Project Environment - Department of Environment

2.5.2 Reserves
Stretching five miles long and 1.2 miles wide, Caye Caulker has small but diverse habitats. Its
northern end is completely covered in mangrove vegetation. In 1998, 40 hectares of this lush
littoral forest on the northernmost tip of the island was acknowledged as the Caye Caulker Forest
Reserve. Over 100 species of birds inhabit this lush ecosystem, including the Black catbird and
Rujous-necked wood-rail.
The Marine Reserve forms roughly the figure of a seven some 7 miles in length, with the top
portion crossing the caye’s north point and extending into lagoon waters to the west. Area of the
marine reserve is 96,661 acres. Today both are conjunctively known as the Caye Caulker Forest
and Marine Reserve (CCFR/MR) (See Fig. 2.9).
2.5.3 Land Uses
There are no particular land uses of the area other than for the tourism industry. The caye itself is
composed primarily of sand and is characterized by mangrove forests. As a result the tourism
industry has had a major impact on the caye. On the whole, the construction of residential and
commercial buildings along with the required infrastructure has left a major footprint on the
island.
2.6 Natural Hazards
The only present natural hazard to affect the caye and in particular the proposed project site are
hurricanes and flooding. The effects of major hurricanes over the years have changed the island's
topography in certain areas. The Caribbean, in the last five years, has been severely affected by
hurricanes resulting in substantial economic losses and social dislocation which affect the
sustainability of development programs.
Hurricanes have had the most devastating effect on Belize. Belizeans have experienced damage
due to high winds and storm surges. Statistics gathered have shown that the coastal towns and in
particular the cayes of Belize are extremely exposed. Flooding can manifests itself as a result of
the storm surges caused by hurricanes and by extreme high tides that are known to occur on the
caye. Table 2.1 summarizes the potential hazards and its associated risks.
Figure 2.6 shows, the projection and path of hurricane force winds along with the northerlies
winds that dominate for some period over the project site. The hurricane winds are circular in
motion and can last for a day or two. These winds generate strong to moderate waves that impact
the coastline, especially on the western coast of the caye. The marina will be designed to sustain
a minimal Category Three hurricane. Higher categories can cause catastrophic damages to the
marina. For this reason it will be advisable for the occupants to take their vessel inland.
2-16