Protected Areas Conservation Trust

The Protected Areas Conservation Trust (PACT) has granted $34,336.40 to Friends for Conservation and Development (FCD) to ensure the success of the Rio Blanco Conservation Post which was inaugurated March 14, 2008 also with co-financing from PACT. The post exists to institute a constant presence along the western flank of the Chiquibul National Park to help prevent further incursions from Guatemalan nationals for Xate extraction and milpa farming incursions. However, the role of this site as a biodiversity conservation post needs to be continuously asserted. To ensure the conservation post's status and effectiveness, this grant will provide funding to assist FCD and its partners in continuing the multi-agency operations for a one year period in this area of the Chiquibul National Park. PACT recognizes the importance of the Conservation Post in combating illegal incursions and extraction of key biodiversity species in the Chiquibul Forest. PACT applauds FCD and its partners such as the Ministries of National Security and Foreign Affairs for their continued commitment to the Chiquibul National Park and the protection of Belize's natural resources. For more news on PACT Grants to this protected area and others in Belize please visit www.pactbelize.org or www.facebook.com/pactbelize. PACT was formally established in January 1996 with the passing of the Protected Areas Conservation Trust Act, No. 15 of 1995, creating the institution as a Statutory Board. The functions of PACT are to encourage and promote, for the benefit and enjoyment of the present and future generations of the people of Belize, the provision, protection, conservation and enhancement of the natural and cultural resources of Belize. The PACT is managed by a Board of Directors that is comprised of Government agencies, non-government organizations and individual experts.