Ambergris Caye Belize Resort Development - Department of ...

through the implementation of the Ambergris Caye Master Plan which applies to all the private
land within the national park.
In 2005, eighteen-kilometer of nature trail within the Bacalar Chico National Park was cleared
by Green Reef with the assistance of Trekforce which is utilized by tourist and park rangers etc.
The southernmost reach of the BCNP/MR can be accessed overland via a dirt track which
apparently extends along the east coast.
Infrastructure within the park include: a headquarters building constructed in the San Juan area, a
ranger station constructed on the eastern side of the BCNP on lands belonging to ITCF, and a
new building which houses the staff quarters, a visitor center and a storage area. The BCNP/MR
is presently equipped with three boats, SCUBA equipment and equipment for the staff to conduct
research, monitoring, patrols and environmental education.
The regulations and guidelines for which are described as follows:
- Research
All persons intending to conduct research within the reserve must first obtain approval
from the Fisheries Department. Permits are granted based on research priorities of the
BCNP/MR. Research permits the geographic boundary for which permission is granted,
as well as guidelines, which include (but are not limited to) the types and quantities of
flora and/or fauna allowed for extraction. Regulations and guidelines for each permit may
be tailored on a case-by-case basis. Licensees should carry their permit at all times while
conducting research in the marine reserve.
- Boat Operators
All persons seeking to operate a boat within the reserve must obtain a license from the
Fisheries Department. In order to qualify for a license, a person should be a Belizean,
age eighteen or older, with first preference given to traditional fishers, or former fishers
conducting tourism activities. Licensees should carry their permit at all times while
operating a boat in the BCMR.
- Fishing
All persons seeking to undertake commercial or sport fishing within the reserve must
obtain a license from the Fisheries Department. Licenses will only be issued to persons
whom have traditionally fished within the marine reserve for their livelihood. Licensees
should carry their permit at all times while fishing in the marine reserve.
The legislative basis for conservation of private lands within Bacalar Chico National Park is
administered by the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CHPA) and the North Ambergris
Caye Development Committee (NACDC) in accordance with the zoning regulations stipulated in
the Master Plan for Ambergris Caye (ACMP). The ACMP was developed for the Bacalar Chico
region prior to legislative declaration of the BCNP, and is reconciled with conservation zoning
and protection recommendations developed by the BCAC. The zoning regulations of the ACMP
therefore include:
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