By Zoila Palma: The Ya’axché Conservation Trust has reaffirmed its commitment to environmental protection and open dialogue following concerns over the issuance of residential lots within the Boden Creek property in southern Belize. The organization said it remains focused on safeguarding biodiversity and supporting sustainable livelihoods, while raising alarm about recent developments on the land it manages.
Ya’axché noted that it is the sole shareholder and manager of Boden Creek, a 12,876-acre property located along the Southern Highway near Indian Creek village. The land has historically supported agricultural activities such as bananas, citrus, rice cultivation, and logging, but has more recently shifted toward conservation due to its ecological importance.
Ya’axché emphasized that the area forms part of Belize’s Southern Biological Corridor, which is critical for wildlife movement and climate resilience.
“Maintaining the ecological integrity of Boden Creek for the benefit of present and future stakeholders remains a central objective,” the organization stated, highlighting the presence of endangered species including jaguars, tapirs, and howler monkeys.
The group also pointed to ongoing engagement efforts with local leaders and authorities. “Ya’axché acknowledges and respects the affirmed Maya customary land tenure in Maya villages in Toledo,” the statement said.
However, the organization raised serious concerns about the recent allocation of roughly 200 residential lots covering about 300 acres within the property. “This includes concerns related to the absence of respectful dialogue, clarity on tenure arrangements, and alignment with existing environmental and land governance frameworks,” Ya’axché stated.
Despite the dispute, Ya’axché reiterated its willingness to collaborate with all stakeholders. “The organization remains committed to working collaboratively to identify solutions that address community’s rights while ensuring the long-term protection of this biologically significant landscape.”
The post Ya’axché raises concerns over residential lots issued on Boden Creek Lands, calls for dialogue appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
By Zoila Palma: The Ya’axché Conservation Trust has reaffirmed its commitment to environmental protection and open dialogue following concerns over the issuance of residential lots within the Boden Creek property in southern Belize. The organization said it remains focused on safeguarding biodiversity and supporting sustainable livelihoods, while raising alarm about recent developments on the land
The post Ya’axché raises concerns over residential lots issued on Boden Creek Lands, calls for dialogue appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
