Crooked Tree Sanctuary MOU signed on World Wetlands Day

ong>The Forest Department, the Belize Audubon Society, and the Crooked Tree Village Council signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Friday, February 2, aimed at promoting local stewardship and sustainable use of the resources in the Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary.

The signing was as part of the official World Wetlands Day celebrations, which was held under the theme “Wetlands for a Sustainable Urban Future”.

The MOU provides regulated access to the fishing resources from March to July, fosters greater local stewardship, and strengthens the alliance between the management agencies and the community.

It also encourages the partners to pursue consultations for re-designation of the Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary from category one to a category two. This re-designation will provide the necessary avenue for traditional sustainable use and management of the resources for the benefit of the residents of Crooked Tree Village.

Dr. Omar Figueroa, the minister with responsibility for Fisheries, Forestry, the Environment, and Sustainable Development signed on behalf of the Government of Belize. Ernest Raymond (Belize Audubon Society) signed as the co-management agency, and John Gillett, Crooked Tree Village Chairman, signed on behalf of the community.