Improving MPA Management Effectiveness

Locator map		Site map Click on map for larger view
Site Overview Location Information Goals and Accomplishments Site Management Other Site Evaluations and Research Contact Information and Web Links
Site Overview
General description of site: Not available Date of establishment: 1987 Area (Km²): 18 Size of site (S <= 20Km²; M = 20 - 2000Km²; L >= 2000Km²): Small Ecosystem type/main ecological features: Coral Reef Seagrass Mangrove Description of special resources; important ecological features; reason for establishing a protected area: Not available
Location Information
Geographic coordinates (lat/long): Not available Nearest major city: San Pedro Town, Caye Caulker Region: Mesoamerican Caribbean
Goals and Accomplishments
Goals and objectives of MPA: 1. To maintain a sample reef ecosystem in its natural state: to restore the earlier beauty of the reserve area to preserve areas of critical habitat for endangered species 2. To provide recreation and tourism services and preserve the value of the area for fisheries: to provide an undisturbed area for recreational opportunities in a controlled and well-informed manner to promote uses compatible with conservation development objectives, primarily through zoning to provided protected habitats for important species to enhance the social and economic benefits of the area 3. To provide an area for education and research: to foster general interest in the coastal environment through educational programs to encourage scientific research in all areas of the park Site accomplishments to date: First MPA under Marine Reserve status in the country Public Awareness programs Promote sustainable use of our coastal resources
Site Management
Management objective: Multiple Type of management structure: Semi-government Challenges of site management: The clearing of mangrove and habitat alteration adjacent to the Reserve. Inadequate waste management practices for a growing community. The decline of the island's fishing industry. The tremendous increase in visitation to the Hol Chan since it was established as a Marine Protected Area. Does a management plan exist? Yes, digital version is forthcoming. Summary of main aspects of management plan: Not available Main stakeholders involved: Fishers Tour industry Hotel owners Land owners
Other Site Evaluations and Research
Description of any other site evaluations to date: Yes, one was done two years ago. Description is forthcoming. Listing of current/recent research activities: No
Contact Information and Web Links
Main Contact Information: Miguel Alamilla Manager, Hol Chan Marine Reserve P.O. Box 60 San Pedro Town, Belize Ph: + (501) 226 2247 Fax: + (501) 226 2420 e-mail: hcmr@btl.net Other Contact Information: Not available Link to pilot site Web page or related Web pages: http://holchanbelize.org (top)

Hol Chan Marine Reserve, Belize