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Ambergris Caye Belize Resort Development - Department of ...

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(e) No person shall disturb the natural features <strong>of</strong> a natural monument, but may use the unit for<br />

interpretation, education, appreciation and research.<br />

A special permit can be obtained to carry out various activities in the protected area; however,<br />

specific rules are also enforced for various activities. Section III sets out the general rules and<br />

regulations pertaining to the Act.<br />

3.1.17 Bacalar Chico National Park SI 89 <strong>of</strong> 1996<br />

Statutory Instrument 89 <strong>of</strong> 1996 created the Bacalar Chico National Park ( BCNP) under the<br />

National Park Systems Act. The national park encompasses 12,640 acres <strong>of</strong> land and includes the<br />

Laguna de Cantena, which is one <strong>of</strong> the largest lagoons in Northern <strong>Ambergris</strong> <strong>Caye</strong>. Private<br />

lands within the National Park boundary acquired prior to designation are regulated by the Lands<br />

<strong>Department</strong> under the Ministry <strong>of</strong> Natural Resources, Environment and Industry.<br />

The boundaries <strong>of</strong> the National Park run from the <strong>Belize</strong>/Mexico Border southward along the<br />

eastern coastline to a point just south <strong>of</strong> Robles Point, then northwest to a point near the middle<br />

<strong>of</strong> <strong>Ambergris</strong> <strong>Caye</strong>, then southwest to a point east <strong>of</strong> Santa Rita, then northward along the<br />

western coastline to the <strong>Belize</strong>/Mexico Boarder. The National Park has a maximum width <strong>of</strong> 7.5<br />

km between Rocky Point on the east coast and San Juan on the west, and encompasses terrestrial<br />

habitats, wetlands and inland lagoons.<br />

Ministerial responsibility for the Bacalar Chico National Park and Marine Reserve is shared<br />

between the Ministry <strong>of</strong> Natural Resources, Environment and Industry (responsible for National<br />

Parks, Natural Monuments, Wildlife Sanctuaries and Reserves) and the Ministry <strong>of</strong> Agriculture<br />

and Fisheries (responsible for marine reserves).<br />

3.1.18 Forests (Mangrove Protection) Regulations, SI No. 52 <strong>of</strong> 1989<br />

The Forests (Protection <strong>of</strong> Mangrove) Regulations, 1989, prohibit any "alteration” (which<br />

includes cutting and defoliating, but does not include "selective trimming") <strong>of</strong> mangroves on any<br />

land except with a permit (reg. 4). Alterations which involve dredging or filling can be<br />

authorized only in "exceptional circumstances."<br />

Factors considered for issuing or denying permits include the proximity <strong>of</strong> the proposed project<br />

to coastal and reef areas known to be <strong>of</strong> outstandingly high ecological value (reg. 5(2) (i)), and<br />

the existing or proposed plans such as the barrier reef regional management and development<br />

plan. The Mangrove Regulations were amended in 1992 to increase the level <strong>of</strong> fines and<br />

sanctions.<br />

3-9

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