"String of Pearls for Belize"
Reef Symposium & Gala, November 14, 2008
Belize has over two decades of marine conservation leadership, beginning with the designation of the Mesoamerican Reef's first marine protected area, Half Moon Caye Natural Monument in 1981 and the Hol Chan Marine Reserve, designated in 1987. Belize has continued to develop a marine protected areas network that boasts eighteen MPAs forming the precious 'string of pearls" for Belize. In celebrating the International Year of the Reef, the Government of Belize has redoubled its marine conservation efforts and has introduced a series of new initiatives, and legislation aimed at strengthening marine conservation. The NGO and donor community is poised to collaborate with government to increase support for expanding conservation programs. The Reef Symposium and Gala will highlight and invigorate these efforts. The purpose of this event is to:
- Celebrate the achievements of 2008 (Int'l Year of the Reef),
- Secure commitments for additional actions in response to the call for stronger protection sounded by the first regional Eco-Health Report Card,
- Thank all the donors and conservation groups, and stimulate renewed support for long-term reef conservation, and
- Raise awareness about the value and threats to the reef in Belize.
Planned Activities
Reef Symposium (14th Nov. 2008, Daytime Event at Radisson from 8:30am to 1:30 pm). Presentations by local and international organizations highlighting their main conservation achievements. There will be special presentation, and Report Card on Reef Health and Economic Value of the Belize Barrier Reef. A multimedia DVD will be produced and shared with participants with all the presentations and additional video highlights. Please contact Melanie McField at mcfield@healthyreefs.org or Phone: 670-3953.
Reef Gala (14th Nov. 2008, Dinner Event at Radisson Hotel - 6:30pm - 11:30pm) with highlights of our collective achievements presented in a lively entertaining style; presentation of the first Prime Minister's "Reef Champion" Award; long-time donors/supporters of marine conservation will be acknowledged. Contact: Andrew Godoy at Andrew@btia.org or Phone: 670-3739 to secure tickets anytime after Nov 1st 2008. Tickets cost Bz$100 per person. Proceeds will be donated to a Reef Trust Fund window at PACT.
2008 has been the International Year of the Reef - with several major international efforts focused on raising public awareness of the plight of the world's coral reefs. We aim to build on the reef energy generated by the International Year of the Reef and the urgent call to action issued through the region's first Report Card (Healthy Reefs Initiative) to secure further commitment and stronger management responses to protect our reef.
