South Water Caye Marine Reserve Management Plan 2019 – 2023.

The South Water Caye Marine Reserve (SWCMR) Management Plan lays down strategies to manage the natural resources of South Water Caye Marine Reserve for its value to Belizeans, and global values as a World Heritage Site. The timeframe of this policy covers the period from 2019 to 2023. It outlines specific management programs, based on the best available data and scientific knowledge, integrating conservation planning strategies, as well as relevant strategies of national and regional plans. The objectives of this policy are: (i) to effectively manage the natural resources of South Water Caye Marine Reserve; (ii) to develop and use sound data to inform management decisions; (iii) to use South Water Caye Marine Reserve as an effective tool in promoting an understanding of the unique marine environment; (iv) to engage stakeholders towards good stewardship of the marine environment for long-term sustainable benefit; (v) to provide opportunities for recreation, interpretation, education, and appreciation for all visitors.
The Plan identifies Six Management Programmes to provide the framework for management of the marine protected area: (i) natural resource management and protection; (ii) research and monitoring; (iii) community development and outreach; (iv) tourism and recreation; (v) management and administration; and (vi) infrastructure, operations and maintenance. Natural resource management and protection will be achieved through effective surveillance and enforcement; protection and management of habitats and species; surveillance of threats to conservation targets and indicators; engagement of land owners, caye developers, residents and users in littoral forest, mangrove, caye and beach vegetation areas in best management practices, protection and restoration; effective demarcation of current boundaries of SWCMR; clear zone demarcation and dissemination of information on zones and zone regulations to all fishermen and other users of the Marine Reserve and fair enforcement of zone regulations across all fishermen; participation of fishermen in the implementation of the Managed Access framework; awareness-raising of fishers on fishing gears and methods; environmental sustainability of development within SWCMR; guidelines for fogging of pesticides and use of herbicides on cayes within the Marine Reserve; reduction of pressures on coral reef; mitigation of agrochemical contamination of waterbodies in the watersheds in the west of SWCMR; and prevention of the introduction of invasive species and control over the existing ones.
Research and monitoring will be improved to ensure informed, effective management, and to assess the effectiveness of the Marine Reserve in achieving its objectives of ecosystem and fisheries management. Accurate socio-economic data on stakeholder communities will be maintained and updated. This Plan addresses community engagement and empowerment through environmental education, community awareness-raising and capacity building of the importance of ecosystem services of SWCMR, including climate change adaptation and resilience values, community involvement in the protection and conservation efforts of SWCMR, alternative livelihoods and income diversification. The tourism sector will be developed in an environmentally sustainable manner. Visitors will be well informed, for their own safety and for the protection of the environment. Additionally, visitors and tour guides will be better trained on best practices for tourism use of the marine resources for sustainability.
The administration of the Marine Reserve is the responsibility of the Fisheries Department, under the Ecosystems Management Unit. The management and administration of the SWCMR will be strengthened through planning, financial management, concessions/commercial uses, partnership relations, and information technology. Permitting of fishers for Managed Access Area 3 will be carried out based on recommendations from the Area 3 Managed Access Committee. Fleet operation and maintenance will be improved, with an emphasis on patrol vessel, research and monitoring vessel, and vehicle for outreach and engagement activities.