Logical Framework Development Training (ACRC, MBEDG & STACA)
? Proposal Writing Training (ACRC, MBEDG & STACA)
? APAMO protected area database manual
? An emergency response plan was generated for Billy Barquedier National Park
? A management plan was developed for the community-based organization in Caye Caulker.

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