Private Mangrove Preserves in Belize

Private reserves of mangrove represents a tangible step local property owners can take to improve the sustainability of their land and contribute to the ecosystem health of coastal Belize.

A recent article by Colin Young estimates that 70% of the Belizean coast has been purchased by foreigners, primarily for real state development. The widespread changes resulting from foreign purchase and investment in coastal Belize will resonate for decades. From an environmental perspective, perhaps the most visible immediate impact has been on coastal mangroves.

In areas such as Placencia Village, real estate development has resulted in widespread removal of mangrove habitat and littoral forest. As more and more land is developed along the Belizean coast, this issue has the potential to become a major environmental issue. The loss of mangroves represents a significant loss of ecosystem services.

Mangrove provide a host of important functions to coastal ecosystems and human populations.

Mangroves protect against erosion, storms and tsunami.

Mangroves provide habitat for aquatic, terrestrial and avian wildlife.

Mangroves buffer against pollution.

Mangroves create land at a pace more rapid than projected sea level rises.

The importance of these functions can hardly be over-estimated for a country like Belize with large expanses of low-lying land, frequent hurricane activity, and high biodiversity that supports a multi-million dollar ecotourism industry.

In an effort to conserve Belizean mangrove shorelines and forests and their benefits, the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), in cooperation with the Belize Association of Private Protected Areas (BAPPA), Brooksmith Consulting and the Southern Environmental Association (SEA), is sponsoring the creation of private mangrove preserves throughout Belize.

Landowners are being encouraged to put shoreline buffers into private reserves. Reserves can be structured to persist indefinitely, or for a specified period of time. In contrast to terrestrial reserves, which must be a minimum of 20 acres, mangrove reserves can be expansive or as modest as a buffer strip along a shoreline. Restored and replanted areas can also be placed into reserve.

BAPPA and other organizations are currently seeking out incentives for land owners to enter land into reserve. Certainly the good the community and the Mesoamerican reef is reason enough.

If you are interested in preserving mangrove forest or shoreline in a private reserve, contact Brooksmith Consulting at t_brooksmith@hotmail.com for more information.

Mangroves and Shrimp Farming in Belize

If you keep up with environmental issues at all, you will find pervasive accusations that shrimp aquaculture destroys mangroves.

There's no reason to take anyone's word for it. Go check it out.

If you haven't done it already, go online and download Google Earth.

Take your own global tour and look for shrimp farms. The clusters of square and rectangular dark green ponds are easy to spot along tropical and subtropical coasts all over the world. With very little effort, you can find the places in Asia and Latin America where coastal mangrove habitat has indeed been displaced by shrimp farms. You can still see the mangroves growing in irregularly shaped ponds contructed in river deltas. You can see pond dikes built to the edges of the shore and beyond.

You can also get a taste of how pervasive global aquaculture, particularly shrimp aquaculture, has become. Shrimp farming regions spanning 40 coastal miles are not unusual. If you are concerned about mangroves and the health of coastal ecosystems world wide, you should indeed be concerned about shrimp aquaculture. The fact that an entire non-governmental movement has sprung up around environmental effects of shrimp aquaculture speaks for itself. That did not happen randomly.

Once you have that picture in mind, go to Belize.

Look where Belizean farms are located. Inland. Behind the coast where mangroves grow. With the exception of one row of ponds in the original shrimp farm in Belize, built in the mid-80s, Belizean shrimp farms are situated in low-diversity, low production savannahs and not in mangrove habitat. The full extent of mangrove removal associated with Belizean shrimp farming comes from the construction of intake canals and docks. Certainly the farms affect mangrove ecosystems, but the mangroves have not been removed. The amount of mangrove removal the shrimp farms have done is comparable to the amount Belizean eco-tourism industry has taken (depending on how you define eco-tourism). The effects of the farms on mangrove is vastly smaller than the overall effects of tourism and real estate development on Belizean mangroves at large.

In fact, Belizean shrimp farms depend on mangroves to clean their intake water and their effluents. In aggregate, they have planted more mangrove than they have removed. Some of them have applied independently for the mangroves in their area to be put into reserves. Some of them are accepting Belizean students to work as interns to plant even more mangroves and work on other environmental issues.

Belizean shrimp farms have the potential to be one of the most potent forces for mangrove conservation in the region.

This is not to say that shrimp farming in Belize has achieved environmental perfection. If you study those satellite pictures you can see for yourself some of the issues that remain. Those require attention, especially in a sensitive coastal environment close to the Mesoamerican Reef which so many people and organisms need for their well being.

Yet I see clear evidence that many of the shrimp farmers in Belize are willing to address their remaining issues. Most of them have been responsive to the results of environmental research. Most of them are working to improve their performance.

Perhaps they would be willing to make even greater conservation efforts if we the conservation community were willing to acknowledge the steps they have taken?

Respected environmental NGOs like Environmental Defense clearly feel that shrimp aquaculture can be done in a sustainable manner. Shrimp are omnivores that can produce biomass greater than the feed used to grow them. Cultured shrimp also don't have the problems associated with wild caught shrimp such as by-catch, or damage to sea-floor habitat. US grown shrimp are cited as an eco-friendly food source because of these process advantages and because of their careful design, operation and regulatory monitoring. Environmental Defense lists US shrimp aquaculture as an "eco-best" choice for seafood.

In many ways Belizean shrimp farming industry compares favorably to their US competitors. Belizean farms apparently don't use antibiotics in their ponds or apply toxic chemicals. The density of farms is relatively low compared to many other areas. Labor practices adhere to Belizean standards, which are by far the best in Central America. And yes, Belizean shrimp farms have not engaged in the widespread mangrove removal found elsewhere. Belizean shrimp farms have made a considerable investment in sustainable practices.

Whether or not you believe that shrimp farming is currently environmentally sustainable in Belize, that goal appears to be attainable. The fulcrum that makes that outcome possible is that the farms are willing to keep working to improve because it is, or it can be, good business to do so.

I would hate to see them give up their efforts toward environmental sustainabilty because no one was willing to acknowledge the efforts they have taken.

Certainly they have taken substantial steps where mangroves are concerned.

Placencia Mangrove Restoration

During 2008 and 2009 approximately 17,000 mangroves were either planted or transplanted at developed sites, cayes or shrimp farms in the Placencia area with funding from the world wildlife fund and logistical help from the Southern Environmental Association. Some of those planting sites are marked by signs like this one, held here by Adrian Vernon, Tim Smith and John Cheeseman.

Placencia Mangrove Workshop: June 13, 2009

On June 13th, 2009, about forty people gathered at the Placencia Village Community Center to see presentations by scientists, climate experts and conservationists regarding the importance of mangrove conservation in Belize. The work was sponsored by the World Wildlife Fund with logistical help from the Southern Environmental Association and Brooksmith Consulting.

The lead speaker was Ramon Frutos, the retired head of the Belize Meteorological Society. Dr. Frutos reviewed the evidence and accumulating impacts of climate change. His talk pointed out that most of Belize was vulnerable to severe weather and sea level rise. The need for shoreline protection is high and becoming more acute.

Nadia Bood of the World Wildlife Fund followed Dr. Frutos, demonstrating how mangroves can not only protect shorelines from storm damage, but add land mass at a faster rate that sea level is projected to rise.


Here Nadia discusses the value of mangrove buffer zones along developed shorelines.


Lisa Carne, biologist and consultant showed a series of slides analyzed by Environmental Biology students at Independence Junior College. Their analysis showed the historical pattern of mangrove removal in Placencia has been accelerating recently.

John Cheeseman, professor of Plant Biology at the University of Illinois, gave an in depth description of mangrove biology. Dr. Cheeseman pointed out that mangrove restoration is a difficult process on exposed shorelines where erosion and storm damage are most likely to occur.

Here Dr. Cheeseman shows the results of a mangrove planting at a shrimp farm from September 2009.

Tim Smith, biologist, consultant and Lagoon Projects Coordinator for the Southern Environmental Association outlined past and future mangrove conservation strategies for Placencia and Placencia Lagoon. Those include mangrove plantings, restorations and reserves.


The climax of the morning was the talk by community researcher Adrian Vernon who drew on his extensive practical knowledge to present detailed information about how to successfully plant red mangroves.




After a morning of talks and a catered lunch, some of the group met at the Peninsula Club development to replant mangroves along cleared shorelines.

Many thanks to speakers and participants for a successful mangrove workshop!

Press Release: World Wildlife Fund and Brooksmith Consulting

The World Wildlife Fund and Brooksmith Consulting are pleased to announce five winning submissions to the Mangrove-Friendly Development Challenge. Winning submissions covered a number of categories including large developments, private home-owners, condominium developments, a town park and a mangrove preserve. Each winner illustrates a unique contribution and approach to mangrove conservation in Belize. Each one has a unique story to tell about the value of mangroves to the coastal communities of Belize

Sunset Pointe: Placencia

Sunset Pointe is a group of condominiums opened in July 2008. Mature stands of mangroves along the shoreline have been retained and trimmed, providing a dramatic backdrop to the landscaping there. A dock, cut carefully through a small opening in the tree line, provides aesthetically appealing access to the water.

Owner Jennifer Bond says of their landscaping approach:

“Our entire project was designed to conserve the mangroves by making our landscaping fit into the mangroves - not vice versa.

They are a natural work of art - protecting the shoreline and building a natural seawall between land and sea.

Mangroves are one of the most artistic trees there are. Their gnarled trunks and branches are not only beautiful to look at but are home to a multitude of birds, small animals, and reptiles. Their roots are like no other in that they are like stilts that support the trees and become home to an array of fish and marine life.”

Bond further cites the value of mangroves as hurricane protection, noting that their lot was relatively unaffected during hurricane Iris even though many other homes not protected by mangroves were completely destroyed.

Cocoplum Development, Maya Beach Belize

Cocoplum is a large development with multiple real estate lots just north of Seine Bight and south of Maya Beach. A 10 acre reserve area has been set aside within the development and mangroves along Placencia Lagoon have been retained. Additionally, mangroves have been planted along the extensive network of canals on the lagoon side of the development. Red mangrove and buttonwood trees are shaped into a low hedge, providing shoreline stabilization and a natural buffer against disturbances.

Owner Stewart Krohn cites multiple advantages for the use of mangroves along his canals: “The result actually saved us money, provided better coastal protection, promoted increased wildlife presence and proved aesthetically superior to the construction of seawalls or use of PVC sheet piling.”

Corozal Village Council: Corozal

The shoreline of Corozal is an important natural asset to the people of the town. A new village park being developed there is keeping and increasing red mangroves for aesthetic and shoreline protection purposes. Landscape architect Craig Timmons hopes to attract wildlife and retain some smaller sandy beaches there by keeping mangroves in place. Plans for cleaning and improving the park are moving ahead using winnings from the Mangrove Challenge.
Says Timmons: “When mangrove is preserved or replanted it benefits fish, birds and other wildlife as well as shoreline protection, keeping the shores of Belize healthy and beautiful.”

Tom Viridine: Ambergris Caye

Tom provided one of the few non-commercial private entries to the Mangrove Challenge, showing how mangroves can play a vital and aesthetically pleasing role in shorelines of single lot developments. In an area where most of the local mangroves have been removed, Tom opted to retain his mangroves and even replant in some areas. With trimming, Tom feels mangroves can become attractive trees or hedges even in developed areas, keeping the vital root structure and habitats they provide.

Caye Caulker BTIA: Caye Caulker


The Caye Caulker BTIA has maintained a 1.5 acre mangrove preserve on the island for the last 13 years. The hope of the preserve has been to provide a small taste of what natural shoreline is like and to promote a wider 100 acre preserve. The area is an epicenter of conservation activities, supporting a visitor’s center and sponsoring mangrove replanting projects. The preserve provides an example of the importance of preservation zones and green areas even in rapidly developing venues.


Congratulations to diverse, forward-thinking and innovative Mangrove Challenge winners. It is the hope of WWF that projects such as yours will provide an example for others as Belize faces the challenges of coastal development in the years to come.

FoN's work in Placencia Lagoon

Placencia Lagoon provides critical ecosystem services to human populations and habitat to a diverse community of plants and animals. Development has taken a toll on this unique ecosystem and has threatened to impair many of these populations and functions. Friends of Nature (FoN) works independently and in conjunction with stakeholders, the Belizean Government, universities, and non-governmental organizations to monitor, protect and restore the biological treasures of Placencia Lagoon (photo by T.B. Smith) .



FoN monitors the distribution, ecology and diversity of seagrass species in and around Placencia Lagoon. Food web studies supported by FoN have shown that seagrass support the food web of fisheries in Placencia Lagoon as both a carbon source and habitat. Unique seagrass species, including Halophilla baillonii (pictured here) have been found in the lagoon and shown to be a major diet item of West Indian Manatee (photo by T.B. Smith).



Originally described as a low-nutrient lagoon, water quality in Placencia Lagoon has recently declined as construction, dredging, aquaculture and population density have increased. Sights such as the algae mats pictured here were once unthinkable but now have become real problems in some areas. FoN biologists and community researchers monitor water quality and work with local stakeholders to identify and mitigate such problems when they arise (photo by E. Fernandez).




Placencia Lagoon provides a sheltered environment where adult marine mammals animals like bottlenosed dolphins and West Indian Manatee can care for their young. Recent losses of seagrass forage and increased boating traffic are issues of concern for these animals. FoN facilitates the work of international NGOs and universities to help monitor and study the distribution, behavior and ecology of marine mammals such as West Indian Manatee (photo by T.B. Smith).




Red mangroves dominate the shores, creeks and estuaries of Placencia Lagoon. Mangroves provide critical nursery habitat for coastal and reef fish species, reduce pollution entering sensitive marine environments and stabilize shorelines against erosion and hurricane damage. Effective measures are needed to restore lost mangrove, and protect and manage the remaining mangrove habitat (photo by B. Collier).




The universal popularity of the Caribbean seafront has resulted in rapidly increasing prices for coastal properties and widespread clearing of mangroves. The loss of mangrove habitats represents a critical issue for ecosystems such as Placencia Lagoon (photo by T.B. Smith).





Traditional and recreational sport fishing mingle in Placencia Lagoon. Tarpon, snook, goliath grouper, a variety of snapper and other species are targeted with gill nets and hook and line. Fisheries options will be needed that keep the quality of the resource high and sustainable for all stakeholders (photo by T.B. Smith).

Terrestrial habitats around Placencia Lagoon support a dazzling array of unique plants and animals. Dozens of unique species of wild orchids grow in and around the mangrove forests of Placencia Lagoon. This orchid, Myrmecophila tibicinis, is locally known as cow-horn orchid. It shelters symbiotic populations of ants that protect it from grazers. Untold species and unique biological interactions in Placencia Lagoon remain unknown and undocumented (photo by B. Collier).

The American crocodile and Morelet’s crocodile both live in Placencia Lagoon. Here, a juvenile American crocodile waits for a meal in a boat canal near Maya Beach. Increasing human population density makes interaction between humans and crocodiles more likely and raises a host of concerns for both species. FoN stands committed to balancing the needs of the environment with those of human populations and preserving the species and ecosystem functions of Placencia Lagoon (photo by T.B. Smith).

Twenty years

Two pictures. Same spot. Placenica, Belize.

One was taken in 1988. One was taken in 2008.

Where have the mollusks gone?

Part of the research I do in Placencia Lagoon involves monitoring seagrass distributions. One of the ways we do that is to photograph the substrate in the lagoon. The other is to drop an anchor onto the substrate and pull it up to see if bits of seagrass leaf or root are stuck to it. During that process, we also look for other animals that might come up in the muck stuck to the anchor. Those often include bivalve and gastropod mollusks.









This February, we surveyed the lower lagoon, south of Seine Bight and north of Placenia between the airstrip and Mango Creek. Two photographs of the types of mollusks we found. The top photo is of types of dead mollusks we found. The other is of live mollusks.


Two species vs twenty.


To be sure, it is easier to find dead mollusks than live ones. The shells of dead mollusks can stay in the substrate for thousands of years and barely change appearance. But if the live mollusks are still there, where are they??? After 160 anchor drops, you begin to realize that they're not living there anymore. Over the past four years, we've only found about 5 species of mollusks alive in this area.


It's this kind of pattern that leads you to realize how much Placencia Lagoon has changed in recent times. Conditions that allowed for a wide diversity of mollusks have been altered to the point that only a few can live there now.


What else has been lost? What else will we lose?