National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (2016 – 2020), Belize.

As a signatory of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) (the global framework for the protection and wise use of biodiversity), Belize also has a commitment to ensuring that the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan covers: conservation of biological diversity sustainable use of the components of biological diversity fair and equitable sharing of the benefits arising from the utilisation of genetic resources. The National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan is based on Belize’s commitment to the conservation and sustainable development of national biological diversity. The Action Plan is focused on achieving the national NBSAP vision, based on fifteen guiding principles grouped under four areas – respect, responsibility, environmental context and commitment.
The Strategy framework consists of five NBSAP Goals (relating to Mainstreaming, Reducing Pressures, Protection, Benefits and Implementation), with a series of national targets identified under each Goal. The targets are linked to actions - the strategic actions required to achieve the Target – which are then broken down into activities. Each activity is linked to relevant indicators for measuring success of output and outcomes, and both lead agencies and supporting agencies are identified for taking responsibility for implementation of the actions and activities. Synergies are identified for mainstreaming implementation of the NBSAP, with the identification of relevant national legislations, policies and plans with similar objectives. A time frame per target for implementation is also suggested – for longer reaching actions this, in some cases, extends beyond the five year time frame of the Plan, but remains within the longer term time frame of Horizon 2030.
The Strategy and Action Plan is structured in five Goals, as follows: A. Mainstreaming: Improved environmental stewardship, as is an understanding and appreciation of marine, freshwater and terrestrial biodiversity, their benefits and values. B. Reducing Pressures: Direct and indirect pressures on marine, freshwater and terrestrial ecosystems are reduced to sustain and enhance national biodiversity and ecosystem services. C. Protection: Functional ecosystems and viable populations of Belize’s biodiversity are maintained and strengthened. D. Benefits: Strengthened provision of ecosystem services, ecosystem-based management and the equitable sharing of benefits from biodiversity. E. Implementation: The National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan is implemented effectively through capacity building, informed strategic decision making and integrated public participation. It identifies the causes and consequences of biodiversity loss – the direct threats to biodiversity and ecosystems, and the underlying drivers, linking this to the actual and potential socio-economic impacts on human well-being, livelihoods, and poverty reduction. There is a strong culture of natural resource use - the most vulnerable communities, with the highest poverty rate, particularly those in southern Belize, have a high direct dependence on natural resources, with extraction of forest materials for construction (thatch palm leaves and structural poles), edible and game species for food, and medicinal plants for health care.