This project ?Supporting the protection of Garifuna indigenous and community lands and resources through capacity building and advocacy? will be a continuation of a previous project implemented by NGC, as well as a cohesive effort regarding the land issues being experienced in the various communities. The maps created for the six (6) traditional Garifuna communities which show traditional boundaries in comparison to current boundaries have revealed the extent of land lost in all communities. NGC signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Government of Belize (GOB) in 1999. Three of the ten clauses speak specifically to the Garifuna territories:
3. The GOB shall consult the NGC whenever consideration is being given to legislative or administrative measures, which will directly and especially affect the Garinagu of Belize.
4. The GOB shall take measures, in cooperation with the NGC, to protect and preserve the land and sea environments of communities predominantly populated by the Garinagu of Belize.
6. The GOB agrees to conduct serious good faith negotiations with the NGC in regard to communal rights of the Garinagu to certain lands.
The sad reality is that lands in Garifuna communities are still being issued and/or sold to non-Garinagu who do not utilize the resources sustainably and have no regard for the neighbouring lands which still belong to Garinagu.
This project will ensure that NGC will be equipped with the training tools and persons including Garinagu youth, women and elders who will be able to advocate on behalf of the wider Garifuna community on relevant land rights, manage and identify protected areas within Garifuna communities and continue to preserve and sustainably use the territories in these six communities.