This project grew out of Barranco community demands that something be done to stop the depletion of fishing stocks off the STNP and to develop a marine component of the STNP. The broader process of designing a sustainable use strategy will be based on the participation and interests of the resources users in the area, both Belizean and Guatemalan. Community members will approve the sustainable use strategy before it is presented to government, and if approved will participate in its implementation and evaluation through the advisory committee, and its monitoring through visits to the area.

Through the project, an educational programme on sustainable fishing practices with resource users in both Belize and Guatemala will be conducted. Education is needed on the legislative and regulatory frameworks for fisheries in both countries, on acceptable and best fisheries practices, and awareness needs to be raised on the negative impacts of unsustainable practices. Villagers from coastal settlements in both countries will participate, with an effort to incorporate women fisher folk as well as men. Materials will be developed and/or adapted, and translated into Spanish/English and/or Q?eqchi? and Garifuna