Safeguarding Belize’s forests through responsible harvesting, restoration and sustainable forest management
By Zoila Palma: More than 3,500 acres of land have been added to the Belize Maya Forest Corridor Trust, marking a major milestone in Belize’s forest conservation efforts and completing a protected connection between key wildlife habitats.
The Ministry of Natural Resources, Petroleum and Mining, in partnership with the Belize Maya Forest Corridor Trust, announced the achievement on November 6, 2026.
The newly incorporated lands connect the Labouring Creek Jaguar Corridor Wildlife Sanctuary with the Manatee Forest Reserve, strengthening the Maya Forest Corridor and providing a more continuous protected landscape for wildlife.
The achievement represents years of collaboration involving the Government of Belize, conservation organizations, landowners and local communities working to safeguard the country’s natural heritage.
Minister of Sustainable Development Orlando Habet highlighted the regional importance of the initiative, noting that the corridor contributes to a broader conservation vision shared by Belize, Guatemala and Mexico under the Calakmul Biocultural Declaration. “Beyond our national commitments, the Maya Forest Corridor contributes to our shared regional vision under the Calakmul Biocultural Declaration,” Habet said. He emphasized the importance of regional cooperation, stating, “Forests do not recognize political boundaries.”
Habet added, “The Maya Forest Corridor demonstrates that conservation and sustainable development can advance together.” He also stressed the importance of community participation, saying, “Communities must be recognized as partners in the corridor’s management and governance, with meaningful opportunities to participate in decisions and benefit from its conservation.”
Minister of Natural Resources Cordel Hyde also welcomed the achievement, expressing pride in Belize’s contribution to protecting its forests and preserving the country’s natural heritage. “All over the world, developed countries are failing to deliver on their conservation commitments,” Hyde said.
He added, “So I’m mighty proud of this that is happening today and to be a part of this initiative to do our small part.”
“To finally connect this corridor and make it complete and in this process honor our ancestors.”
“This is not a sale, this is a vesting for conservation purposes,” Hyde said.
Hyde explained that the newly incorporated lands are being secured on behalf of the people of Belize to prevent future governments or ministers from alienating them for other purposes, as has happened in the past.
The Belize Maya Forest Corridor Trust includes the Belize Zoo and Tropical Education Center, WCS Belize, the Foundation for Wildlife Conservation, the Environmental Research Institute of the University of Belize.
The post A major milestone for Belize’s conservation efforts – Over 3,500 acres added to the Maya Forest Corridor appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
Safeguarding Belize’s forests through responsible harvesting, restoration and sustainable forest management By Zoila Palma: More than 3,500 acres of land have been added to the Belize Maya Forest Corridor Trust, marking a major milestone in Belize’s forest conservation efforts and completing a protected connection between key wildlife habitats. The Ministry of Natural Resources, Petroleum and
The post A major milestone for Belize’s conservation efforts – Over 3,500 acres added to the Maya Forest Corridor appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
