Ambergris Caye Belize Resort Development - Department of ...

9.14.3 Rocky Point
The entire beach from Robles Point north is a known turtle nesting site for three species of
turtles, two of which are on the endangered species list. Along this coast, this is the only known
point where the reef actually touches the land.
The 1992 revised master plan for Ambergris Caye, indicate that if the entire 320 acres is zoned,
proposed zoning would allow the lowest permitted density – i.e. an area in which the maximum
density allowed is 2 dwelling per acre with a minimum lot size of 14,000 sq. ft. creating the
potential for the construction of 600 houses. However, given its critical nature, it was
recommended that a NO DEVELOPMENT policy be adopted for the area. To date, no old or
new recommendations have been implemented to guide the development of this very sensitive
area.
9.14.4 Mexico Rocks
The area was proposed for protection as it is one of the few areas in Belize with a well organized
system of patched reef between the coast and barrier reef. The creation of another reserve was to
alleviate some of the pressure at the Hol Chan Marine Reserve. The long term objective was also
to put in place management systems for development activities such as pier construction, sea
walls, sewerage and other discharges onto the beach and the sea, dredging of near shore areas to
create beaches, vegetation clearance, and alteration of the sea bed. However, the one of the main
problems was the fact that this 220 acre proposed reserve, was within privately owned lands. To
date, no old or new recommendations have been implemented to guide development activities in
this area.
9.14.5 Little Guana & Los Salones Caye Bird Sanctuaries
Legislative authority for the declaration, protection and management of bird sanctuaries falls
under the Ministry of Natural Resources. On September 6, 1977 the Ministry of Agriculture and
Lands declared seven (7) cayes as Crown Reserves in accordance with the provisions of Section
6 of the Crown Lands Ordinance (Chapter 110 of the Laws of Belize, Revised Edition 1957) for
the protection of waterfowl nesting and roosting colonies. The authority for the management and
protection of these 7 cayes were subsequently handed over to the Belize Audubon Society. On
April 26, 1998 the Society and Green Reef signed a MOU giving Green Reef the authority to
manage Little Guana Cay and Los Salones Bird Sanctuaries (Fig. 9.8).
9.14.6 UNESCO World Heritage Site
The coastal area of Belize is an outstanding natural system consisting of the largest barrier reef in
the northern hemisphere, offshore atolls, several hundred sand cays, mangrove forests, coastal
lagoons and estuaries. In 1996 the Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System was granted World
Heritage status based on its global significance as a natural site of "outstanding universal value".
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