Belmopan City- March 24, 2020- In line with the seriousness of the status of formal actions in response to COVID-19, the Association of Protected Areas Management Organizations (APAMO) with the concurrence of the Ministry of Fisheries, Forestry and Sustainable Development is joining the national efforts to support the Government of Belize and to protect the health and safety of our country’s most valuable resource – it’s people.

As a result, all protected areas co-managed by APAMO members will be closed to the general public for visitation as of March 24, 2020 and shall remain closed until further notice.

In further preparation, Co-Managers have decided that Park Rangers will remain on site to ensure resource protection through this challenging period. Note that core functions of the marine reserves and parks will continue until it is permissible.

APAMO continues to urge all Belizeans to keep vigilant and report any illegal activity within a protected area during this time of national concern to the Co-Management Agencies and Fisheries and Forest Departments.

List of Protected Areas co-managed by APAMO:

• Blue Hole Natural Monument
• Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary
• Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary
• Guanacaste National Park
• Half Moon Caye Natural Monument
• St. Herman’s Blue Hole National Park
• Victoria Peak Natural Monument
• Community Baboon Sanctuary
• Fresh Water Creek Forest Reserve
• Honey Camp  National Park
• Shipstern Nature Reserve
• Swallow Caye Wildlife Sanctuary
• Mayflower Bocawina National Park
• Rio Bravo Conservation and Management Area
• Spanish Creek Wildlife Sanctuary
• Rio Blanco National Park
• Sarstoon-Temash National Park
• Laughing Bird Caye National park
• Gladden Spit Silk Cayes Marine Reserve
• Billy Barquedier National Park
• Payne’s Creek National Park
• Port Honduras Marine Reserve
• Turneffe Atoll Marine Reserve
• TIDE Private Protected Lands
• Bladen Nature Reserve
• Golden Stream Corridor Preserve
• Maya Mountain North Forest Reserve  

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We also ask all to abide by regular recommendations from the Ministry of Health. We remind all to take this matter seriously and take all precautionary measures to prevent. Remember to thoroughly wash your hands, avoid touching your nose and mouth, keep sanitized and practice Social Distancing. APAMO keeps working in the best interest of Belize and its natural resources as we get through these challenging times. We pray for the best for Belize and the world.

The Voice of Belize’s Protected Areas

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