Forests (Protection of Mangroves) Regulations, 1989.

These Regulations provide for the protection of mangroves in "jurisdictional waters" by prohibiting altering, or causing to be altered, any mangrove without first obtaining a permit from the Department of Forestry. The prohibition applies both to privately owned and public lands (reg. 3). The alteration of mangroves which causes the disturbance or excavation of the sediments in jurisdictional waters or the deposition of materials in jurisdictional waters may be considered dredging or filling, and shall be permitted only under exceptional circumstances (reg. 4). No permit for the alteration of mangroves shall be issued unless the Department is satisfied that- (a) water quality shall not significantly change as a result of the proposed alteration; and (b) the proposed alteration is not contrary to the public interest or, if the alteration significantly degrades or changes the environment, "that such action is, on the whole, beneficial and in the larger and long-term interests of the people of Belize". The Department shall consider the factors outlined in regulation 5[2] in determining whether a project is not contrary to public interest or is clearly in the public interest despite environmental damage. No permit shall be issued for mangrove alteration within an existing national park, nature reserve, wildlife sanctuary, or natural monument as defined and described in the National Parks System Act of 25 November 1981. (11 regulations)