national plan of action for the control of land-based...

FINAL

National Plan of Action

For the

Control of Land-Based Sources of

Marine Pollution in Belize

August 2008

Department of the Environment Ministry of Natural Resources and the Environment

The Belize National Plan of Action for the Control of Land-Based Sources of Marine Pollution was developed by the following government, non-government, industry and academic partners: Government of Belize Ministry of Natural Resources and the Environment Forest Department Belize Meteorology Department Geology and Petroleum Department Lands and Surveys Department Lands Information Centre Department of the Environment Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries Belize Fisheries Department Ministry of Health Public Health Bureau Coastal Zone Management Authority and Institution Belize National Coast Guard Solid Waste Management Authority Belize Port Authority Pesticides Control Board Social Security Board Local Government Belize City Council Non-governmental Organizations Belize Audubon Society Belize Institute of Environmental Law & Policy Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System Project Persistent Organic Pollutants Project Siwa-ban Foundation The Scout Association of Belize Wilderness Group Academia Galen University St. John’s College University of the West Indies Centre Belize Industry and associations A.N.D Consulting Banana Growers Association Belize Electric Company, Ltd. Belize Hotel Association Belize Sugar Industries, Ltd. Belize Tourism Industry Association Belize Water Services Citrus Products of Belize, Ltd. Tunich Nah Consultants & Engineering The Wood Depot/The Mena Group

Special participation U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

Belize National Plan of Action

Table of Contents

Endorsement letters for Belize Program

a. Ministry of Natural Resources and the Environment i

b. UNEP-GPA Coordination Office & U.S. NOAA ii

Section 1 – Background 1

1.1 Summary of the GPA program and NPA implementation 1

1.2 GPA and relation to LBS in and the Wider Caribbean and Belize 3

1.3 Belize NPA development process 5

Section 2 – Belize physiological conditions 6

2.1 Geographic and Ecological setting 6

2.2 Hydrology 7

2.3 Biodiversity 11

Section 3 - Institutional, legal and economic review 12

3.1 Institutional mechanisms for NPA implementation 12

3.2 Legislative overview/framework 15

3.3 Economic overview 19

Section 4 - Introduction on land-based sources (LBS) of marine pollution in Belize

21

4.1 Sewage 22

4.2 Nutrients 25

4.3 Physical alteration and destruction of habitat 27

4.4 Solid waste 30

4.5 Sedimentation 34

Section 5 - NPA Issues, Objectives and Actions 35

5.1 Issue 1: Sewage 36

5.2 Issue 2: Nutrients 38

5.3 Issue 3: Physical alteration and destruction of habitat 39

5.4 Issue 4: Solid waste 41

Section 6 – Financing the Belize National Plan of Action 42

6.1 Developing a financing strategy for NPA implementation 42

6.2 Types of Financing 44

Appendix

B. List of Participants in the Development of the NPA 50

C. Issue Paper on Sewage 52

D. Issue Paper on Nutrients 58

E. Issue Paper on Physical Alteration and Destruction of Habitat 64

F. Issue Paper on Solid Waste Management 69

G. Issue Paper on Sedimentation 75

H. Matrix of issues/objectives/actions for the NPA 83

Belize National Plan of Action

For more information on the GPA Program, visit:

UNEP GPA: www.gpa.unep.org/

NOAA-GPA Program Office: nosinternational.noaa.gov/gpa/

For more information on the Government of Belize, visit:

Government of Belize: www.governmentofbelize.gov.bz

For more information on the Department of Environment visit:

Department of the Environment: www.doe.gov.bz

http://www.governmentofbelize.gov.bz/

http://www.doe.gov.bz/

Belize National Plan of Action i

Letter of Endorsement from Hon. Gasper Vega, Minister of Natural Resources and the Environment Belize is blessed with natural wonders that not only provide our country with economic and environmental benefits but are also a link between us and our regional partners in the Caribbean and Central American region. Like the rest of our Caribbean brothers, the Belizean identity is closely tied to the Caribbean Sea, thus the marine environment. Over 60% of the Belizean population resides within coastal communities, and as a nation, Belize views itself as custodians of the western hemisphere’s largest living reef system, the Belize Barrier Reef. For the Government and People of Belize, two major issues of concern are the Eco-Cultural Tourism and the Fisheries Industries, both of which are intrinsically linked to the health of our environment and natural resources base, especially our marine environment. The need to protect our marine environment for future generations remains a daunting task. Belize, like out regional partners, is confronted by economic challenges, climate change impacts, ozone depletion and other environmental degradations; as well as increasing inland and coastal developments, resulting in impacts to our coastal and marine resources. The impact to our coastal and marine resources is both a direct and indirect result of land-based activities, an unfortunate side effect of our growing population, economy, and development of our nation. Due to serious implications that these environmental and economic issues have on the development of our nation, Belize has joined a global concerted effort to address the potential impacts of land based sources of pollution on the marine environment. Belize is a signatory to the Cartagena Convention and is in the process of ratifying the Land Based Sources of Pollution Protocol. Additionally, Belize has adopted the prescriptions of the Global Program of Action to protect the marine environment from land based activities (GPA) by designing this National Plan of Action for the Control of Land Based Sources of Pollution in Belize (NPA LBS). In order to implement the GPA in Belize, the Department of Environment sought the assistance of the GPA office within the United States National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to assist in the development of a National Plan of Action for the Control of Land Based Sources of Pollution in Belize (NPA LBS). The development of this Plan was conducted through a collaborative and participatory approach between government agencies, local institutions and private sector. The outcome of the NPA LBS development process is a national strategy for the reduction and mitigation of land based sources of marine pollution. The Government of Belize is pleased to embrace the initiatives brought forth as part of the National Plan of Action to address Land Based Sources of Marine Pollution as part of our national policies. Belize acknowledges the importance of the marine environment and applauds the stakeholders, government agencies, institutions and private sector, who contributed to the development of this National Plan of Action to address LBS pollution in Belize. We wish to record our appreciation for the support granted by the international community, specifically the United Nations Environment Programme, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and all those national stakeholders that made this plan a reality. Honourable Minister Gasper Vega Minister of Natural Resources and the Environment.

Belize National Plan of Action ii

Letter of Endorsement from United Nations Environment Programme Global Program of Action (UNEP-GPA) and The U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)

The Wider Caribbean is a dynamic region containing a wealth of natural beauty and societies that are highly dependent on the health of coastal and marine ecosystems for their economic welfare. Unfortunately, pollution and sediments emanating from rivers and watersheds have contributed to the degradation of the region’s coastal and marine environment. Globally, it is estimated that approximately 80% of the oceans' pollution originates from continental areas and, as in the case of the Caribbean Region, threatens one-third of its coral reefs and vegetation. Unsustainable practices and population growth make the Wider Caribbean vulnerable to further pollution and destruction of coastal and marine habitat. For this reason, coastal and marine management must now orient itself towards a more integrated vision, incorporating in its management plans the possible impact of land-based activities on the marine environment. The Global Program of Action to protect the marine environment from land-based activities (GPA) of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is an international initiative that considers the linkage of rivers and oceans, and focuses on the impact of land activities on coastal ecosystems. The GPA is a Global Strategy that can provide a framework to address these threats and be implemented by states as part of their national policies or regional management of watersheds and coastal areas. In March of 2004, at the White Water to Blue Water Conference held in Miami, FL, the GPA Coordination Unit and the United States National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), signed an agreement to cooperate in the promotion of the GPA in the Wider Caribbean by working with national agencies to develop and adopt National Programs of Action. Currently, various countries in the region have started to take their first steps towards developing and adopting local programs and national action programs, which have been promoted and sponsored by the GPA and NOAA in coordination with UNEP-ROLAC and the UNEP´s office in the Wider Caribbean. In this context, our organizations helped facilitate the process that falls under national agencies and authorities, particularly those with specific mandates to manage watersheds and coastal zones.

One of the concrete actions resulting from the partnership between the GPA and NOAA is the Belize National Plan of Action, which represents the outcome of the collaboration of various Belize government agencies, local institutions, NGOs and private partners to develop a national strategy for Belize to reduce land-based sources of marine pollution. We would like to express our gratitude to all the people and agencies that participated in the process to design and review this plan. Finally, we would also like to acknowledge the commitment and vision of the Government of Belize to promote and implement this plan. Mr. Anjan Datta Clement Lewsey, Ph.D. Programme Officer, PADH Director, NOS-International Program Office (GPA Officer in Charge) NOAA/GPA Program Office Coordinator GPA Coordination Office

Belize National Plan of Action 1

Pictures: left –right: Drainage Pipe, Petroleum slick boomed off on a river, Effluent Discharge into a river, Discharge outlet from an aquaculture pond.

Section 1 – Background 1.1 Summary of the GPA program and NPA implementation The major threats to the productivity and biodiversity of the marine environment result from human activities on land, in coastal areas as well as further inland. Most of the pollution load entering the oceans, including municipal, industrial and agricultural wastes and run-off emanates from a multitude of land-based activities. Oceans have become the final destination for municipal sewage and solid waste, chemical discharges from factories upstream, fertilizer run-off and other pollution from farms and oil spills. Once unleashed, such pollution can seldom be controlled; it must be stopped at the source.

Pollution from the land affects the marine and coastal environment including estuaries and inshore coastal waters, which are highly productive areas. The marine environment is also threatened by physical alterations of the coastal zone and activities such as dam construction further upstream. Both activities are destroying habitats of vital importance for ecosystem health. At the same time the health, well-being and, in some cases, the very survival of coastal populations depend largely upon the health and the maintenance of ecological functioning of the coastal ecosystems: estuaries and wetlands, as well as their associated watersheds, drainage basins, near-shore coastal waters, wetlands, mangrove forests and coral reefs.

Picture: Mangrove island offshore Belize City


Some one billion people live in coastal urban centres worldwide. Many national economies depend on coastal and marine activities that are directly threatened by degradation of the marine environment; industries such as fishing and tourism are obvious examples. The subsistence economy as well as food security of large coastal populations, especially in developing countries, is based on the marine living resources that are threatened by such degradation. The economic importance of coastal areas can be illustrated by separating the global gross domestic product (GDP) between three ecosystems: coastal, marine and terrestrial. This calculation shows that economic activities of the coastal environment contribute 38% of the total GDP. Notwithstanding the paramount importance of the coast as indicated above, the world’s coasts are threatened by development-related activities. The intense pressures put on these coastal systems require serious commitment and preventive action at all levels – local, national and global. Rights, responsibilities and obligations of States and Regional and International Organizations with regard to the protection and sustainable development of the marine and coastal environment and its resources are clearly set forth in the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and other international agreements including Agenda 21 and the Convention on Conservation of Biodiversity. The duty of the States and Regional and International Organizations to protect the marine environment from land-based activities was clearly defined in the context of sustainable development by the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development in 1992. Aims of the Global Plan of Action (GPA)

The GPA is designed to be a source of conceptual and practical guidance to be drawn upon by national and/or regional authorities for devising and implementing sustained action to prevent, reduce, control and/or eliminate marine degradation from land-based activities. The GPA aims at preventing the degradation of the marine environment from land-based activities by facilitating the duty of States to preserve and protect the marine environment. More specifically, it is recommended that States undertake the following activities: A. Identify and assess problems related to the:

Nature and severity of problems in relation to: food security and poverty alleviation; public health; coastal and marine resources and ecosystem health, including biological diversity; and economic and social benefits and uses, including cultural values.

Severity and impacts of contaminants including sewage, persistent organic pollutants, radioactive substances, heavy metals, oils, nutrients, sediment mobilization and litter.

Physical alteration, including habitat modification and destruction, in areas of concern.

Sources of degradation, including: coastal and upstream point sources; coastal and upstream non-point (diffuse) sources; and atmospheric deposition caused by transportation, power plants and industrial facilities, incinerators and agricultural operations.

The affected or vulnerable areas of concern such as critical habitats, habitats of endangered species, ecosystem components, shorelines, coastal watersheds, estuaries, special protected marine and coastal areas, and small islands.

B. Establish priorities for action by assessing the five factors above, reflecting the relative importance of impacts upon food security, public health, coastal and marine resources, ecosystem health, and socio-economic benefits, including cultural values in relation to (i) source- categories, (ii) the area affected and (iii) the costs, benefits and feasibility of options for action. In the process of establishing priorities, States should (amongst others):


Apply integrated coastal area management approaches, including provisions to involve stakeholders.

Recognize the basic linkages between the freshwater and marine environment through, application of watershed management.

Recognize the basic linkages between sustainable development of coastal and marine resources, poverty alleviation and protection of the marine environment.

Apply environmental impact assessment procedures in assessing options.

Integrate national action with any relevant regional and global priorities, Plans and strategies. C. Set management objectives for priority problems for source categories and areas affected on the basis of established priorities. On the basis of the priorities established, States should define specific management objectives, both with respect to source categories and areas affected. Such objectives should be set forth in terms of overall goals, targets and timetables, as well as specific targets and timetables for areas affected and for individual industrial, agricultural, urban and other sectors. D. Identify, evaluate and select strategies and measures to achieve these objectives. Strategies and programs to achieve these management objectives should include a combination of:

Specific measures, including, as appropriate: measures to promote sustainable use of coastal and marine resources and to prevent/reduce degradation of the marine environment; measures to modify contaminants or other forms of degradations; and, measures to prevent, reduce or restore degradation of affected areas.

Requirements and incentives to induce action to comply with measures, such as: economic instruments and incentives, taking into account the "polluter pays" principle and the internalization of environmental costs; regulatory measures; technical assistance and cooperation; education and public awareness.

Identification/designation of the institutional arrangement with the authority and resources to carry out management tasks associate with the strategies and programs.

Identification of short-term and long-term data-collection and research needs.

Development of a monitoring and environmental-quality reporting system to review and, if necessary, help adapt the strategies and programs.

Identification of sources of finance and mechanisms available to cover the costs of administering and managing the strategies and programs.

E. Develop criteria for evaluating the effectiveness of strategies and measures. A key element in successful strategies and programs is to develop ongoing means of determining whether they are meeting their management objectives. Criteria to evaluate the effectiveness of such strategies and programs should be tailored to the objectives, as mentioned under C. In addition, they should address: environmental effectiveness; economic costs and benefits; equity; flexibility and effectiveness in administration; timing.

1.2 GPA and relation to LBS in the Wider Caribbean and Belize The Belize coastal and marine environment is a source of great biological diversity, natural beauty and economic importance. The territorial waters of Belize contain 80% of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System, which is the second largest coral barrier reef system in the world and the largest living coral reef system in the western hemisphere, stretching from the northern Yucatan Peninsula to the coast of Honduras. The reef is a designated World Heritage Site supporting a rich variety of coral ecosystems, mangrove forests, seagrass beds, coastal lagoons and estuaries that provide habitat for a


wide array of marine mammals, fish, birdlife, and reptiles including threatened species such as marine turtles, manatees and the American Crocodile. As in other areas of the Wider Caribbean, coastal and marine resources are under constant and significant threat from land-based sources of pollution. The Belize national population of approximately 290,000 is served by inadequate, and in many cases, non-existent sewage systems. Lack of public awareness coupled with population concentrations in coastal areas increases the deleterious impact of sewage on marine resources. Solid waste pollution, from households, large-scale agriculture, and food processing plants, is also a major and growing concern in Belize.

As in other Caribbean economies, the service sector is a vital component of the Belizean economy and is now the country’s largest economic sector with tourism comprising one of the fastest areas of growth, increasing 11% in 2003 alone. Cruise ship tourism in particular is a booming industry, growing tenfold from 2000 to 2003. With the majority of Belize’s tourism sector being coastal-related, the marine environment is particularly vulnerable to the impacts of increasing numbers of visitors which lead to increased sewage, physical alteration, and solid waste, etc. The tourism industry is vital to the economic welfare of Belize as it is the number one foreign exchange earner for the country, but its growth should be governed by wise policy, as this industry is largely dependent on the health of the coastal and marine environment for sustained revenue. Agricultural activities such as citrus, sugar cane, and banana farming comprise the second largest sector of Belize’s economy. While agriculture is no longer the largest industry in Belize, total land area under main crop cultivation continues to rise (27% from 2000-2003), as does fertilizer and pesticide use intensity. This has resulted in increasing nutrient and sediment loading to the coastal environment, increased alteration of land use patterns, and increased deforestation. In addition, aquaculture, in particular shrimp farming, is a growing threat to coastal ecosystems, with the number

Pictures left-right: Surface water pollution at storage site, Open Air Dump Site

Pictures left to right: Effluent discharge into canal, Effluent Discharge from fish pond


of farms more than doubling from 2002 to 2003. Nutrient pollution, physical alteration of habitat, such as the destruction of mangrove forests, and sedimentation are all impacts of aquaculture experienced in Belize coastal areas. Balancing the growth and impact of the Belize population and the nations’ economic sectors with the preservation of the natural environment’s integrity is indeed a challenge. The revenue generated from tourism and the export of agriculture/aquaculture products is critical to improving the quality of life for Belizean citizens. However, these activities pose a direct threat to the health of the marine environment upon which the people of Belize rely. By drafting the National Plan of Action (NPA) for the Control of Land Based Sources of Marine Pollution in Belize, the Department of Environment (DOE) and its NPA partners strive to develop a cohesive and integrated national plan, recommending prioritized actions to address land-based impacts on the marine environment. Through the NPA process, the Department of Environment is working to improve the state of the Belize marine environment as well as the health and welfare of its citizens.

1.3 NPA Development Process Development of the NPA has been conducted through a partnership comprised of the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)-GPA Program Office, the Department of Environment and other Governmental Agencies, Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), and private sector partners. After initial contact, the NOAA-GPA Program Office staff travelled to Belize in April 2006 to meet with Department of Environment officials, and to hold initial discussions with other national stakeholders included in the NPA process. This initial meeting aided in developing stakeholder support for the development of Belize’s NPA and in the formation of an NPA core group. Subsequent to this meeting, the Department of Environment held three national stakeholder workshops with other governmental agencies, NGOs, tertiary level institutions and private sector. At these workshops, the participants reached consensus on the top five land-based contaminants or alteration issues that impact the marine environment. These issues were: sewage, sedimentation, physical alteration and destruction of habitat, nutrients, and solid waste management. The national NPA team drafted issue papers for each of these five issues, identifying specific pollution sources, impacts of these sources on the marine environment, gaps that need to be addressed, and recommendations for activities to control and/or reduce these pollution sources. The nation-wide stakeholder workshops were held in August 2006, March and December 2007, and May 2008 to identify the specific goals, objectives, and priority actions, which the NPA should contain. The workshops were attended by over forty participants from various sectors, including individuals from the Department of Environment, Solid Waste Management Authority, Department of Fisheries, Geology & Petroleum Department, Lands & Survey Department, Forest Department, Coastal Zone Management Authority and Institute, Belize Water Services Limited, Belize Electricity Company Limited, Pesticides Control Board, Citrus Products of Belize Limited, Galen University, The Wood Depot, several representatives of the NGO community, and other private sectors institutions (see full list in Appendix A). Representatives from the NPA core group presented each of the five issue paper findings, discussing the current state of land-based sources of marine pollution in Belize. Workshop participants ranked these issues as to the extent which each impacts Belize inland and marine environments. Participants then further refined the list of sources or causes for each issue and ranked these sources as to their relative importance. During the March 2007 workshop, stakeholders added a sixth issue, hazardous and chemical substances, to the list of land based pollution sources. Pollution caused by hazardous and chemical substances was listed due to the recent discovery of petroleum within Belize. The


growth of the petroleum sector has led to the increased bulk storage and transportation of crude oil near and within the marine environment. Workshop participants listed objectives for the top identified issues impacting the marine environment and specific priority actions for the top three issues. The participants identified the primary organizations responsible for carrying out actions, provided costs estimates and performance measures for monitoring the success of any actions undertaken.

Section 2 – Belize Physiological Conditions 2.1 Geographic and Ecological Setting

Belize is located in northern Central America, bordered by Mexico on the north and Guatemala to the west and south. Including the offshore territorial limit of 20 km (12 miles), the national territory of Belize including the cayes and territorial sea is 46,620 km2 (18,000 mi2), of which 49% is land. Belize’s land mass includes an estimated 1,056 cayes, which are largely composed of coral sands, mangrove or a combination of both. However, there are about 1,540 km2 (595 mi2) of lagoons on the mainland, reducing effective land area to some 21,400 km2 (8,263 mi2). The approximate dimensions of Belize are about 260 km north-south and 180 km east-west. The mainland has 280 km of coastline. Belize’s climate changes from a subtropical climate in the northern part of the country to tropical climate in southern Belize. Two weather seasons dominate the country’s climate: a dry season extending from February to May, followed by the rainy season which peaks in July. There is a cool transition period extending from November to March separating the dry season from the rainy season. The principal geographic features have NNE-SSW or WNW-ESE orientation in conformity with major fault lines. The NNE-SSW faults generally show a steeper escarpment topography facing east with gentle slopes dipping westward. Faulting (or warping) along the WNW-ESE axis has produced less conspicuous topographic features. Northern coastal features suggest uplifts followed by a long period of stability. The coral reefs, cayes and mangrove-covered shoals are located along the crests of NNE-SSW trending submarine ridges. The central coastline is sinking slowly; however, the southern coast is rising, forming low cliffs and inland lagoons. The Belize Barrier Reef Complex, the second longest in the world and the longest living reef structure in the western hemisphere, is the most spectacular feature of Belize. The barrier reef extends 220 km from the Mexican border to the Sapodilla Cayes. Along Ambergris Caye, the barrier reef lies a few hundred meters offshore, where-as it is over 25 miles offshore at Placencia. Seaward of the barrier reef, the continental margin is a series of discontinuous marine ridges with NNE-SSW orientation. On two of these ridges, two of the three coral atolls have developed separated by waters 360-1100m deep. Seaward of the marine ridge supporting Glovers and Lighthouse Reefs is an escarpment descending more that 4000m into the Cayman Trench. The country is divided into six districts, nine municipalities, and has more than two hundred and forty villages. The areas of land by administrative districts are:


Table 2.1: Administrative District Land Areas

District Square Miles Square Kilometres

Belize 1663 4307.17

Corozal 718 1859.62

Orange Walk 1790 4636.10

Stann Creek 986 2553.74

Cayo 2006 5195.54

Toledo 1704 4413.36

2.2 Hydrology Twenty-nine major identifiable perennial river basins supply surface water resources and many intermittent and ephemeral streams (see Figure 2.1 & Table 2.2 below). The majority of these streams originate on the Eastern slopes of the Maya Mountains. Belize's largest river basin (Belize River) originates in the western Maya Mountains and eastern Guatemala. North of the Maya Mountains, the rivers originate in the Yalbac Hills and from several lagoon systems. The second largest drainage system is the Belizean portion of the Rio Hondo Basin. The Rio Hondo River, which demarcates the

northern boundary of Belize and Mexico, has its origins in north western Belize, eastern Guatemala and southern Mexico. On the southern slopes of the Maya Mountains, three major watersheds share origins with Belize and eastern Guatemala, with the southernmost forming Belize's southern border. The Rio Hondo (7.03) is supplied by its Belizean tributaries the Rio Bravo (7.03), Booth's River (7.01), Blue Creek (7.02), and by other major tributaries in south eastern Mexico and eastern Guatemala through northern central lowlands. The New River (7.04) flows northerly into Corozal Bay. In the Shipstern Basin (7.05), streams are barely perennial flowing from brackish to coastal lagoon systems. Freshwater Creek (7.0501) is a more developed basin than the Shipstern Basin, probably due to a slightly higher elevation. The Cowhead (7.06) and Northern Rivers (7.07) are more developed with distinct channels and coastal outlets. Most of the rivers on the northern lowlands tend to follow fault lines and are very sluggish with Cowhead (7.06), and the Northern (7.07) Rivers being the exception. Recharge is mostly from rainfall, ground-water and surface storage in the copious lagoon systems in the northern lowlands. The Belize River, the largest and most complex drainage basin within the Belize originates in the western Maya Mountains and eastern Guatemala. This watershed can be divided into four major sub-basins, and many more subdivisions are possible. The Mopan River (9.01) originates from the Chiquibul River at approximately 1000m above sea level, and traverses eastern Guatemala to its confluence with the Macal at 48m above mean sea level (absl). The Macal River (9.02) originates near Baldy Sibun 102m absl and travels within Belize receiving contributions from many tributaries before joining the Mopan River just below San Ignacio at 48m absl. The Macal River is known for its flash floods whilst the Mopan has a more consistent flow, which may be the consequence of its physical/geological characteristics. The upper Belize River (9.03), is a mature river and travels through a well developed and stable valley (between 48m and 20m). Several major tributaries complement the combined Mopan and Macal channels, thus maintaining high stages for long periods. Major complementary tributaries are the Iguana Creek, Roaring Creek, and Labouring Creek.


Table 2. 2 Basin Codes and Watershed Names, Indicating Areas (Where Available)

BASIN CODE WATERSHED NAMES AREA (Km2)

7.01 Bravo and Booths 1454.3

7.02 Blue Creek 490.0

7.03 Hondo River 949.1

7.04 New River (area includes that of Freshwater Creek 7.0501) 2293.4

7.05 Shipstern (includes area of Northern River 7.07) 1581.2

7.0501 Freshwater Creek -

7.06 Cowhead 226.9

7.07 Northern River -

9.01 Mopan and Chiquibul 1020.3

9.02 Western Branch/Macal 2355.4

9.03 Mid Belize, Labouring 1535.9

9.04 Lower Belize 1445.1

11.01 Sibun River 1114.6

11.02 Manatee River (Northern & Southern Lagoons) 645.0

11.0301 Mullins River 220.7

11.0302 Big Creek 255.6

11.0401 North Stann Creek 310

11.0402 Silk Grass Creek -

11.0403 Sittee River 473

11.0404 Cabbage Haul Creek -

11.0405 South Stann Creek 299

11.0501 Silver Creek (area includes Santa Maria, Waha Leaf, Zuniga, & Palacio) -

11.0504 August Creek & Mango Creek (area includes Jenkins & Big Creeks) 3.32

11.0506 Plantation Creek, Sennis River & Pine Ridge Creek -

11.06 Monkey River 1761.0

11.0701 Payne’s Creek (area include Upper & Lower Freshwater Creeks) -

11.0702 Deep River 706.1

11.0703 Golden Stream -

11.070303 Middle River & Seven Hills Creek -

11.08 Rio Grande 784.5

11.09 Moho River (area includes Mafredi Creek) 927

11.0904 Mafredi Creek -

13.01 Temash 306.6

13.02 Sarstoon River 197

Source: Dept of Hydrology, Unpublished, 1995. The principle of the basin coding system conforms to the recommendations of Central America Hydrological Project (PHCA), which is, that every main water course draining to the Atlantic Ocean gets and uneven number starting from the north. (Resumen 1970-1971 PHCA, Publication No. 80, San Jose, 1972).


Figure 2.1 Belize Major Watershed Catchments


Figure 2.2 LIC Watersheds Map, 2001


Below Labouring Creek the gradient is low, and the Belize River begins to meander greatly. During periods of high stage floods, water is forced into the complex western range and northern lagoons systems in the Crooked Tree area, the Cook's, Cox, and Muckelhany Lagoons via Mussel Creek, where it is stored until overland runoff ceases. The stored water is then released through Black Creek and Mussel Creek maintaining flood levels for significant periods, discharging great amounts of water and sediments into the Caribbean Sea. The Sibun River (11.01) originates at 800m on the extreme slopes of the north eastern Maya Mountains. This river is well developed with a main branch "Caves Branch" which joins the Sibun River at 33m amsl. This medium sized river rapidly descends the Maya Mountains via well developed channels onto the coastal plains meandering into a lagoon complex and into the sea. Most of the rivers that drain the eastern Maya Mountains originate at elevations of 1000m or less. The western fringe of these basins conforms to the main divide of the Maya Mountains. The rivers are well branched and rapidly descend the relatively short, steep slopes of the eastern Maya Mountains onto the coastal plains where they become sluggish and meander to the sea. There is a notable difference in the Manatee Watershed (11.02). This well branched river system drains the eastern Sibun Hills. The branches of this river are well developed, and rapidly descend the Sibun Hills converging into the main Manatee River channel, accumulating in three major coastal lagoon systems (the Western, Southern, and Northern Lagoons), before discharging into the sea.

The Monkey River (11.06), the largest of the rivers originating on the eastern slopes of the Maya Mountains, has two main branches; the Swasey and the Bladen. This river is an excellent example of a trellis network of tributaries, undoubtedly the best in Belize. The combined discharges of these branches are comparable to that of the Belize River. The Moho, Temash, and Sarstoon Rivers drain the southern slopes of the Maya Mountains and portion of eastern Guatemala. The Sarstoon forms Belize's southernmost border and most of its flow is contributed from Guatemala. The Moho is well developed and has a rapid flow in its upper reaches; however, as it descends onto the southern coastal plains, it becomes sluggish and tidal as it meanders to the sea. Many other small but important perennial streams originate in the foothills of the Maya Mountains meandering through the coastal plains contributing to the many lagoon systems and wetland areas along the coast.

2.3 Biodiversity

The biodiversity of Belize reflects the size and habitat diversity of the country. The country harbours viable populations of a range of species of conservation concern under pressure throughout the rest of the Central American range (PfB, 1995). Biodiversity in Belize is much greater than that of other Caribbean islands, but the level of endemism is much lower. Approximately 577 bird species are found within Belize; some 20% of these are migrants mostly from the North American continent. The country has over 120 species of mammals recorded, over 4000 species of flowering plants, over 250 species of orchids and more than 3, 411 species of native plants.


Table 2.3: Breakdown of General Land Cover in Belize (Meerman and Sabido, 2001)

GENERAL LAND COVER CATEGORY Km2+

% +

Broadleaf Forest and Scrubland 11,803 51.4

Agriculture 3,835 16.7

Montane and Sub-montane Broadleaf Forest 2,296 10.0

Lowland Savannah and Pine Savannah 2,021 8.8

Mangrove and Littoral Forest 964 4.2

Dense Sub-montane Pine Forest 482 2.1

Water (not including streams and rivers) 482 2.1

Wetlands 436 1.9

Dense Lowland Pine Forests 321 1.4

Coastal Savannah and Salt Marsh 253 1.1

Urban 115 0.5

Section 3 – Institutional, legislative and socio-economic review 3.1 Institutional Mechanisms for Implementation of NPA1

A) Institutions

Responsibility for natural resources and freshwater and coastal resources in Belize is primarily concentrated at a national level. The Department of the Environment (DOE), under the Ministry of Natural Resources and the Environment, is responsible for inter-ministerial cooperation and coordination on the use and management of Belize’s natural resources and control of pollution of the natural environment. The Forest Department, under the Ministry of Natural Resources, administers the Forest Act, National Parks Systems Act and Wildlife Protection Act. The Lands & Survey Department is responsible for land use planning and allocation through implementation of the National Lands Act, Lands Utilization Act and the Private Works Act. Other government institutions that have some responsibility for natural resources primarily in the area of monitoring and permit granting for land and resource use are the Lands & Survey Department and the Department of Geology and Petroleum (under the Ministry of Natural Resources), the Fisheries Department and Pesticide Control Board (under the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries). The Ministry of Health’s Environmental Health Program conducts some water quality monitoring related to public health, and the National Service of Meteorology (under the Ministry of Natural Resources and the Environment) is responsible for monitoring water level, and quantity of surface water, brackish water and freshwater in Belize.

1 From: Rapid Assessment of Anthropogenic Impacts on Select Transboundary Watersheds of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef Systems (MBRS) Region. MBRS, May 2007.


There is very little authority for resource management at a municipal or village level. In 2000, legal recognition was given to village water boards for management of community rudimentary water systems, but decision-making and enforcement power still lies with the central government.2 The NGOs also play a large role in the management of natural resources through the administration of specific protected areas and community coordination. While responsibility for protected areas falls under the mandate of the Forest Department, other departments (i.e., the Fisheries Department and Archaeology Department) and NGOs do manage a large number of them. Examples of these organizations include the Belize Audubon Society (management of some protected areas both inland and on the Halfmoon Atoll), Friends of Nature (management of Laughing Bird National Park and Gladden Split Marine reserve), SATIIM (management and monitoring of the Temash-Sarstoon National Park), and the Belize River Keeper (previously worked on the Belize River, especially near the Guatemalan border).

B) Laws

Table 3.1 Government of Belize Agencies with Primary (direct) or Secondary (indirect) involvement in Biodiversity and Ecosystem Conservation and Management.

PRIMARY AGENCIES

Ministry of Natural Resources and the Environment

Forest Department Manage forest resources and terrestrial and marine island Protected Area

Meteorology Department Monitor climatic and weather patterns, assist in disaster response

Geology and Petroleum Department Oversee extraction of mineral and petroleum resources

Lands and Surveys Department Maintain land survey information of the Nation

Land Utilization Authority Presides over subdivision development

Lands Information Centre Maintains GIS and mapping data for the country

Department of the Environment Presides over the EIA process, addresses environmental issues

Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries

Fisheries Department Oversees management of fisheries resources and Marine

Protected Areas

Coastal Zone Management Authority and Institute Oversees costal planning, monitoring and research

Agriculture Department Oversees agricultural sector of Belize and extension services

Ministry of Tourism Oversees developing tourist sector in Belize

QUASI-GOVERNMENT ORGANIZATIONS

2 Belize Water and Sewerage Act, Chapter 222, (2000).

Also: Belize Drinking Water Supply and Sanitation Assessment 2000. Prepared by PAHO/WHO and the Ministry of Health, Belize. February 18, 2000.


Protected Areas Conservation Trust Manages environmental funds generated from tourist fees

Belize Agriculture Health Authority Addresses plant and animal health issues and bio-safety concerns

National Institute of Culture and History Oversees national museum, culture and historical preservation

Institute of Archaeology Manages archaeological reserves and research in Belize

Belize Tourist Board Promotes tourism development and offers training courses

National Emergency Management Organization Manages emergency situations during disasters

SECONDARY AGENCIES

Ministry of Education, Youth, Sports and Culture Oversees public education system and youth issues

Ministry of Economic Development Promotes development activities within the country

Ministry of Health Involved in public and environmental health issues, outreach

Ministry of Public Service Responsible for policy and human resource development

Ministry of Rural Development Involved with water, sewage, other issues in rural communities

Ministry of Public Works Oversees road construction and other public works projects

C) Principal problems associated with environmental legislation

A primary challenge to environmental issues is the legislation on water and coastal resource management which needs to be updated and strengthened. Presently, Belize does not have a comprehensive national water law or act for the management and use of the water resources. Stakeholders at all three workshops identified the need for a comprehensive national Water Resource Management Act; this law would address the use, management, and monitoring of water resources. For example, the Hydrology Unit of the National Meteorological Service does not have a law guiding its responsibilities. Additionally, concern was expressed with respect to the regulation in the National Lands Act protecting the land 66 feet from riverbanks as a reserve from development but which does not have legal force and should be strengthened. Another issue is that of the judiciary, where the persecution of non-compliance with environmental legislation is difficult. The taking of “class action suits” to court and the taking of legal action and lawsuits on environmental violations such as pollution are difficult to pursue. Oftentimes responsibilities overlap and areas of jurisdiction are sometimes not clear. Legislation does not always spell out exact responsibilities and many agencies are moved from one ministry to another following political elections or Cabinet reshuffling. Many Government Departments are currently undergoing reviews, upgrading policies and compiling strategic plans. Sometimes agency activities are restricted due to lack of resources, personnel and transportation. Political interference, poor co-management regimes and lack of public awareness programs were cited as a deterrent to agency effectiveness. (Forest Department, MNRE, 2005).

3.2 Legislative overview3

3 From: Rapid Assessment of Anthropogenic Impacts on Select Transboundary Watersheds of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef Systems (MBRS) Region. MBRS, May 2007.


Three of the most important Belizean laws which establish management of natural resource use in watersheds are (i) the Environmental Protection Act (1992) including Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) (Amendment) Regulations, Pollution Regulations, and Effluent Limitations Regulations, (ii) the Land Utilization Act (1981), and (iii) the National Lands Act which includes an article against development within 66 feet of river banks and major waterways (1992). A summary of other important laws which address some aspect of management of natural resources within watersheds can be found in Table 3.2 below.


Table 3.2: Summary of Major Watershed/Marine Management-Related Legislations and Policies # Policy Brief Description Natural Area or Issue Covered Implementing Agency

1

Environmental Protection Act (1992, revised 2000)

Requires certain development projects conduct Environmental Impact Assessments prior to project implementation, regulates the prevention and control of environmental pollution, establishes prohibitions on dumping, and outlines the investigation, procedures and General Penalties for offences. It also established the Department of the Environment to carry out the act and conduct a broad range of activities related. Subsidiary legislation passed under this Act are: - Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations, 1995 - Effluent Limitation Regulations, 1996, - Pollution Regulations, 1996 -Environmental Impact Assessment (Amendment) Regulations, 2007

To control and regulate the use of natural resources.

Department of the Environment

2 Land Development Authority Act. Chapter 181 (revised 2000)

Establishes a body corporate with perpetual succession and a common seal and shall have capacity to purchase, take, hold and dispose of land and other property of whatever kind, to enter into contracts, to sue and be sued in the said name and to do all things necessary for the purpose of this Act.

To acquire, develop and improve land (including drainage and irrigation)

Belize Land Development Authority

3

Coastal Zone Management Act. Chapter 329 (1998, revised 2000)

Established as an autonomous institution governed by the provisions of this Act. The Authority may exercise any of the functions entrusted to it by or in accordance with the provisions of this Act or any regulations made there under and may exercise any other duties incidental or ancillary to, or consequential upon, the performance of its functions.

To acquire, hold and dispose of property and do all things necessary for the fulfilment of its objectives. The functions of the Authority shall be to advise the Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries in relation to the development and utilization of the resources of the coastal zone in an orderly and sustainable fashion.

Coastal Zone Management Authority

4 Fisheries Act. Chapter 210 (2000, revised edition)

This Act shall extend and apply to the whole of Belize. The Minister may make regulations generally for all matters connected with the control and regulation of marine reserves, of fishing and the proper carrying out of the provisions of this Act.

Regulate commercial and personal fishing and protect marine areas of Belize

Belize Fisheries Department

5 Forests Act Chapter 213 (revised edition

The Minister may by Order declare an area to be a forest reserve and may from time to time alter, vary or revoke such Order. The

The Minister may apply any of the provisions of this Act or of any

Forest Department


2000) Minister may make regulations, either of general application or confined to particular forest reserves or other areas of national land, or of private land to which it has been decided to apply any of the provisions of this Act for the protection of trees and forest produce being in or upon such reserve or other area.

regulations made there under to any area or tract of private land and may from time to time vary, alter or revoke such Order.

6

High Seas Fishing Act Chapter 210:01 (revised edition 2003)

The Fisheries Administrator shall be responsible for maintaining a record of all fishing vessels in respect of which high seas fishing licenses have been issued under this Act, and such record shall include all information provided by the applicant

Notwithstanding any provisions in any other Act, no Belize fishing vessel shall fish on the high seas without a valid license issued under this Act

This Act shall be enforced by the Registrar of Ships and/or the Director-General and Senior Deputy Registrar of IMMARBE (International Merchant Marine Registry of Belize) and authorized officers

7 Maritime Areas Act Chapter 11(revised edition 2000)

The territorial sea of Belize comprises those areas of the sea having, as their inner limits, the baseline of the territorial sea and, as their outer limits, a line measured seaward from that baseline, every point of which is 12 nautical miles from the nearest point of that baseline.

Establishment of the maritime areas and internal waters of Belize and sovereignty and regulations in respect to these areas

Minister responsible for Foreign Affairs

8

National Lands Act Chapter 191(revised edition 2003)

National lands means all lands and sea bed, other than reserved forest within the meaning of the Forests Act, including cayes and parts thereof not already located or granted, and includes any land which has been, or may hereafter become, escheated to or otherwise acquired by the Government of Belize

Rules and regulations in relation to land properties

Lands & Surveys Department

9 National Parks System Act Chapter 215 (1981 revised edition 2000)

To provide for the preservation and protection of highly important natural and cultural features, for the regulation of the scientific, educational and recreational use of the same and for all other matters connected therewith or incidental thereto

Includes all national parks, nature reserves, wildlife sanctuaries and natural monuments in the country.

Forest Department

10 Protected Areas Conservation Trust Act Chapter 218 (1995, revised edition 2003)

To establish a trust for the protection, conservation and enhancement of the natural and cultural resources of Belize; to establish a Trust Fund for the Trust; to establish a board of Directors to control and manage the affairs of the trust; and to provide for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto

This act applies to the whole country.

Board of directors composed of eleven members, of which five are appointed by the Minister responsible for Natural Resources

11 Wildlife Protection Act Chapter 220 (1981 revised edition 2000)

To provide the conservation, restoration and development of wildlife, for the regulation of its use and for all other matters connected therewith. It is established within this act all regulations and restrictions related to hunting and the penalties

This regulation applies to any area in Belize.

Forest Department


for violating the Act

12 Registered Land Act (2000, revised 2003)

Establishes regulations for land registration and a Land Registry, This act “shall apply to any area declared by the Minister… to be a compulsory registration area.”

Lands and Surveys Department

13

Macal River Hydroelectric Act (2000, revised 2003)

Delegate authority for the design, financing, construction and operation of the Chalillo Project to the Belize Electric Company Limited and Belize Electricity Limited.

The Chalillo Project, a water storage facility in an area on the Macal River upstream of the Mollejon Hydroelectric Plant and approximately 12 kilometres downstream of the intersection of the Macal and Raspaculo Rivers.

Belize Electric Company Limited and Belize Electricity Limited

14 Private Forest Conservation Act (revised 2000)

Regulates tree clearing or “felling” on private lands. Privately held forests. Forestry Department

15 Water Industry Act (revised 2000, 2003)

Addresses the regulation and provision of water and sewerage services, water abstraction and use, licenses, water pollution control, permits for discharge, and offenses and penalties.

National water services.

The Public Utilities Commission and Belize Water Services Limited (BWSL)

16 Mines and Minerals Act (revised 2000 and 2003)

Regulates the extraction of all non-renewable resources in Belize. Of interest to water resources management are its control of dredging and quarrying activities.

Addresses mining and mineral use in the country.

Administered by Geology & Petroleum Department under Ministry of Natural Resources

17 Pesticide Control Act (revised 2003)

Regulates and controls the sale and use of pesticides. It establishes a Pesticides Control Board to set standards for the monitoring pesticides, which falls under the responsibility of the Ministry of Agriculture.

Pesticide use in nation-wide agriculture.

Pesticides Control Board, under the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries

18 Dangerous Goods Act (revised 2000)

Regulates the use, transport, storage, and monitoring of dangerous goods, such as liquefied petroleum gas, gunpowder, and explosives.

Dangerous goods within Belize borders.

Ministry of National Security

19

Land Utilization Act (revised 2000 and 2003)

Controls the subdivision of any public or private land in Belize. It establishes the Lands Utilization Authority which makes recommendations on subdivision applications. It also establishes Special Development Areas which limit the types of development permissible within these zones.

Land registration, subdivision, and utilization.

Ministry of Natural Resources, through the Lands Utilization Authority

20 Solid Waste Management Authority Act (revised 2000 and 2003)

Governs the collection and disposal of solid waste in Belize.

Solid waste. Solid Waste Management Authority

(*) Indicates a State/Municipal-level legislation


3.3 Economic overview Macroeconomic overview

Belize is a small, essentially private-enterprise economy, with tourism being the number one foreign exchange earner followed by exports of marine products, citrus, cane sugar, bananas, and garments. In 2007, services comprised the largest sector of the economy at 65%, with agriculture and industry comprising 21% and 13.7% of the economy, respectively. Tourism provides the largest boost to the service sector and is one of the country’s fastest areas of economic growth, increasing 11% in 2003 alone. Cruise ship tourism in particular is a booming industry, growing tenfold from 2000 to 2003. With the majority of Belize’s tourism sector being coastal-related, the marine environment is particularly vulnerable to the impacts of increasing numbers of visitors which lead to increased sewage, physical alteration, and solid waste, etc. Agricultural activities such as citrus, sugar cane, and banana farming comprise the second largest sector of Belize’s economy. While agriculture comprises a decreasing portion of Belize gross domestic product (GDP), total land area under main crop cultivation continues to rise (27% from 2000-2003), as does fertilizer and pesticide use intensity. This has resulted in increasing nutrient and sediment loading to the coastal environment, increased alteration of land use patterns, and increased deforestation. In addition, aquaculture, in particular shrimp farming, is a growing threat to coastal ecosystems, with the number of farms more than doubling from 2002 to 2003. During the first half of the 1980's, Belize experienced an average growth in Gross Domestic Products (GDP) of .85%, with the median being 1.5%. Between 1987 and 1992, there was a considerable improvement in the growth of the GDP, averaging 9.3% for the period, with a median of 10.8%. Subsequently, GDP growth slowed appreciably to an average of 2.6% from 1992 to 1994. After GDP growth climbed to 3.8% in 1995, it declined again in 1996 and 1997. The government initiated expansionary monetary and fiscal policies in September 1998, which have led to sturdy GDP growth averaging nearly 4% in 1999-2007. In 2003, agricultural activities accounted for the bulk of Belize’s primary economic sector, commanding a share of approximately 63%, or 14.6% of GDP. This is 1.3% less than in 1995 when this sector accounted for 15.9% of GDP. Commercial fishing on the other hand increased from 2.2% in 1995 to 5.0% of GDP in 2003, representing an increase in the utilization of coastal and marine resources to sustain Belize’s economic welfare. Mining remained constant over that period registering 0.5% of GDP in 1995 and from 2000 to 2003. A similar trend with respect to the percentage share and value contribution movements exists within the secondary and service sectors. In the secondary sector, the most important activities are manufacturing and construction. In 2003, the manufacturing sector declined 1.5%, representing 8.2% of GDP, compared to 9.7% of GDP in 1995. The construction sector also saw a decreasing trend, except in 2000 when it accounted for 5% of GDP compared to 3.9% in 2003. Oil discoveries in 2006 bolstered the economic growth in 2006 and 2007 as well.

Major economic concerns continue to be the sizable trade deficit and unsustainable foreign debt as well as the reduction of poverty, which is planned to be alleviated with the help of international donors. Socioeconomic conditions Belize census data indicates that between 1980 and 1991, the population of Belize grew approximately 1.3%. From 1990 to 2000, the population grew another 1.3% and from 2000-2004 it grew an additional 1.5%. Assuming the rate over the last five years continues the projected growth


for 2000-2010 would be roughly 3.0%. Current estimates (2007) estimate the total Belize population as 294,385. The distribution of age structure in Belize is skewed towards a younger population, as national statistics report of 41% of total population is under the age of 15, and 61% of total population is under the age of 25. Measured in 2007, life expectancy for the total population was 68 years; 66 years for males and 70 years for females. According to census data from 2000 on per capita income, the mean income in Belize is BZ $835 per month (or US $417.50), which is an increase from the BZ $628 per month (or US $314) measured in 1991. Income varied in urban/ rural communities as only 1% of individuals earned less than BZ $1,440 (US $720) in urban areas compared to 6% in rural areas. On a District level, Belize District had the lowest number of individuals earning less than BZ $1,440 (US $720) per month and the highest percentage that earned over BZ $34,560 (US $17,280). According to estimates from the Belize Central Statistics Office (CSO) Census 2000 data, approximately 62% of the population was employed in the service sector in 2005, and 25% of the employed population was engaged in agriculture and forestry activities on a national level. This is a decrease from 30% that was measured in 1991. Industry or wholesale and retail trade accounted for 15% of the employed population in Belize. The unemployment rate for the nation in 2006, as measured by the CSO Labour Force Survey was 9.6%. Perception data from the 2000 Census on household views regarding the most important environmental issues or threats demonstrates the importance of addressing water quality and quantity issues. To illustrate, the graph below provides a list of the greatest environmental concerns of households in Belize and Cayo Districts. These were drainage (Belize 23.6%; Cayo 15.5%) and waste disposal (Belize 17.5%; Cayo 18.6%), which is indicative of households in urban areas and is important when considering management regimes to address concerns of Belize’s population.

Belize Census Data: 2000

Top environmental concers - district and national

0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25% 30% 35% 40%

Don't know/ not stated'

Have no issue

Flooding

Other

Squatting

Soil erosion

Destruction of mangroves

Deforestation

Use of pesticides

Air pollution

Drianage

Water contamination

Waste Disposal

National

Cayo

Belize


Section 4- Introduction on land-based sources (LBS) of marine pollution in Belize

In preparation for the Stakeholder Workshops, the NPA core team of Belize stakeholders identified the five most significant contaminant or alteration issues that impact the coastal and marine environment. Issue papers were drafted by experts in the each issue area, containing information on potential sources, priority areas of concern, legal mandates for action, gaps, and recommendations for potential activities. This section summarizes the findings of these papers. The complete Issues Papers can be found in Appendix C to G. Table 4.1 lists the contamination or alteration issue in rank of importance, as identified at the NPA Stakeholder Workshops. The table also provides priority sources and causes for each issue also ranked in order of importance.

Table 4.1: Contaminant or alteration issues impacting the Belize marine environment, ranked in

order of importance and ranked priority sources or causes for each issue

Contaminant or

Alteration Issue

Priority Sources/ Causes

Sewage

1. Commercial sewage system

1a. Septic tanks

2. Latrines

3. Others (service trucks, marine vessels)

Nutrients

1. Agriculture/ aquaculture (sugar, citrus, banana, livestock, shrimp, tilapia)

2. Residential and commercial sewage

3. Marine vessel effluents (bilge)

Physical alteration

and destruction of

habitat

1. Urbanization and Development (Land use change: residential, tourism,

commercial, port/marina development, land reclamation, pollution)

2. Deforestation (including mangrove clearing)

3. Agriculture and aquaculture (large and small scale)

4. Mining and dredging

5. Vulnerability to natural disasters

6. Invasive species

Solid waste

management

1. Household and commercial

2. Agro-industries (citrus, sugar, banana)

3. Meat and seafood processing

5. Cruise ship debris

6. International marine debris

Sedimentation

1. Deforestation (mangrove clearing, forest fires, riparian and littoral forests)

2. Physical Alteration

a) Urbanization & infrastructure development (roads, bridges, dams)

b) Mining and dredging

c) Agriculture and aquaculture

3.) Boat traffic

4.) Natural Disasters


*The hazardous and chemical waste issue was not originally defined as a key issue impact to Belize’s coastal environment, but was identified at the March 2007stakeholder workshop due to the advent of the petroleum industry.

4.1 Sewage

Sources of Sewage Pollution In May 1994, UNEP released a report entitled “Land-Based Sources of Marine Pollution Inventories” for Belize and Cayman Islands. In this report the land-based sources of pollution in Belize was recorded as domestic, industrial and agricultural. Domestic sources of pollution are wastes from residential areas, hotels, commercial agencies and from disposal of effluents from the lagoons which treat the wastewater from Belize City. These point and non- point sources of pollution are centred on tourism activities, mostly found along the coast or riparian environment. Available data (Country Environmental Profile 2006) indicates that in 2005, 80% of Belize’s hotels, condominiums and guest houses are located along the coast and 80% of water used in household is wastewater from sewage, showers, etc. The Belize 2002 Poverty Assessment Report provides figures in respect to the existing toilet facilities that are of concern. Statistics indicate that in 2002, 54.8 % of households in Belize used water closets or septic tanks, 39.7% were using pit latrines and 3.5% of the dwellings did not have any type of toilet facility. A favourable change since 1991 is the increase in septic tanks system from 34.8% that year to 54.8% in 2002, compared to a decrease in pit latrines. A septic tank is a concrete cylinder block or metal tank where the solids settle and the floatable materials rise. The partly clarified liquid stream flows from a submerged outlet into subsurface rock-filled trenches through which the wastewater can flow and percolate into the soil where it is oxidized aerobically. The floating material and settled solids can be held for extended periods of time during which period they are decomposed anaerobically. When capacity is reached, these tanks are emptied by sanitary personnel and the sludge disposed of at landfills. Priority/Risk Areas Since 1998, cruise tourism has experienced an unprecedented and probably unsustainable growth from 14,183 visitors in 1998, to 575,196 in 2003, to approximately 800,000 in 2007. Cruise ship tourism requires destinations not further than two (2) hours away from Belize City. Marine Reserves such as Hol Chan, Caye Caulker, Goff’s Caye and Swallow Caye Wildlife Sanctuary and terrestrial protected areas along the Western Highway, by extension the Belize River, are the most visited. The necessary infrastructure to host this type of visitation to Belize is currently not in place to

*Hazardous and

Chemical

Substances

1. Medical waste

2. Chemical waste

a) manufacturing & processing

b) laboratories

c) agriculture

d) domestic chemical waste

3. Oil/hydrocarbons

4. Discarded Batteries

5. Tires

Picture: Construction of tourism development


accommodate the liquid and solid waste being produced. Belize City can therefore be considered as the most critical area with high risks of marine pollution. The Mexican City of Chetumal and Belize’s Corozal Town are a combined non-point source of sewage pollution to the Corozal Bay and Bahia de Chetumal. In 2000, Chetumal’s population was 121,602. By 2007 it is estimated that this population has increased significantly, especially its surrounding suburbs, yet they do not have an adequate sewage treatment facility (www.nationsencylopedia.com). In addition, the City of Chetumal sewage treatment plant discharges primary treated sewage into the Bahia de Chetumal. The Corozal Bay is the eastern boundary for Corozal town, a municipality of 8,800 residents with no sewage treatment plant. All sewage from the estimated 1100 households is treated in pit latrines, septic tanks and soak-aways. The underlying limestone geology allows the sewage to leach into the Corozal Bay. The island township of San Pedro has a population of 8,400 residents and is Belize’s premier tourist attraction. The island has a coral foundation covered with coarse sand. Within the coarse sand cover is a thin freshwater (now brackish) lens. Prior the completion of the sewage treatment facility in the mid 1990’s all sewage disposals were via septic tanks and soak-aways. The island is currently serviced by a sewage treatment facility that has a daily capacity to treat 600,000 gallons of sewage. Currently, it has 307 dwellings, representing 50% of all dwellings on the island, connected to its treatment facility. The Belize Water Services Limited contends that its treatment facility is operated significantly below capacity and outfalls are within acceptable standards. Potential source of sewage pollution is from the remaining 50% of dwellings that are not connected to the treatment facility. The Sewage Ponds located on the southern shores of Belize City, is a potential point source for sewage pollution to the marine ecosystem. This sewage treatment facility was constructed in 1981 to treat 2.2 million gallons of sewage daily for a projected 50,000 residents. Since its construction, its capacity has not been increased. Despite this, the city’s urban area has expanded to the extent that less than 50% of the population of over 80,000 residents are now connected to this treatment system. Sewage treatment ponds are designed to filter out floating and suspended sediment in the primary treatment. The secondary treatment facilitates the biological degradation of faeces and urine and other similar material to minimize the discharge of putrefying matter to the receiving water; and disinfection destroys infectious organisms. None of these processes treats toxic material contained in household wastes. The Belize Water Services, despite results from sampling conducted that shows otherwise, contends that outfall from the City’s Sewage Treatment Facility is within accepted standard. This issue has been exacerbated by the planned construction of the Carnival Cruise Terminal and Free Zone in the area between the lagoons and the sea, where once there was a healthy stand of mangrove that polished the effluent from these sewage treatment ponds. Today, this outfall empties directly into the sea. The sewage system in Belmopan is comprised of sewer draining into two pumping stations, and then pumped into a treatment plant (Country Environmental Profile 2006). Unfortunately, this system is not functional resulting in direct release of raw sewage into Mount Pleasant Creek leading into the Belize River, which serves various

Picture: Overview of site preparation for a port development near a sewage

treatment facility


social and ecological functions, including the water source for Belize City. In Belize City, approximately 6,665 households (60% of Belize City households) were connected to the sewer system at its beginning, compared to 307 households in San Pedro Town, and 879 households in Belmopan (CSO, 2005). Wastewater being generated from these three systems is 3,039.355, 248.674 and 227.951 million litres/year respectively. As can be noted San Pedro has approximately 35% of the households compared to Belmopan and generates approximately the same amount of wastewater, this being attributed to the tourism activities. In southern Belize, land-based non-point source of sewage pollution of the Belizean marine ecosystem exists on the shores of the municipality of Dangriga Town. This municipality of 10,800 residents has no sewage treatment facility. The number of households is estimated at 300 with 40% with septic tank sewage treatment. The remaining 60% of households use pit latrines and/or dispose of sewage directly into the waterways or sea. In addition to the 60% of the households that use pit latrine, the shrimp, citrus, banana and other industries attract many from Belize’s labour force who remain for extended periods working in the area. What increases the risk of sewage pollution to the marine environment in this area is the soil type. The general area is of course sand, highly porous, which can lead to leaching. Potential Impacts Potential effects of sewage waste on the marine ecosystem include: (i) increased turbidity or cloudiness of water caused by excessive algal growth, which blocks sunlight from penetrating the water and submerged vegetation and corals; (ii) changes the distribution, abundance, and reproduction of individual organisms which may have a direct impact on fisheries; (iii) decreased biological diversity which is often apparent in subsequent changes in food chain relationship and the aquatic community structure (due to increased algae growth); and (iv) excessive oxygen depletion when large number of algae dies and decomposes by micro-organisms. This oxygen depletion can in turn result in excessive fish kills and stunted growth of other marine life. Domestic wastewater contaminates surface water by direct discharge into rivers through canals or by emptying buckets into streams, effluents from septic tanks and non-functional sewage treatment plants. Sewage outfall or leachates can lead to high current driven Escherichia coli concentrations contaminating the waters and the beaches of Chetumal, Corozal Bay, and Cayes in the Lagoon system, on the western shores of Ambergris Caye, Belize City and surrounds, Placencia, Dangriga and Punta Gorda Towns. High concentration of Escherichia coli can pose serious public health risk. Poor water quality can also lead to high viral content and infectious diseases. Untreated domestic wastewater causes health related problems such as gastroenteritis, cholera and other waterborne illnesses. A review of three Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) indicates the presence of E. coli. E.I.A’s for Blackadore Caye, Stake Bank and Ara Macao show the following figures. Blackadore Caye project has averages of 312/100ml Total Coliform, 1/100ml E. coli and 0/100 ml Faecal Coliform. Stake Bank Project recorded 84.8/100ml for Total Coliform and 23.6/100ml of E. coli and Ara Macao recorded 353.5/100ml of E. coli. World Health Organization (WHO) standards for drinking water for E. coli are 0/100ml and recreational waters are 200/100ml. Results therefore indicate that all samples are above the levels for drinking water and the area of southern Belize around Placencia is the only site that has above the standard for recreational purposes. Report from Public Health indicate that they have recently declared Belizean Beach as a no swimming area as there has been cases of skin problems by people swimming in these waters. Currently, there is no monitoring program for sewage in the marine ecosystem. However, there is investigative evidence that indicate that sewage in the form of Escherichia coli has been detected within the Bahia de Chetumal, Corozal Bay, near Blackadore Caye in the lagoon system, north of Belize City, and on the beaches of Dangriga Town and Placencia. Such water borne and beach


Picture: Sugar processing facility

evidence was found in these areas but its eastward extent is not known. These levels of E. coli can lead to temporary euthrophication of the water, reducing the transparency of the water. This reduction in transparency can lead to reduction of available sunlight for coral reef and reducing reef growth In addition to the health risk and ecological damage that can result from sewage, pollution is a substantial threat to Belize’s tourism industry. The health of Belize’s marine ecosystem’s flora and fauna and tourism development are integral to the tourist industry on San Pedro Ambergris Caye, Caye Caulker, Belize City, Dangriga, Placencia and Punta Gorda Town.

4.2 Nutrients Point and non-point sources of pollution contributing to eutrophication Increase in nutritional resources to water bodies includes the supply of mineral nutrients, principally nitrogen (N), and phosphorus (P), and organic carbon from natural and anthropogenic sources such as agriculture, aquaculture and agro-processing, urbanization, and marine vessel effluents. These nutrients can have negative impacts on Belize’s marine environment. Agriculture, aquaculture and agro-processing industries In Belize, agriculture is the most extensive form of commercial land use. Ten (10) percent (about 536,000 acres) of the country is used for agricultural production of which 36% is utilized for Belize’s major export crops (sugar, citrus and banana). The last updated data (2003) in the Belize Farm Registry shows that 86,065 acres are used for livestock grazing (pasture), 7,916 acres for shrimp farming, 60 acres for tilapia farming and the remaining acreage is used for local production (corn, beans, rice, vegetables and other crops). Fertilizers and other agro-chemicals are widely used as a means to increase yields and is potentially a major source of non-point source of nitrogen and other nutrients. For example, fertilizer intensity for all crops has increased in the country from 289 pounds per acre in 1999 to 391 pounds per acre in 2003. Sugar Cane is grown in the low-lying districts of Orange Walk and Corozal on 63,800 acres (harvested). These two northern districts experience the lowest national average levels of rainfall (about 60 inches per year), therefore nutrient pollution from surface run-off, and leaching into ground water at the farm level are expected to be minimal under normal conditions. However, flooding as a result of extreme rainfall events such as tropical storms has the potential to transport nutrients to the New River, Orange Walk District. Sugar Cane is processed in the Orange Walk District at the Belize Sugar Industries Ltd. (BSI) processing plant located adjacent to the New River. The BSI’s processing plant, including its main condenser, factory floor waste stream, ash pit drainage, and drainage of molasses tanks produced about 6,500 tones of effluents per day or 48mg/l biological oxygen demand (BOD) in 1994. Twelve years later, it is believed that BOD values remain high as evidenced by annual localized fish kills downstream of the factory. Nutrients are transported to the New River mainly due to flooding and overflow of effluent ponds owing to heavy rains. Hence, there is potential for nutrient transport over great distances on the New River. It is not known, however, if nutrients from BSI contribute to coastal


or marine pollution.

Banana and citrus are produced primarily in the Stann Creek District and Cayo District on 6,000 and 37,000 acres respectively. The production system, due to high drainage networks, is susceptible to nutrient movement through run-offs and leaching. The Stann Creek District also experiences relatively high levels of rainfall (about 80 - 100 inches per year) that drains from the Maya Mountains unto flat coastal areas and into its many rivers and streams. The banana and citrus industries use the highest estimated amounts of fertilizer per acre; therefore, nutrient pollution due to land run-off at the farm level is a significant threat to the marine environment.

The effluents from the processing plants, also located in the Stann Creek District, enter a series of treatment ponds constructed in the late 1990's, before treated effluent enters the river. Should there be an overflow of effluent ponds, or its capacity exceeded, then these can contribute significantly to localized increases in chemical and biological oxygen demand and impacts on the marine environment which is nearby (less than 10 miles). Other noteworthy crop production activities are located inland and are believed to contribute minimally to marine nutrient pollution. Livestock production (cattle, pigs and poultry) results in production of large quantities of nutrient-rich fecal matter. In the case of livestock production, less than 1% of pastures are irrigated, however more than 90% of livestock obtain drinking water from rivers, streams or on- farm ponds where direct nutrient enrichment of these water bodies occur through fecal deposition. Livestock production in low-lying areas with high water tables, like Orange Walk and Corozal Districts may also lead to contamination of ground water due to leaching through porous calcareous soils. Active aquaculture (primarily marine shrimp farming) has increased tremendously over the past decade and requires high nutrient input that may contribute to eutrophication of the marine environment. Tilapia farming is exclusively done in the Cayo District on approximately 60 acres of land adjacent to the Sibun River. Sixty (60) percent of the marine shrimp farming occurs in the southern portion of the Stann Creek District near the coast, while 38 % occurs in the Belize District. All aquaculture farms manage direct water inlet from the sea and majority of the water outlet are through large drains directly connected back to the sea but passing through mangrove forests. The majority of water from these farms is released at harvesting time; however, during extreme rainfall, water may be released to avoid product loss through pond overflow. These farms are point sources of nutrient pollution with great potential to impact Belize’s marine environment. Urbanization There is forty-five percent (45%) of Belize’s population of 310,000 (CSO, 2007) living in the coastal zone. Presently, only three major residential areas (Belize City, San Pedro Town and Belmopan City) or about 28% of the population are connected to sewerage systems. All other areas are serviced with septic tanks and pit latrines. The 227.9 million litres of sewage (including waste water) from the Belmopan sewerage system is disposed of directly into the Belize River; 248.6 million litres of sewage from San Pedro flows into a shallow pond and into the sea; and 3,039.3 million litres of sewage from

Picture: Effluent drainage canal for a citrus composting facility


Belize City is disposed of directly into the sea as the mangrove swamp once used as a natural filtration system has been cleared for tourism development. Phosphorus from sewage is believed to be a major point source of pollution to the marine environment. The nutrient load from sewage is believed to be increasing with the steady growth in population living in the low-lying coastal areas like Placencia, Ambergris Caye, and other small cayes. In addition, tourism (mainly marine-based) is increasing in Belize; cruise tourism is the fastest growing sector and has increased seventeen-fold between 2001 and 2005 from 48,116 to 800,331 tourist arrivals. Overnight tourist arrivals have also increased. This is an immense concern, particularly as most of the coastal zone is vulnerable to flooding and currently has inadequate sewage treatment facilities. Marine vessel effluents Marine-based tourism is one of the main types of tourism promoted in the country. Phosphate and nitrate from sewage and bilge (ballast water) are discharged directly into the marine environment from live-aboard vessels. Cruise ships and other marine vessels’ effluents are a major threat to the health of Belize's marine environment. This is especially alarming as a constant monitoring plan or sewage discharge/disposal facilities are not in place to safeguard discharge of effluents from these vessels. Potential fossil fuel discharges and/or leakages from marine vessels and oil tankers are also sources of nutrient pollution to Belize’s marine environment. The oil company currently extracting oil in Belize has exported 452,268 barrels (19 million gallons) of fossil fuel since it began its commercialization in November of 2005 (local sales) and January of 2006 (export market) to August 12th, 2006; 372, 947 barrels of raw fuel were transported by sea to oil refineries outside of Belize and another 79,321 barrels were transported by land for local consumption. The development of bulk storage facilities at coastal ports and an increase in crude oil has raised the issue of a potential point source of pollution. Impacts of eutrophication to the marine environment Increased supply of nutrients to the marine environment is a major threat to the health and sustainability of the sensitive marine ecosystems including coral reefs, and sea grass beds. The impacts of increasing nutrient supply vary depending on the level of eutrophication. The effects of moderate eutrophication include increased growth of phytoplankton, benthos and fish to changes in species composition. Severe eutrophication effects include algal blooms that may be toxic to growth of certain species and death of others. For example, algal blooms and “fish kills” have been reported occasionally in the country in rivers such as the New River in the Orange Walk District and have been attributed to nutrient rich effluents entering catchments from point and non-point sources. Some other incidents of elevated nitrate levels have been recorded in Belize City, Port Honduras Marine Reserve in Toledo, Dangriga and Cayo; however, these may be due to natural nitrogen dissolved in rain or due to soil mineralization releasing nutrients naturally in the rivers of watersheds. Low dissolved oxygen was noted at Haulover Creek, Belize District, near the sugar storage facility. Phosphate levels recorded have generally been within acceptable limits. Sulphate levels of the effluents from

Picture: Fish kill on the New River


aquaculture farms are generally above the normal recommended value of 200 ppm (Effluent standards, DOE). Hydrocarbon residues have been observed in the marine environment although there has been no major oil spills in the country. Hydrocarbons (primarily diesel from pleasure crafts and crude oil from oil tankers) are a major threat to Belize’s marine environment. Oil residues and slick can result in death to many marine species such as corals and wildlife and destroy inter-tidal habitats of endangered species such as birds and marine turtles. While several observations have been made and documented of nutrient pollution in isolated areas of the country, there has been no study done to quantify the impacts of nutrient pollution. Neither have there been any sustained monitoring programmes to determine the nutrient load within waterways leading to the marine environment.

4.3 Physical Alteration and Destruction of Habitat

In Belize, the main factors identified as contributors to physical alteration and habitat destruction are: urbanization, agriculture and aquaculture, forestry, mining and dredging, and natural disasters. Urbanization Growing residential, tourism and small cayes developments in Belize’s coastal zone have resulted in tremendous physical alteration and habitat destruction in this area, particularly in the last decade. Mangroves cover 1.5% (77,233 acres) of the total land area on the mainland of Belize (the official mainland area being 8,867 square miles), and is concentrated on the coastline and Belize’s 1,060 cayes. Removal of mangroves has been customary to allow for development and potentially has the greatest impact on these areas. Unfortunately, this valuable resource is underappreciated and has been indiscriminately cleared for development. Mangrove clearance, for the most part is inadequately documented; permits were given by the Forest Department to alter 23 acres between 1999 and 2003; 219.32 acres in 2005 (93.1% of which was in the Stann Creek District), and from January to August of 2006, 143.75 acres (69.5% of which is for development on Montego Caye, Belize District and 26.8% in the Stann Creek District). Recently approved potential mega projects such as the Stake Bank Cruise Terminal located on Stake Bank Caye, the Ocean View Grand Resort on North Drowned Caye, and Smugglers Run Development in the Salt Creek area of the Belize district are a few examples of the increasing tourism development altering the coastal environments on the both cayes and mainland Belize. The completion of these coastal developments is expected to result in hundreds of acres of cleared mangroves. However, it is believed that a larger number of acres have been cleared without issuance of permits for residential and other developments. Cruise ship arrivals have increased seventeen-fold between 2001 and 2005 from 48,116 to 800,331. Overnight tourist arrivals have maintained a gradual increase over the same period. Much infrastructure in Belize has been developed to facilitate cruise ship arrivals and overnight tourists visiting coastal and marine areas like Ambergris Caye and Placencia. In addition, mangrove removal, construction and dredging activities at development sites produce high sediment loads to the marine environment.

Picture: Mangrove clearance on the coast


The overall impacts of land alteration, particularly mangrove clearance, on the marine environment are loss in habitats and nursing areas for numerous economically viable species such as birds, fish and lobsters; reduced natural coastline protection from erosion and other impacts of high wave activities, and increased pollutant loads entering the marine environment. Other impacts of physical alteration include loss of land masses and flooding due to changes in natural sediment transports and deposition processes. Physical alteration for developments in the coastal zone also result in increased production of sewage (including wastewater) and other pollutants that are of

environmental concerns, especially as a national monitoring program on nutrient and sediment movement along the rivers and in coastal areas are not in place. Agriculture and aquaculture In Belize, agriculture is the most extensive form of commercial land use. Ten (10) percent (about 536,000 acres) of the country is used for agricultural production of which 36% is utilized for Belize’s major export crops (sugar, citrus and banana). Agriculture and aquaculture developments that are located adjacent to rivers and streams result in removal of riparian zone, increase erosion, and land (nutrient and sediments) run-offs, which negatively impact Belize’s marine environment. Physical alteration and destruction of habitats has occurred due to mangrove clearing and littoral forest removal for development of semi-intensive and intensive aquaculture farms, particularly marine shrimp farms. The acreage of productive shrimp farms has increased from 1,370 acres in 1997 to approximately 7,916 acres in 2006 (almost 600%), and intensity has also increased from 1,979 lbs per acre in 1997 to about 4,000 lbs per acre in 2006. Mangrove and other vegetative cover removal disrupts the natural filtration processes that reduce sediment and other pollutants from shrimp farm and other agricultural developments that can reach the marine environment; it also destroys the habitats for many species including commercially important species like fish and lobsters. Mining and dredging In 2003 and 2004, permits were issued to carry out offshore dredging activities to mine an estimated 106,962 and 327,031 cubic yards respectively of sediments. The actual extraction figure in 2005 only

amounted to 46, 639 cubic yards while total sand and gravel extraction from rivers and streams was 119,539 cubic yards. Licenses for oil exploration in coastal areas that are vulnerable to sedimentation include “Blocks 12 and 19” (1,211,803 acres) in the Toledo District and parts of “Blocks 8 and 13” (375,100 Acres) offshore of the Stann Creek District. Dredging of rivers, creeks and canals for drainage and ports to accommodate development in the coastal zone has been done in many areas such as at the Deepwater Port and at the Haulover Creek

Picture: Coastal erosion due to development of the land

Picture: Fill deposited on the coast from dredging


in Belize City. Dredging results in changes in stream flow, erosion, flooding and siltation which all have negative impacts on the marine environment. Sedimentation, for example, has been scientifically shown to stress coral reefs resulting in increased susceptibility to diseases. It also impacts sea grass and other marine ecosystems. The impacts to other marine organisms such as micro-organisms have not been studied in Belize. Natural Phenomenon Belize experiences a hurricane on average every three years. Studies conducted on Belize’s Barrier Reef have shown that hurricanes cause significant reduction in coral cover in both shallow back reefs as well as deep fore reefs. In addition, hurricanes result in extensive damages to infrastructure (marine piers, bridges, houses etc.), subsequently there are normally significant increases in infrastructure development after hurricanes resulting in increased demand for mining materials and hence increase in sedimentation and other pollutant loads to the marine environment. For example, hurricane Iris in 2001 resulted in BZ$5.1 million (US$2.55 million) in damages to the transport sector (marine piers, bridges etc) and affected 3,305 houses, which were mostly located in coastal communities (Placencia, Monkey River, Punta Negra etc.). Since hurricane Iris, there has been extensive re-development efforts in the areas affected, which in addition to the physical alteration and habitat destruction caused by this natural disaster, impacts the adjacent marine environment.

4.4 Solid Waste

Sources of Pollution Solid waste can be regarded as normally solid or semi-solid material resulting from human and animal activities that are useless, unwanted and hazardous. Solid wastes typically may be classified as domestic/residential, commercial and industrial in Belize. Belize’s coastline is also recipient to another contributor to solid waste pollution directly to the marine environment, internationally generated waste. Solid waste management falls under the responsibility of local government with the City Councils in Belize and Belmopan, Town Boards in the Districts and Village councils in the rural areas. Domestic or residential waste includes waste foods and the items associated with food production and preparation. Neither Local Government agencies nor the Sanitation Companies throughout the country provides adequate storage facilities for wastes generated within homes. This result in waste being left exposed to the elements. From the estimated 229,000 tons of solid waste produced by household and commercial establishments in 2003, almost 95,000 tons came from the municipality (residential). In 2003, the highest per capita generation rates were Belize City and San Pedro. This can be attributed to the tourism industry as Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) increased from 19,328 in 1997 to 37,070 in 2000 and then to 48,125 in 2003. It is estimated that the cruise ship tourism with 575,196 visitors in 2003, generated 1,592 tons of waste while overnight tourism with only 220,574 generated another 2,076 tons. According to available data at the Central Statistical Office (CSO), 24,459 pounds of paper, 822, 026 pounds of plastics, 107,710 tires and 31,752

Picture: Damage to residential house due to hurricane Dean in 2007


(including 3000 produced in Belize) batteries were imported to Belize in 2003. The composition of solid waste for 1997 include 60% organics, 20% paper, 5% plastics, 5% glasses, 5% metals and 5% others. Organics gradually decompose converting to potential liquid waste that can seep to sub-surface waters hence, affecting water quality of aquifers.

Industrial Wastes in Belize come from the major industries including citrus, sugar, banana, shrimp, construction, liquor and transportation. CSO figures indicate that waste from the major industries increased from 513,000 tons in 1998 to 529,000 tons in 2003. With developing technologies, most of these wastes are being reused or recycled. Below are some data in respect to the major industries and their solid waste:

1. From CSO data, it can be concluded that the Citrus Industry has been experiencing a gradual decrease in waste being generated. In 1998, 116,006 tons of waste peels were generated while in 2003 only 100,709 tons was recorded with an additional 2,657 tons of rejected fruits. Less than a decade ago, the disposal method practiced by the processors resulted in the residue from the pulp draining into the North Stann Creek River, entering the Caribbean Sea and resulting in fish kills. This contamination of the river occurred more that once. According to Solid Waste Management Authority (SWMA), the company thereafter engaged itself in consultation and eventually concluded that the most environmentally friendly method of disposal was composting and eventually used the final product as fertilizer. Although there have been advancements in the disposal, there is still concerns of the possibility that some liquid run-off may find its way into the nearby creek that is a tributary to the North Stann Creek River.

2. The Sugar Industry generates very high volume of wastewater with concentration of

chemical lethal to aquatic life. The factory is equipped with treatment facilities that eventually discharge this treated waste into the New River. Like in the case of the citrus waste, fish-kills have also been experienced in waters of the New River which influent the sea in the Corozal Bay Area. This industry has been experiencing an increase of waste being generated and in 2003 reached 402,027 tons. With increase in sugarcane prices, a higher production rate and waste generation is expected.

3. The Banana industry produced in 2003, 16.776 tons of organic waste and 66 tons of

plastic. A breakdown indicates that 9,942 tons of the organic waste is reused and 6,834 tons were recycled.

4. Another important and growing industry directly along the coast is the Shrimp industry.

This industry’s waste generation increased approximately 500% between 1998 and 2003. Five hundred and eighty three (583) tons of waste was generated in 1998 while 3,835 tons was in generated in 2003.

Picture: Rows of citrus peel at composting facility


5. The Battery industry in Belize is also very important to consider as the wastes are hazardous materials that can easily seep into surface waters causing potential health risks. Records for battery import and production show 34.444, 25.851, 26.473 and 31,752 for the period 2000 to 2003. It is important to note that despite the inconsistency in overall units, production numbers have experienced a gradual decrease from 7,808 in 2000 to 2,998 in 2003.

6. Three main companies carry out

poultry production in Belize, Quality Poultry Product and Fiesta Chicken in Spanish Lookout and Caribbean Chicken in Blue Creek, Orange Walk. Interviews with these company’s personnel, indicate that together 465,000 gallons of water flows through these facilities per week. Quality Poultry used 5 treatment ponds to treat and store 240,000 gallons of water while Caribbean Chicken disposes of 225,000 gals into their field behind the facility. In terms of solid waste, averages of 50 – 55 gal drums are generated per week by both facilities. This waste is burnt by both and remains then taken to respective community dumpsites.

7. Construction wastes include mainly lumber, stones, soils and roofing zincs. Lumber is

biodegradable therefore causing no environmental problems. Stones and soils are used for land filling and landscaping while metals, which comprises of approximately 5% of municipal waste is discarded in residential wastes.

8. International Waste is difficult to quantify. One of the leading organizations with a coastal

clean-up campaign in Belize is the Belize Boy Scout Association. Records from the garbage collection for the period 2003 to 2005 indicate that 19,638 lbs of garbage was collected within a 77.5 mls distance. An average of 253.4 lbs per mile was collected mainly in the coastline of Belize City and Corozal Town. Shoreline and recreational activities debris was 88.2%,

9. Pollution from oil waste is a problem is recently getting attention. Last year, a recycling

company operating in Belize took 82,372 gls of waste oil to Guatemala. Unfortunately, limited people are aware of that such an initiative exists and it is not completely utilized throughout the country.

Fortunately, like many of our industries, environmental programs and treatment facilities and recycling alternatives are being developed to minimize impact to the waterways.

Priority/Risk Areas Landfills Solid Wastes are disposed un-sanitarily throughout Belize. The locations, in a majority of instances are not appropriate due to environmental concerns. Very little has been done to address this problem. These sites are hazards to the environment since they are literally “open dumps.” They contaminate surface and underground waters. Wind, rain and running water convey litter from these disposal sites into out water sources. What should be landfills in Belize can only be seen as dumpsites

Picture: Lead-acid batteries collected and improperly stored


as there is no treatment of collected wastes. Presently, there are seven (7) municipal open dumps of which six (6), with the exception of Belmopan City, operate without addition of cover material.

There is no waste separation at any of the sites, though salvaging is permitted. Interviews with the Town Boards indicate that the standard operational practice in these dumps is to simply spread the waste and burn to reduce the volume. According to SWMA’s Manager, there are five (5) garbage disposal sites considered a threat to human health and marine ecosystem, and they need immediate relocation. Corozal Town, San Pedro, Caye Caulker, Belize City and Punta Gorda Town, all require urgent relocation, as they are extremely low-lying areas causing seepage to both surface and sub-surface waters. These sites are also very close to human inhabited areas and within half mile of the coast.

Rural Areas According to personnel at Public Health, proper waste disposal can assist in reducing public health risks for a household. Two of the considered adequate form of waste disposal is through preparation for municipal collection (54%) and burning (26.2%). In the urban areas of the country, 90.1% of the households use the municipal waste collection system. The rural areas where municipal collection system is minimal, 53.1% burn their wastes, 17.7% take it at the public dumpsites and 14.4% dump it in their own backyards. It is therefore evident that waste disposal is a greater issue in the rural areas, especially those communities along major rivers and creeks. Potential Impact In the rainy season rainfall that runs over or infiltrates through solid waste, extracts dissolved and suspended constituents and thus becomes a contaminated liquid called leachate, which can gradually seep into groundwater. This infiltration is easier in the coastal dumpsites highlighted in the priority/risk areas. As the waste decomposes through aerobic and anaerobic microbial action, waste-derived constituents increasingly become available to form leachate of greater concentration. Leachate from sanitary landfills or dumps sites can reach high organic concentrations well in excess of 20 000 mg/l of COD (chemical oxygen demand) and 10 000 mg/l of BOD5 (five-day biological oxygen demand) in the first several years after land disposal. It can also have high concentrations of total dissolved solids, ammonia, nitrate, phosphate, chloride, calcium, potassium, sulphate, and iron, as well as numerous heavy metals (commonly including lead, zinc, cadmium, and nickel) and organic trace constituents (commonly including by-products of decomposing solvents, pesticides, and polychlorinated biphenyls. In addition, high numbers of fecal bacteria are typical, while viruses seldom survive in leachate because of their sensitivity to the low pH values common to leachate Health issues regarding solid waste pollution is an increase in various vector-borne diseases, such as dengue fever and increased pathogen survival, as in the case of cholera. Dengue Fever Vector-related diseases remain an important public health threat throughout developing countries. The organic materials in waste provide breeding sites for insects and rodents of varied species that feed in the dumpsites and transports sickness to nearby populated areas. The dengue vector mosquito (Aedes aegypti) that favours small, clean water pools for breeding spreads dengue fever breads in containers, tires, and tin cans found in waste piles. In 1993, it accounted for 23 000 deaths globally; and up to 2.5 billion people in tropical and sub-tropical countries were considered at risk. In Belize, a significant number of households (41.1%) stated that they are facing problems with rats, roaches and bats.

Picture: Open dump in the Corozal District


Households in the rural areas (44.5%) and Belize City (43.8%) reported the highest problem with these animals and insects all of which bread in dump sites. The potential negative effects to the marine environment comes from high levels of nutrients such as nitrates and phosphates, and fecal coliforms including E. coli, which can lead to temporary euthrophication of the water, reducing the transparency of the water. This reduction in transparency can lead to reduction of available sunlight for coral reef and reducing reef growth and polluting recreational waters used by both tourists and locals.

4.5 Sedimentation

Sedimentation is deposition of geological sediments, typically in suspension with water, that are transported away from the source and eventually fall out of suspension. Fine sediments for instance silts and clay, require more time to fall out of suspension than coarser sediments. It is primarily fine sediments such as clays and silts that enter Belize’s marine environment. On land, sediments are made available from rocks and soils through the physical weathering or breakdown by wind, water, heat and pressure. Weathered rock and soil then become susceptible to movement or erosion. Erosion is the movement or displacement of those weathered materials by the action of wind, water, gravity and sometimes organisms. Erosion is influenced by precipitation, slope gradient, soil mechanics, ground cover and land use. It may be natural or anthropogenic and in this case, the anthropogenic causes are of concern. Sedimentation, a source of pollution, is caused by point and non-point sources. Point sources such as direct pipeline discharges and non-point sources being run-off, which release sediment laden waters into rivers and streams eventually, end up in the marine environment. These anthropogenic sources of sediment pollution are identified as agriculture and aquaculture, forestry, mining, urbanization and natural disasters. Land use practices in Belize such as farming on the periphery of major rivers and streams, lack of terracing on slopes, and creating high drainage networks increase surface runoff by reducing ground percolation. This increases erosion and subsequent sedimentation downstream. These activities are more intense in the Stann Creek District and account for over 50% of fine sediments transported to the rivers in that area (WRIScS, 1997-2000). Livestock production requiring tree clearing results in some loss of root systems and ground cover. Heavy grazing also tends to increase soil erodibility. Aquaculture farms discharge water prior to harvesting and during periods of extreme precipitation to avoid product loss due to pond overflows. Precautions are taken by the industry to stabilize pond walls during construction; however, during the production phase there is constant discharge of sediment and nutrient rich effluents directly to the sea. Mangrove forests are cut down and replaced with aquaculture, tourism, and urban developments. Mangroves are natural filtration and containment systems that reduce pollutants entering the marine environment. Valuable rooting systems and ground cover have been lost in Belize’s pine forests through death of pine trees to the bark beetle infestations. Likewise, in the removal of hardwood forests for industry, monitoring and enforcement of tree replacement is lacking. Therefore, soils with little root containment become exposed to wind and water. Surface runoff is increased due to decreased percolation. Mining of river aggregates cause the re-suspension of sediments in the water column. Once suspended, the fine sediment component is transported by current flow downstream. The likelihood of sediments reaching the marine environment increases when poor mining techniques are practiced. This is the case when sand and gravel bars are completed removed, if earth -moving machines are used from within the river channel instead of from on land; or if tailings are allowed to carelessly


discharge directly into rivers. Open pit mining removes overburden, removes natural ground cover, and increases slope gradients. Poor management practices such as indiscriminate removal of land cover or failure to rehabilitate mined sites increase the potential for surface runoff and erosion due to wind, water and gravity. Changes in land use associated with urban developments, particularly in coastal Belize, is potentially the greatest source of sedimentation due to removal of acres of ground cover and rooting systems through the conversion of mangrove forests to urban centres. Urbanization results in increased runoff due to the creation of impermeable surfaces such as roads and drains.

Wild fires triggered during droughts result in reduced ground cover, exposed soils, and dust formation. Elevated precipitation levels and increased energy flow of water are produced during tropical storms and hurricanes, which subsequently increases soil erodibility and transport. The impacts of sedimentation have not widely been studied in Belize. Previous studies in the country have shown that stressful conditions created by suspended sediments increase coral vulnerability to diseases. Ecosystems may be negatively affected by sediments due to direct smothering; reduced light penetration; increased turbidity; changes in circulation patterns; reduced dissolved oxygen; increased nutrient levels in the water column. There is non-harmonization of laws concerning environmental protection and housing and development laws that allow development within fringes of the coast. There are no laws in place to control sedimentation and associated pollutants from agricultural sources. Turbidity, nutrients, and other water quality parameters are measured; however sediment transport, physical, chemical, and biological sediments analyses are rarely examined. In most instances water quality testing has been discontinuous with large lag time between sampling. In short, there are few studies conducted for the country to investigate the impacts of sedimentation.

Section 5 - NPA Issues, Objectives and Actions

Description of issues/objectives/actions The objectives and actions provided in this section were developed through a collaborative process consisting of three separate stakeholder workshops (August 2006, March 2007, and December 2007). A matrix of the outcome of this workshop can be found in Appendix C. Over 50 individuals from approximately 35 governments, NGO, private industry, and academic institutions attended these workshops and gave input to this National Plan of Action. The objectives and actions described below were designed to address the threats to the coastal and marine environment of Belize. These threats were described in Issue Papers developed by participants in this process as well and can be found in Section 4 of this document. These objectives and actions therefore provide the collective input of key Belize stakeholders and identify the most important activities to address land-based coastal and marine pollution in Belize. The issues below are presented in priority order and list the top sources of pollution, objectives of how issues should be addressed, specific actions, existing activities that could be leveraged to achieve

Picture: Sedimentation from mining activities


an objective or action, the agency or organization that has primary responsibility to undertake the prescribed action, estimated costs and resources required to implement actions, and a list of performance measures to gauge the success of any of the activities that are implemented. 5.1. Issue 1: Sewage Priority sources/causes: Commercial sewage systems, septic tanks, latrines, and other sources such as service trucks and marine vessels Objective A: Improve the efficiency of the existing sewage treatment facilities within 5 years to meet existing standards

Priority actions 1) Assessment of the present facilities

- water quality monitoring

- assess the integrity of the facility

- ability to increase capacity

2) Seek Funding Existing activities

- Monthly monitoring for all three sites by Belize Water Services Limited (BWS) Primary responsibility

- Belize Water Services Limited, Public Health, Department of Environment (DOE) and Belize Public Utility Commission

Cost/resources required

- $100,000BZ (US$50,000) for consultant for all three sites - Human resources (in kind contribution of staff time) from BWS, Public Health & DOE about $15,000BZ (US$7,500)

Performance measures

- All three sites meet exiting effluent standards - Updated water quality monitoring program - Identify necessary infrastructure improvements to increase capacity of facility - Improve water quality (estimated 2yrs with funding)

Objective B: Provide waste water treatment facility for coastal residential communities

within five years and encourage connection to the system

Priority actions: 1) Conduct a feasibility study 2) Acquire appropriate land for siting of system 3) Identify sources of funding 4) Design and construction of facility Existing activities

- Census information - Poverty Assessment Report

Primary responsibility


- Ministry of National Development, BWS, Public Health, DOE, Ministry of Tourism, Local Government


- Estimated $1.2 BZ (million) per 2 miles for Placencia Area proposed Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), World Bank/ Global Environment Facility (GEF), Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) - Estimated timeframe: 3-4 yrs with funding


- Identification of appropriate technology, siting and cost analysis - Acquisition of property for project site - Operational sewage treatment facility

Objective C: Increase connectivity to existing sewage treatment facility and future treatment

facility

Priority actions 1) Educate general public on proper disposal of sewage waste 2) Subsidize cost for connection 3) Existing waste treatment facility Primary responsibility

- BWS, Government of Belize [Ministry of Health and Ministry of Economic Development]


- $2,000BZ (US$1,000) per household nationally Performance measure

- Greater than 90% connection to current or future sewage treatment facilities Objective D: Strengthen enforceable measures for construction of septic tanks and latrines,

where applicable

Priority actions 1) Develop and implement an educational program 2) Increase capacity of institutions for monitoring and enforcement 3) Coordinate the Standardization Guidelines for designs Existing activities 1) Guidelines and approved design for septic tanks by Public Health 2) Census information on population with septic tanks and latrines Primary responsibility

- Public Health - Municipal Authorities - Department of Environment - Central Building Authority


-$175,000BZ (US$87,500)



- Establishment and implementation of an education plan - Increased capacity building for inspection officers - Harmonized standards, best management practices implemented

Objective E: Reduce bilge and sewage discharge into the marine environment

Priority actions 1) Assessment of marine traffic (commercial and recreational) waste disposal 2) Develop guidelines, standards and establish a public awareness program and Ship Registry Primary responsibility

- Belize Fisheries Department - Belize National Coast Guard - Belize Port Authority - Department of Environment

Cost resources required

-$70,000BZ for 6 months (US$35,000) Performance measures - Increased knowledge of bilge and sewage management from marine vessels - Public Awareness materials to address disposal practices

5.2 Issue 2: Nutrients Priority sources/causes: agriculture/aquaculture (sugar, citrus, banana, livestock, shrimp, and tilapia), residential and commercial sewage, and marine vessel effluents (bilge) Objective A: Develop one coordinated national water quality monitoring network to measure

nutrient loads in rivers, lagoons and coastal areas to reduce nutrient pollution

Priority actions 1) Hold two national workshops with government, NGOs and private sector to harmonize water quality monitoring standards and coordinate current and future efforts. 2) Establish one protocol for freshwater and one protocol for marine water quality monitoring. 3) Conduct a legislative review of existing Water Quality Monitoring (WQM) issues. 4) Recommend legal responsibilities for continued implementation of the National Water Quality Monitoring Program. Also recommend mechanisms to enforce the Riparian Buffer Zone (66 feet) alongside all water bodies and increase this requirement to 200 feet. 5) Revisit the WQM Protocols to agree on their joint Implementation from a National Perspective. Existing activities - Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) process/ Environmental Compliance Plan (ECP) requires water quality monitoring and submission of data to DOE. - Meso American Barrier Reef System Project (MBRS) Synoptic Monitoring Plan - Land Use Study (Wright et al, King et al)


- Studies: WRISCS study, Coastal Zone Management Institute & Authority Coastal -WQM Study, Programme for Belize freshwater study,

Primary responsibility - Department of Environment - Hydrology office (flow rates to calculate nutrient loads) - Department of Agriculture (training/extension)


- Action 1: $20,000BZ (USD$10,000) and in-kind staff time for responsible organizations - Action 2: $12,000BZ (US$6,000) - Action 4: $8,000BZ (US$4,000)


- Establish a number of monitoring sites in rivers and coastal areas - Identify pollutants (nutrients) to be measured, establish a base line at key locations in Belize (freshwater and marine) and compare future readings. - Standardized collection and measurement methodology (one Protocol for freshwater and one for marine waters). - Reduction of incidents of fish kills in rivers - Continuity in National WQM Program by all stakeholders (private sector & GOB)

Objective B: Identification and Implementation of best management practices (BMPs) from

agricultural and aquaculture systems (small to large farms).

Priority actions 1) Training of farmers in agricultural BMPs. 2) Implement land-use planning and zoning, alongside land distribution policies to minimize or avoid use of marginal lands for agriculture. Existing activities None identified Primary responsibility - Department of Environment Cost/resources required - Action 1: $20,000BZ (US$10,000) - Action 2: $200,000BZ (US$100,000) Performance measures None identified

5.3 Issue 3: Physical Alteration & Destruction of Habitat Priority sources/causes: urbanization & development, deforestation, agriculture & aquaculture. Objective A: Development and implementation of a Land Use Plan, zone scheme for urban areas,

zoning scheme for tourism development along the coastal areas. Harmonize land development and existing laws as they relates to coastal areas.

Priority Actions


1) Utilize GIS and other technology as part of land use planning. 2) Establishment of baseline data to monitor long term. 3) Assessment of how many mangrove cayes are still national lands. 4) Revise and promote the use of existing land use plan such as the Special Development Areas. 5) Assessment of practices & development of best practices in agriculture for irrigation purposes. 6) Compare and coordinate existing legislation to that they relate to each other. 7) Implement and enforce existing law. 8) Moratorium on sale of mangrove cayes. 9) Enforce and Strengthen legislation in regard to development of riparian and steep slope areas. 10) Inventory of vegetation along riverbanks. 11) Revive planning bill initiative. Existing activities Action 8: Implementation of the National Protected Areas Systems Plan (NPASP) Primary responsibility Fisheries & Forest Departments with NGOs for protected areas Department of Agriculture Lands & Surveys Department Local municipalities Cost/ resources Action 1: $100,000 Action 3: $40,000 per year Action 6: $120,000 per year Performance measures - Database of existing land use. - National Land Use Plan, developed & commencement of implementation. - Assessment report. - Report on best practices. - Draft amendments and new legislation.

Objective B: Updating and legislating a Coastal Development Policy.

Priority Actions 1) Review and revise both documents 2) Implement policies 3) Strengthen the coordinating capacity of the Coastal Zone Management Authority & Institute. Existing activities Cayes Development Policy Coastal Development Guidelines Primary responsibility Coastal Zone Management Authority and Institute (CZMAI) Cost/resources Action 1: $40,000 BZ


Action 2: $ 80,000 BZ Action 3: $1.5 M X 3 yrs Performance measures - Legislation detailing and guiding coastal development.

Issue 4: Solid Waste Management Priority sources/causes: household and commercial, agro-industries (citrus, sugar, banana), and meat and seafood processing. Objective A: Implement the National Solid Waste Management Plan. Develop norms and

specifications for collection, transportation, storage, treatment, and disposal of solid wastes in collaboration with Departments of Environment and Health.

Priority Actions 1) Review status of the Board of Directors to reflect the primary stakeholders in the Authority 2) Establish the Solid Waste Management Authority (SWMA) 3) Establish the Authority secretariat with qualified staffing 4) Review and Strengthen Act (Chap 224) 5) Review and Update Management Plan 6) Implementation of Management Plan 7) Each agro-industry to develop a solid waste management plan with assistance from the SWMA 8) Access the feasibility of conversion of waste to other productive uses Existing activities None provided Primary responsibility Actions 1-2: Ministry responsible for Solid Waste Management Action 3: Board of Directors Action 4: Board of Directors in consultation with the Agriculture Department Action 5: The Secretariat with input from stakeholders Action 6: The Secretariat Action 7: Belize Agricultural Industry Association Action 8: Belize Agricultural Industry Association Cost/resources required Action 1-2: No cost Action 3: $800,000BZ for the first year (US$400,000) Action 4: $5,000BZ (US$2,500) Action 5: $9,000BZ (US$4,500) Action 6: $500,000BZ per year, after first year of administration (US$250,000/yr) Action 7: GOB administrative monitoring cost already in budget Action 8: GOB administrative monitoring cost already in budget Performance measures - The Board of Directors membership reviewed by the Minister and replaced by the SWMA as stipulated in the act. - Budget for Board of Directors approved


- Secretariat established as stipulated in the plan with CEO and staff - Act revised and gazetted - Carry out three stakeholder consultation in northern, central and southern Belize - Finalize and approved SMWA plan - Approval of Implementation Plan budget - Completion of Implementation Plan phases - Develop public awareness campaign - Implementation of user fee - Proper disposal of solid waste in an environmentally friendly manner

Section 6 - Financing the Belize National Program of Action 6.1 Developing a financing strategy for NPA implementation One of the most important steps in implementing a National Program of Action is designing a financing strategy to fund the activities in the NPA. There are many financial resources and mechanisms to consider when contemplating funding, as well as determining their potential to provide for sustained implementation of the NPA over many years. This section offers a concise summary of the types and sources of funding for environmental conservation programs, focusing on those that apply to activities delineated in this NPA. In addition, the references in this section are recommended for further investigation into the subject of fundraising. From the activities and necessary investments identified in NPAs worldwide, it is clear that the total cost of compliance is high and exceeds current levels of financing given the political, household, and private sector priority of action plans. In Belize, as in other countries, the amount of financing needed to implement NPA activities exceeds the available level of financing – even with donor support. Therefore, it is crucial to identify which financing sources are most relevant and realistic to the specific project activities and develop a long-term sustainable financing plan. (UNEP 2006) The Belize NPA process has produced a prioritized list of actions to implement, including cost estimates, in order to protect the coastal and marine environment from land-based sources of pollution. These actions will include expenses such as: cost for institutional arrangements, capacity increases, undertaking research and analytical work, monitoring and enforcement activities, technical assistance, project preparation, design and project implementation activities as well as other supporting activities. (UNEP 2006) Specific funding arrangements should be designed for each type of financing need. It is also necessary to identify actions that create incentives for the users/beneficiaries or polluters to pay for their activities and ensure that the program is integrated into public expenditure programs (such as fiscal budgets and public-investment programs). Developing a medium to long-term strategy on how to establish a framework that will support a gradual move toward sustainable financing mechanisms is also a high priority. In addition, arrangements should be made to ensure that household affordability will not become a problem. (UNEP 2006) To implement the NPA the activities that were defined for each objective should first be prioritized based on the availability of current funding and the realistic expectations of receiving additional outside funding for each. Also key, especially in Belize, where there is an extensive amount work underway to protect the coastal and marine environment from land-based sources of marine pollution, is to take stock of all the ongoing activities that can contribute to fulfilling the objectives of the NPA. Some of these programs have been identified within the activities of this NPA; however, this does not capture the breadth of work underway in Belize. Further stakeholder input and


participation, as well as raising public awareness of the NPA can help to ensure a truly national program that takes into account all activities protecting Belize’s coastal and marine resources, thus reducing redundancy, enhancing cooperation and promoting efficient use of financial and professional resources. Activities within the NPA should implement cost effective, best affordable options and consider how the use of different technologies can affect costs. For example, Figure 6.1 shows tentative cost estimates for different levels of sewage sanitation service and technology options as a “ladder of sanitation options,” starting at a basic level and moving up to higher levels of service. There is an obvious and important difference in levels of sanitation between the (mostly non-networked) rural sanitation component and the (mostly networked) urban improved wastewater treatment component. It’s important to note that some of the low cost options may have negative environmental consequences (e.g., sewerage connection without adequate treatment, or inadequate sludge disposal contaminating the environment). However, decentralized eco-technologies should be considered as cost-effective alternatives to traditional centralized approaches, even in densely populated urban areas. (UNEP. Financing Wastewater Collection)

Figure 6.1 Tentative cost estimates for different levels of sanitation services and technology options

Source: UNEP. Financing Wastewater Collection Mobilizing financing for NPA activities is not a one-time task, but must be revisited regularly to ensure that activities receive enough support to achieve their objectives and to provide a sustainable stream of resources for continued protection of coastal and marine ecosystems. To implement the Belize NPA a set of actions were identified to serve as the financing strategy of the NPA. This strategy, provided in Section 6.3, consists of a list of actions to match the objectives and actions already developed with revenue sources identified for each activity. The following subsection, in addition to Table 6.1, should be used as a guide in identifying appropriate funding mechanisms for the NPA.


6.2 Types of financing The text below summarizes various methods that a government can implement to ‘internalize’ environmental financing, through use of economic instruments, e.g., taxes, subsidy reform, debt relief; as well as provides a description of other ‘external’ fundraising mechanism and opportunities, e.g., grants, international loans, available to many different stakeholders and partners in this program. Financing actions of the NPA should consist of a policy mix of some economic instruments and strategies for attaining external funds. Not all of the options presented below will be applicable in the Belize NPA implementation. However, the NPA should consider all methods and opportunities discussed here, some even if only for a small-scale ‘pilot program’ to test their feasibility for wider implementation. For further reading, consult UNEP 2006. Financing the implementation of regional seas conventions and action plans, the source text for this section. Types of internal mechanisms for funding Economic instruments: Principle 16 of the Rio Declaration states: “National authorities should endeavour to promote the internalization of environmental costs and the use of economic instruments, taking into account the approach that the polluter should, in principle, bear the cost of pollution with due regard to public interest and without distorting international trade and investment.” In short, economic instruments for environmental protection are policy approaches that encourage behavioural changes through their impact on market signals rather than through explicit directives regarding pollution control levels or methods or resource use (UNEP 2002). The features of economic instruments include their market correction qualities and their efficiency or cost minimization objectives, and are ideally suited for reconciling environmental concerns with development needs, and integrating environmental and economic policies by virtue of their: a) flexibility in accommodating heterogeneity, and b) adjustability to changing circumstances. The key to the promise of economic instruments is their ability to harness the power of the market and the self-interest of the individual, and to turn these presumed adversaries of sustainable development into powerful allies. This is done not by mandated or prescribed actions, but by changing the economic incentives facing producers and consumers; by taking full advantage of their self-interest and superior information at their disposal without requiring the disclosure of such information and without creating large and costly bureaucracies. Economic instruments in effect transfer from bureaucrats to the market the responsibility of identifying and exploiting new and additional low-cost sources of pollution control’. (UNEP 2006) In addition, granting and lending organizations are increasingly promoting economic incentives as through their programs. The following are types of revenue generating economic instruments: Emission charges/fees/taxes: Direct payments based on measurements or estimates of the quantity and quality of a pollutant. Emission charges typically cover a wide range of pollutants, often in combination with non-compliance fees (see below). Such instruments are also referred to as ‘pollution charges’. User charges/fees/taxes: Payments for the cost of collective services are primarily used as a financing device by local authorities, for example for the collection and treatment of solid waste and sewage water. In the case of natural resources management, user fees are payment for the use of a natural resource (such as minerals, parks, or sporting, fishing and/or hunting facilities).


Product charges: Charges applied to products that create pollution when they are manufactured, consumed, or disposed of (such as fertilizers, pesticides, packaging and batteries). Product charges are intended to modify the relative price of the products and/or to finance collection and treatment systems. Non-compliance fees: Payments imposed on polluters who do not comply with environmental or natural resource management requirements and regulations. They can be proportional to selected variables, such as damage due to non-compliance or profits linked with non-compliance. Noncompliance fees are also commonly referred to as ‘fines’ or ‘penalties’ The following economic instruments are not revenue generating but are cost-covering instruments: Deposit-refund systems: Payments made when purchasing a potentially polluting product (for example batteries or glass bottles). The payment (deposit) is refunded when the product is returned to the dealer or a specialized treatment facility for destruction or recycling. It is intended to encourage individuals and firms to dispose of such items in an environmentally acceptable manner. Administrative costs are an important consideration when determining whether to create deposit-refund systems. Such systems appear best suited for products whose disposal is difficult to monitor and potentially harmful to the environment. When the used item has an economic value, the private sector may initiate a programme. Deposit-refund systems have typically been used for beverage containers, pesticide containers, lead-acid batteries, and tires. They can also be applied to appliances, electronic equipment, and automobiles. Performance bonds: Performance bonds are payments to authorities that take place prior to an activity that is potentially environmentally harmful. To guarantee compliance with environmental or natural resource requirements, polluters or users must pay a deposit in form of a ‘bond’. The bond is refunded when compliance is achieved, and forfeited if it is not achieved. In that sense, a performance bond acts like a deposit-refund system. If the performance bond is linked together with the renewal of for example permits and licenses, the environmental effect can be even stronger. Due to the difficulties in monitoring environmental damage and legal restrictions while setting up the contracts, performance bonds are used less frequently than other economic instruments and have been applied mainly where there is a clear potential for environmental damage, such as mining or oil production. Liability payments: Payments made under civil law to compensate for the damage caused by a polluting activity. Such payments can be made to the ‘victims’ (from chronic or accidental pollution) or the government. They can operate in the context of specific liability rules and compensation schemes, or compensation funds financed by contributions of potential polluters (such as funds for oil spills). Problems with economic instruments When choosing among instruments, the selection needs to consider local and global priorities. Given the number of possible instruments and the number of possible activities involved with each instrument, the government must choose where to start and how best to prioritize the different polluting sources. There is substantial variation in the needs, opportunities, and constraints facing each developing country. One size does not fit all. Even within countries, there is a substantial variation in the capacity to implement economic instruments across different regions or sectors. Some desired changes are easier to implement through economic instruments while others are easier to implement through command and control regulations. It is not an either or situation. For each country, the balance between regulatory controls and economic instruments will depend on local conditions and preferences. In high-income countries with well-staffed and well-equipped regulatory agencies, as well as strong judicial response systems, specific regulatory standards may be readily implemented on an equitable basis. Thus, economic instruments used in these countries may be


designed to encourage super performance. However, in many developing countries the inspection and enforcement resources are limited and political influences may lead to inequitable compliance requirements. In such cases, economic instruments may be designed for the achievement of more modest standards of performance rather than super-performance. Finding and implementing an economic instrument is not an easy task as the use of EIs has a number of preconditions that need to be fulfilled in order for the EI to be successful. Some of these preconditions are listed below (see UNEP 2006 for full treatment):

Functioning markets and related institutions Institutional capacity Setting the right price Political willingness Competition.

Subsidy reform Removal and gradual reduction of subsidies that are likely to degrade the marine environment need to be addressed by the GPA. The political and social consequences of such subsidy reforms need to be addressed and alternatives developed to ensure that adequate income of the people affected by the subsidy reforms. According to World Bank report (Pagiola, et al, 2002), the most important potential source of additional revenue comes not from the efforts to generate new revenues, but from freeing up resources that are inefficiently used (as in the case of subsidies). One of the most serious problems of coastal waters is increased nutrient input from sewage and agricultural runoff. A significant proportion of agricultural runoff stems from over-use, due in part to subsidies, which artificially reduce the cost of their use. Realistic pricing could encourage more efficient use and hence reduce runoff. Emphasis on the negative effects of agricultural subsidies is contained in the GPA itself. The funds becoming available through subsidy reforms could be partially reallocated to support the achievement of the NPA objectives. (UNEP. Sustainable Financing) External debt Sustainable debt financing is an important element for mobilizing resources for public and private investment. National comprehensive strategies to monitor and manage external liabilities, embedded in the domestic preconditions for debt sustainability, including sound macroeconomic policies and public resources management, are a key element in reducing national vulnerabilities. Debtors and creditors must share the responsibility for preventing and revolving unsustainable debt situations. Technical assistance for external debt management and debt tracking can play an important role and should be strengthened. (Monterrey Report, UNEP) External debt relief can play a key role in liberating resources that can then be directed towards activities consistent with attaining sustainable growth and development, and therefore, debt relief measures should, where appropriate, be pursued vigorously and expeditiously, including within the Paris and London Clubs and other relevant forums. Nothing the importance of re-establishing financial viability for those developing countries facing unsustainable debt burdens, we welcome initiatives that have been undertaken to reduce outstanding indebtedness and invite further national and international measure sin that regard, including as appropriate, debt cancellation and other arrangements. ( Monterrey Report, UNEP) Types of external funding Grants Grants will typically be advanced to finance clear, well-defined projects that match a specific set of priorities and/or requirements that are laid out by the grant provider. Grants are the only type of financing that does not require repayment. Grants can be made available from state, regional, or local authorities, special-purpose funds, multilateral or bilateral organizations, and other governmental and


private sector entities. Grants could be used to support both commercially viable projects if the subsidy is provided for a non-commercial element as well as projects valued primarily for their non-financial benefits. Grant financing helps overcome the lack of domestic funding opportunities or the general unwillingness to pay for pollution abatement or use of services. Grants, although attractive to the recipients, should only be utilized in a smart, well thought out manner. Typically, a grant will be provided with a co-financing requirement of some form and may also require a plan for future domestic financing for maintenance, operations, and rehabilitation. If not used wisely, the downside of grant funding can be a reduced pressure to identify the most cost-efficient solutions, thereby wasting valuable future resources. Grants are not a source of sustainable, long-term financing and therefore should not deter the focus away from the higher priority of securing long-term NPA funding. Loans Loans can take many forms, such as commercial loans, international financial institutions (IFI) loans, government loans (domestic as well as foreign), soft loans and loans with guarantees. Despite the variety of loans, all have common characteristics that can be used for comparison, such as size, interest rates, grace and maturity periods, and security/collateral requirements. Three specific forms of loans are described here: - Commercial loans are loans based on market conditions and they are issued without concessional elements. Terms, conditions, and availability will depend on the credit quality of borrower and/or guarantor. For environmental investments, commercial loans will typically be an option only if there is a sovereign guarantee to back up the loan. - Soft loans are loans provided on favourable terms – the principle usually has to be repaid in full but with a very low interest rate or with no interest at all. Soft loans are usually earmarked for a special purpose as decided by the lender, which typically is a donor (domestic or international) or an IFI. - Loans with guarantees (sovereign and sub-sovereign) are loans provided by multilateral banks, bilateral donors, or other international financial organizations. Since this type of loan is backed with a commitment for repayment, the element of risk is moved from the borrower to the country itself. For low-income countries that follow IMF and World Bank programs, there are often restrictions on which guarantees the state can give in order to comply with the program. Potential loan sources: Inter-American Development Bank Bonds Bond financing involves issuing an obligation guaranteeing repayment in the future. In order to issue a bond, the issuer needs to convince investors of its ability to meet the payment obligations specified by the terms of the bond. Bond issuing is only an option for well-developed countries as it requires detailed and reliable information including a risk rating from one of the recognized rating institutions such as Moodys, Standard and Poors, and Fitch. Rating institutions rate the debt of companies, municipalities, and governments. The ratings are ranked with alphabetical designation where AAA is the best rating. The rating is based on extensive financial, legal, and accounting analysis of the entity in question. The ratings provide a tool to which risks can be compared between companies and countries. Many capital market participants require little further information than a rating in order to set a price on a loan given to the rated entity. Domestic and international donors Donors (domestic or international) are either bilateral or multilateral institutions that provide grants and/or other forms of financing without cost. For low-income countries, donors are one of the main sources of environmental financing.


Donors usually require recipient countries to sign a bilateral agreement, which outlines the sectors that are eligible for support and the general framework and requirements for co-financing and other policy obligations. Countries should not expect to receive donor funding in the medium to long term as donors usually provide grants only for specific sectors and limited to a specified period of time and then phasing out the support. From the beginning, recipients should prepare for a gradual shift to self-financing arrangements and should focus on securing increased sustainable financing. Grants can be a boost and play a vital, short-term role in country development if used wisely to bridge the gap while continuing to search for more long-term financing. Donor funds are particularly attractive but they are not without disadvantages. Donor grants are usually targeted for specific activities or sectors. Recipient countries will then have to tailor their funding requests/proposals to fit the donor criteria, which may not have the same priorities as the recipient country. This is especially a problem if the grant requires co-financing since re-working the priority list may pull much-needed funding away from the actual priorities of the recipient country. Other downsides include:

the process for obtaining grants may be rather lengthy, especially for grants from multilateral organizations,

there is often a significant time lag between commitment and disbursements the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will usually negotiate the focus and priorities of the grant

programmes; the Ministry of Environment and other related Ministries are not always involved in the decision-making process, and

poorly considered grant projects can undermine local efforts for self-sufficiency and reduce the potential for leveraging user financing.

The purposes and mission of the individual donors may vary a lot and some aid will be tied to products from the country of the contributor. Most of the aid going to the least developed countries is now untied and the trend seems to be that more and more aid is untied. Therefore, since each donor programme has their own priorities and funding criteria, this information should be integrated into national financing strategies for the environment. (See: UNEP. Financing the implementation of regional seas conventions and action plans, for a more comprehensive treatment of donor organizations.) Micro-financing Microfinance provides funds to small enterprises – including the ‘informal’ sector – village banks, farmer groups, and households, which do not have easy access to conventional lending sources (such as commercial banks). Valuable experiences and international cooperation already exist. Currently, the demand for micro-financing is much higher than the resources available. Microfinance can contribute to the implementation of GPA-related activities, particularly in the sectors related to agriculture, aquaculture, tourism, small industries, and small-scale sanitation. High transaction cost, shortage of funds, and the lack of involvement of the traditional banking sector are some of the major impediments to be addressed. NGOs play a significant role in the development and implementation of micro-financing schemes. Government, foundations, and international financing institutions are currently the major founders. Commercial banks have followed the developments, but have not entered this market segment to a major extent (Source: UNEP/GPA 2001).


Annex A: References: Belize Central Statistics Office. Environmental Statistics at a Glance. 2004 Belize Central Statistics Office. Labor Force Study. 2007

Belize Central Statistics Office. Population Census 2000: Major Findings. Belize Central Statistics Office. Poverty Assessment Report. 2002. Boles, Ed. United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity, Stock-Take of Belize. June 2005 Department of Environment. Belize Environmental Profile 2005. Second Edition, revised. January 2006. Epidemilogy Unit, The, Ministry of Health. Health Statistics of Belize, 2001-2005. May 2006 Land and Surveys Department. Our Environment in Figures. 2006. Mesoamerican Barrier Reef Systems Project, the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric

Administration, Tufts University. Rapid Assessment of Anthropogenic Impacts on Select Transboundary Watersheds of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef Systems (MBRS) Region. May 2007

Spergel, B. and M. Moye (2004). Financing Marine conservation – A menu of Options. WWF Centre for Conservation Finance, Washington DC. www.worldwildlife.org/conservationfinance/pubs/fmc.pdf UNEP. Financing the implementation of regional seas conventions and action plans: A guide for national action. UNEP Regional Seas Reports and Studies No. 180. UNEP, The Hague. 2006. UNEP. Financing wastewater collection and treatment in relation to Millennium Development Goals and World Summit on Sustainable Development targets on water and sanitation. Jeiju, Republic of Korea. January 2004. UNEP. Global Programme of Action for the Protection of the Marine Environment from Land-based Activities. Washington, DC. October 23 – November 3, 1995. UNEP. Monterrey Report. Monterrey Mexico. 2002. UNEP. Sustainable Financing. The Hague, The Netherlands. 9-11 July 2001. U.S. Central Intelligence Agency. World Factbook. 2008

https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/bh.html


Appendix B: List of Participants in development of NPA NAME ORGANIZATION POSITION

Jose M. Cocom Citrus Products of Belize Ltd. Compost manager

Oswaldo Sabido The Wood Depot/ The Mena Group Consulting Forester

Nonato Canto Pesticides Control Board Technical Assistant

Audibaldo Monima Belize National Coast Guard Training Officer

Manuel Trujillo Ministries of Agriculture/ Fisheries

Director of Research and Development

Albert G. Roches Solid Waste Management Authority Manager

Juan Rancheran MNRE Policy Coordinator

Anthony Flowers Public Health Bureau Water Analyst

Malikah Cardona Lands and Surveys Dept, MNRE

Deputy Commissioner of Lands and Surveys

Cristina Aké SSB Economist

Donna Bradley Belize Hotel Association Administrator

Steve Morrison NOAA GPA Coordinator

Claudo Leal Meteorology Department Hydrological Technician

Roberto Pott Belize Audubon Society Marine Protected Areas Manager

Carren Williams A.N.D. Consulting Consultant

Rennick Jackson Fisheries Department Assistant Fisheries Officer

Rudolph Williams National Meteorological Service Hydrologist

Javier Alpuche Western Health Region Senor Public Health Inspector

Hipolito Contreras Land Information Centre Land Information Officer

Victor Alegria Student

Lizandro Quiroz Forest Department Forest Officer

Stephen L. Usher Belize Electric Company Limited Vice President of Operations

Dr. Colin A. Young Galen University Professor

Jorge A. Franco Department Of Environment Environmental Technician

Annie Hillary NOAA International Affairs Specialist

Martin Alegria DOE CEO

Lucien Chung Belize Water Services Operations Manager

William Usher A.N.D. Consulting Consultant

José García T.N.C.E. Manager

Hugo Rancheran Tunich Nah C & E EIA Preparer

Virginia Vasquez Costal Zone Management Authority and Institution Director

Oswald Arzu Banana Growers Association Health, Safety and Environmental Manager

Miriam Serrut Pesticides Control Board Registrar

Lany Vanegas Belize Tourism Industry UB Intern (marketing)

Khaidia Shakera Mossiah Belize Tourism Industry Association

UB Intern- BTIA Membership Officer

Stephen Mitten St. John's College Chairman- Science Department

Dexter Neal PFBL/BEL Coordinator

José Pérez POPs Project Project Manager

Evaristo Avella Wilderness Group Consultant

Godswell Flores Ministry Of Health Principal Public Health Inspector


Mario Fernandez N.P.C. Consulting Consultant

Candy Gonzalez Belize Institute of Environmental Law and Policy Vice President

Hilberto B. Riverol The Scout Association of Belize National Scout Executive

Nolberto P. Leiva Belize Sugar Industries Ltd. Production Superintendent

Maxine Monsanto Department of the Environment Environmental Technician

J. Alexander Bennett UWI Centre Belize Representative UWI Centre

Michelle Alvarez Geology and Petroleum Geologist

Tomás Camarena MBRS Environmental Monitoring Specialist

Andrew Coc Belize Port Authority Ports Inspector

Kendrick Daly Belize Port Authority Chief Safety & Security Officer

Vallan L. E. Hendy II Belize Port Authority Port Inspector

Ellen Mcrae Siwa-ban Fndtn Managing Director/ Secretary

Adrian Rodriguez Belize City Council Executive Administrator Officer

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Appendix C: Issue Paper on Sewage

LAND BASED POLLUTION SOURCE ON THE MARINE ENVIRONMENT Sewage Pollution

Introduction Worldwide it is recognized that land-based sources of marine pollution are contributing to an alarming decline in the health of the world’s marine ecosystems and their ability to provide for human needs. Globally, sewage is a major component of marine pollution from land-based activities, accounting for roughly three – fourths of all pollutants entering the world’s oceans. According to the United Nations Environmental Programme, Sewage constitutes the greatest threat to coastal and marine ecosystems and public health in the Wider Caribbean Region and Central America. Greenpeace claims that land based pollutants, primarily sewage is responsible for the decline and collapse of fisheries and tourism, and represent a severe threat to the public health in various regions of the world. Belize, a member of the Wider Caribbean Region and Central America, and its marine ecosystem are vulnerable to the impacts of land-based sources of pollution; primarily sewage. Sources of Sewage Pollution In May 1994, UNEP released a report entitled “Land-Based Sources of Marine Pollution Inventories” for Belize and Cayman Islands. In this report the land-based sources of pollution in Belize was recorded as domestic, industrial and agricultural. Domestic sources of pollution are wastes from residential areas, hotels, commercial agencies and from disposal of effluents from the lagoons, which treat the wastewater from Belize City. These point and non- point sources of pollution are centred on tourism activities, mostly found along the coast or riverine environment. Available data (Country Environmental Profile 2006) indicates that in 2005, 80% of Belize’s hotels, condominiums and guest houses are located along our coast and 80 % of water used in household is wastewater from sewage, showers etc. The Belize 2002 Poverty Assessment Report provides alarming figures in respect to the existing toilet facilities. Statistics indicate that in 2002, 54.8 % of households in Belize used water closets or septic tanks, 39.7% were using pit latrines and 3.5% of the dwellings did not have any type of toilet facility. A favourable change since 1991 is the increase in septic tanks system from 34.8% that year to 54.8% in 2002, compared to a decrease in pit latrines. A septic tank is a concrete cylinder block or metal tank where the solids settle and the floatable materials rise. The partly clarified liquid stream flows from a submerged outlet into subsurface rock-filled trenches through which the wastewater can flow and percolate into the soil where it is oxidized aerobically. The floating material and settled solids can be held for extended periods of time during which period they are decomposed anaerobically. When capacity is reached, these tanks are emptied by sanitary personnel and disposed of at destined landfills. In Belize City specifically, 93.4% of the toilet facilities were connected to septic tank while the rural areas only had 26.1% of households with this facility. Pit latrine remained the most common toilet facility in the rural areas with 65.2 % of it households. Other urban areas had a corresponding 34.9%. Priority/Risk Areas Since 1998, cruise tourism has experienced an unprecedented and probably unsustainable growth from 14,183 visitors in 1998 to 575,196 in 2003. Cruise ship tourism requires destinations not further than two (2) hours away from Belize City. Marine Reserves such as Hol Chan, Caye Caulker, Goff’s Caye and Swallow Caye Wildlife Sanctuary and terrestrial protected areas along the western

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highway, by extension the Belize River, are the most visited. The necessary infrastructure to host this type of visitation to Belize is currently not in place to accommodate liquid and solid waste being produced. Belize City is therefore the most critical area with high risks of marine pollution. The Mexican City of Chetumal and Corozal Town are a combined non-profit source of sewage pollution to the Corozal Bay and Bahia de Chetumal. In 2000, Chetumal’s population was 121,602, yet they do not have an adequate sewage treatment facility (www.nationsencylopedia.com). In addition, the City of Chetumal sewage treatment plant discharges primary treated sewage into the Bahia de Chetumal. The Corozal Bay is the eastern boundary for Corozal town, a municipality of 8,800 residents with no sewage treatment plant. All sewage from the estimated 1100 households is treated in pit latrines, septic tanks and soak aways. The underlying geology allows the sewage to leach into the Corozal Bay. The island township of San Pedro has a population of 8,400 residents and is Belize’s premier tourist attraction. The island has a coral foundation covered with coarse sand. Within the course sand cover is a thin freshwater (now brackish) lens. Prior the completion of the sewage treatment facility all sewage disposals were via septic tanks, and soak ways. The island is currently serviced by a sewage treatment facility that has a daily capacity to treat 600,000 gallons of sewage. Currently, it has 307 dwellings, representing 50% of all dwellings on the island, connected to its treatment facility. The Belize Water Services Limited contends that its treatment facility is operated significantly below capacity and outfalls are within acceptable standards. Potential source of sewage pollution is from the 50% of dwellings that are not connected to the treatment facility. The Sewage Ponds located on the southern shores of Belize City, is a potential point source for sewage pollution to the Belizean marine ecosystem. This sewage treatment facility was constructed in 1981 to treat 2.2 million gallons of sewage daily for a projected 50,000 residents. Since its construction, its capacity has not been increased. Sewage treatment ponds are designed to filter out floating and suspended sediment in the primary treatment. The secondary treatment facilitates the biological degradation of faeces and urine and other similar material to minimize the discharge of putrefying matter to the receiving water; and disinfection destroys infectious organisms. None of these processes treats toxic material contained in household wastes. The Belize Water Services contends that outfall from the City’s Sewage Treatment Facility is within accepted standard. The sewage system in Belmopan is comprised of sewer draining into two pumping stations then pumped into a treatment plant (Country Environmental Profile 2006). Unfortunately, this system is not functional resulting in direct release of raw sewage into Mount Pleasant Creek leading into the Belize River, which serves various social and ecological functions. In Belize City, approximately 6,665 households (60% of Belize City households) were connected to the sewer system, compared to 307 households in San Pedro Town, and 879 households in Belmopan (CSO, 2005). Wastewater being generated from these three systems is 3,039.355, 248.674 and 227.951 million litres/year respectively. As can be noted San Pedro has approximately 35% of the households compared to Belmopan and generates app. the same amount of wastewater, this being attributed to the tourism activities. In southern Belize, land-based non-point source of sewage pollution of the Belizean marine ecosystem exists on the shores of the municipality of Dangriga. This municipality of 10,800 residents has no sewage treatment facility. The number of households is estimated at 300 with 40% with septic tank sewage treatment. The remaining 60% of households use pit latrines and or dispose of sewage directly into the waterways or sea. In addition to the 60% of the households that use pit latrine the shrimp, citrus, banana and other industries attract many from Belize’s labour force who remain for extended periods working in the area. What increases the risk of sewage pollution to the marine

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environment in this area is the soil type. The general area is of course sand, highly porous, which can lead to leaching. Potential Impacts Potential effects of sewage waste on the marine ecosystem include: increased turbidity or cloudiness of water caused by excessive algal growth, blocks sunlight from penetrating the water and submerged vegetation and corals; changes the distribution, abundance, and reproduction of individual organisms which may have a direct impact on fisheries. Decrease biological diversity is often apparent, subsequent changes in food chain relationship and the aquatic community structure (also due to increased algae growth), and excessive oxygen depletion when large number of algae dies and decomposes by micro-organisms. This oxygen depletion can in turn result in excessive fish kills and stunted growth of other marine life. Domestic wastewater contaminates surface water by direct discharge into rivers through canals or by emptying buckets into streams, effluents from septic tanks and non-functional sewage treatment plants. Sewage outfall or leachates can lead to high current driven Escherichia coli concentrations contaminating the waters and the beaches of Chetumal, Corozal Bay, Cayes in the Lagoon system, on the western shores of Ambergris Caye, Belize City and surrounds, Placencia, Dangriga and Punta Gorda Towns. High concentration of Escherichia coli can pose serious public health risk. Poor water quality can also lead to high viral content and infectious diseases. Untreated domestic wastewater causes health related problems such as gastroenteritis, cholera and other waterborne illnesses. A review of three Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) indicates the presence of E. coli. E.I.A’s for Blackadore Caye, Stake Bank and Ara Macao show the following figures. Blackadore Caye project has averages of 312/100ml Total Coliform, 1/100ml E.coli and 0/100 ml Fecal Coliform. Stake Bank Project recorded 84.8/100ml for Total Coliform and 23.6/100ml of E.coli and Ara Macao recorded 353.5/100ml of E.coli. World Health Organization (WHO) standards for drinking water for E.coli are 0/100ml and recreational waters are 200/100ml. Results therefore indicate that all samples are above the levels for drinking water and the area of southern Belize around Placencia is the only site that has above the standard for recreational purposes. Report from Public Health indicate that they have recently declared Belize Beach as a no swimming area as there has been cases of skin problems by people swimming in these waters. Currently, there is no monitoring program for sewage in the marine ecosystem. However, there is investigative evidence that indicate that sewage in the form of Escherichia coli has been detected within the Bahia de Chetumal, Corozal Bay, near Blackadore Caye in the lagoon system, north of Belize City, and on the beaches of Dangriga Town and Placencia. Such water borne and beach evidence was found in these areas but its eastward extent is not known. These levels of E. coli can lead to temporary euthrophication of the water, reducing the transparency of the water. This reduction in transparency can lead to reduction of available sunlight for coral reef and reducing reef growth In addition to the health risk and ecological damage that can result from sewage, pollution is the threat to the tourism sector of the country. The health of Belize’s marine ecosystem’s flora and fauna and tourism development are integral to the tourist industry on San Pedro Ambergris Caye, Caye Caulker, Belize City, Dangriga, Placencia and Punta Gorda Town. Threats to this ecosystem can jeopardize the vibrant tourism of Belize.

Legal Mandate The protection of the marine ecosystem is legally mandated under the Environmental Protection Act (EPA), CAP-328 Section 7 (k-m). This act includes the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)

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Regulations (S.I. No. 107 of 1995), the Environmental Protection (Effluent Limitation) Regulations, SI # 94 of 1995, and the Pollution Regulations, SI # 56 of 1996. Costal Zone Authority and Institute Act CAP-329, Section 5 (a-c, f-j), Fisheries Act, CAP-210 Section 141 (a-d) Public Health Act (Chapter 40, Revised Edition 2000), the regulations within this act empowers Health Officers to inspect water and sewerage works. The act contains a range of provisions relating to accommodations of dwelling houses, regulating lavatories, washhouses, swimming pool and cleansing of unwholesome latrines. Port Authority CAP 233 – the Belize Port Authority Regulations prohibit any person from depositing, placing or discharging polluting matters (such as sewerage, oil, trade waste, etc) into the territorial water of Belize (regulation 10 (1)). Public Knowledge Although the Belizean public is aware that sewage waste is unhealthy, the majority are unaware of the potential risks and threat to their health and the marine ecosystems. Existing literature and research on water quality countrywide is site specific and does not include E. coli as a parameter and little importance is given to it in respect to the effects it is having on the marine ecosystem. E.I.A’s developed by consultants for developments along the coast indicate that E. coli is present along our coast in levels above natural standards, however, this information has not reached the public. Representatives from Government Departments and NGO’s interviewed were unaware of this situation and expressed their interest in knowing more. Consciousness of such threats is generally event and media driven and short-lived. According to the Environmental Statistics for Belize 2004, results of the environmental module included in the Labour Force Survey (LFS) of 1999, 78% of households were concerned about at least one environmental problem while in the 2000 Population and Housing Census (PHS) 64% were concerned about one environmental problem. LFS results also reveal indiscriminate waste disposal and water contamination were the greatest environmental issues in the country with 25 % and 16% respectively. According to the 2000 census, 49% of the households thought that availability of environmental information was a problem is Belize, while 40% thought is was sufficient. Gaps Statistical data necessary to quantify the levels of sewage waste is not available. There is no set national program in place to monitor E. coli levels and other water pollutants. By law, industries are required to provide Government Departments with relevant information; however, this information is not available to the public for easy access. Lack of coordination and communication between Government Authorities and agencies result in UNCLEAR responsibilities to address environmental issues related to the marine environment. It is clear that at the end of the day, Department of Environment is forwarded complaints by all other relevant Government agencies and institutions with regards to sewage pollution. DOE is understaffed and lack adequate financial support to address the all the environmental issues affecting the country. Unlike other departments that have sub-station in the District, DOE has only seven (7) technical field staff all working out of Belmopan City.

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It is important to realize that the health, wellbeing and in some cases the very survival of coastal populations depend on the health of the coastal marine ecosystem. Nevertheless, this ecosystem needs to be viewed as part of a bigger watershed system with headwaters, riparian forest, drainage basin, wetlands, and estuaries and near shore. Recommendations Encourage and enforce the legislation related to sewage disposal. Ensure through legislation, financing that the tourism industry improve the present infrastructure to accommodate their increasing community development and impacts the industry is having on the environment. A comprehensive study is necessary to determine the status of the marine ecosystem with emphasis on effects of sewage and solid waste. A sustained monitoring program for the timely detection of sewage within the coastal environment should be designed and implemented immediately. The creation of a database should be designed. It is recommended that a national educational program on sewage waste pollution to increase awareness of the public on the potential risks and threat to human health and the marine ecosystems need to be developed and implemented in a sustained manner. This could be carried out in conjunction with Public Health Department. Within the topics covered, measures to minimize sewage pollution should be included. A coordinated effort between the legally responsible agencies (governmental, NGO’s, civil society and industry should be initiated with the view of maximizing efficiency and reducing cost when dealing with issues related to marine pollution. Proper communication is necessary to avoid duplication of effort, maintain updates and maintain one standpoint related to offences. Incorporate the poor in the sewage collection services where available. In urban areas and the cayes, new systems for sewage collection and treatment are being installed. However, most of the poor residents are not being connected to the sewage system, and they will continue to dispose their sewage directly into the ocean (e.g., San Pedro). The main reason for not covering the poor with an adequate sanitation system is their inability to pay the marginal cost for the service. This should be addressed.

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References

Rudolph Williams, Meteorology Department Raparto, Dave, A Report Produced for Greenpeace Pacific, Centre for Clean Development, 1227 W. 10th Avenue, Eugene, Oregon 97402 USA, March 1995 UNEP-Caribbean Environment Programme _Land Based Sources of Marine Pollution.htm CEP Technical Report No. 35 1995 A.N.D. Consulting, May, 2006 - National Implementation Plan on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) Project - “Preparation of a Preliminary National POPs Inventory and Basic Information System” Department of Environment, Country Environmental Profile, January 2006 Environmental Statistics for Belize 2004 Belize 2002 Poverty Assessment http://www.nationsencyclopedia.com/mexico/Michoac-n-Zacatecas/Quintana-Roo.html http://www.belizelaw.org/ Telephone Conversations: Williams/BWSL – Belize City Sewage Supervisor William/BWSL – San Pedro Supervisor William/Dangriga Town Board Administrator Commission Nacional del Agua, Diagnosticos integral para el manejo sustentable del agua en la cuenca internacional del Rio Hondo, Mexico-Belize, al ano 2025 (Borrador), Noviembre 24 de 2005 Isaias Majil/ Fisheries Department Virginia Vasquez/Coastal Zone Management Authority Jose Garcia, Tunich-Nah Consultants & Engineering Dirk Francisco/Belize Audubon Society Olivia Carballo Avilez/ Belize Boy Scout Rony Maza, PAHO Bernardo Bey, Public Health Anthony Flowers, Public Health

http://www.nationsencyclopedia.com/mexico/Michoac-n-Zacatecas/Quintana-Roo.html

http://www.belizelaw.org/

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Appendix D: Issue Paper on Nutrients Eutrophication in the Marine Environment of Belize Introduction Belize is located in the northeast of Central America at 15º45’ - 18º30’ N and 87º30’ – 89º15’W: UTM Zone 16. It is bordered by Mexico (north and part northwest), Guatemala (south and rest of northwest), and the Caribbean Sea to the east. Belize’s total land area is approximately 22,960 km2 (8,867 sq. miles). Its entire land area is divided into six administrative districts: Toledo and Stann Creek in the southern region, Belize and Cayo in the Central region, and Orange Walk and Corozal in the northern region. Belize also has approximately 1,060 low-lying cays and sand-flats located all along its vast coastline. Mainland Belize is divided into 34 watershed regions with 16 major river catchments. The watershed areas including the rivers total 35,599.5 km2. Four of these rivers (Belize, Sarstoon, Moho and Temash) extend outside the boundaries of Belize to Guatemala and accounts for a total catchment area of 10,195 km2 (28.7%). 7,614km2 (50.5%) of the Rio Hondo catchment, located in northern Belize, extends into Mexico. These rivers are very significant as they are the major transport medium for both point and non-point sources of nutrient pollution originating from Belize, Guatemala and Mexico that impact the marine environment of Belize. Fifteen (15) other river catchments in Belize, totalling 3,468.9 km2, are located in low-lying flat terrain connected to inland swamps, creeks and lagoons. Water movement in these areas is relatively slow and presents minimal threat to the marine environment under normal conditions. Pollution due to increases in nutrient loads (eutrophication) to Belize’s marine environment is a major threat to the sustainability of sensitive coastal and marine resources in the country. This paper will briefly describe (a) the state of knowledge on point and non-point sources of pollution that contribute to eutrophication, (b) the impacts of eutrophication, (c) challenges in monitoring and controlling nutrient pollution and (d) recommendations to reduce nutrient loads and impacts to Belize’s marine environment. Point and non-point sources of pollution contributing to eutrophication Increase in nutritional resources to water bodies includes the supply of mineral nutrients, principally nitrogen (N), and phosphorus (P), and organic carbon from natural and anthropogenic sources such as agriculture, aquaculture and agro-processing, urbanization, and marine vessel effluents. These nutrients can have negative impacts on Belize’s marine environment. Agriculture, aquaculture and agro-processing industries In Belize, agriculture is the most extensive form of commercial land use. Ten (10) percent (about 536,000 acres) of the country is used for agricultural production of which 36% is utilized for Belize’s major export crops (sugar, citrus and banana). The last updated data (2003) in the Belize Farm Registry shows that 86,065 acres are used for livestock grazing (pasture), 7,916 acres for shrimp farming, 60 acres for tilapia farming and the remaining acreage is used for local production (corn, beans, rice, vegetables and other crops). Fertilizers and other agro-chemicals are widely used as a means to increase yields and is potentially a major source of non-point source of nitrogen and other nutrients. For example, fertilizer intensity for all crops has increased in the country from 289 pounds per acre in 1999 to 391 pounds per acre in 2003. Sugar cane is grown in the low-lying Districts of Orange Walk and Corozal on 63,800 acres (harvested). These two northern districts experience the lowest national average levels of rainfall

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(about 60 inches per year), therefore nutrient pollution from surface run-off, and leaching into ground water at the farm level are expected to be minimal under normal conditions. However, flooding as a result of extreme rainfall events such as tropical storms has the potential to transport nutrients to the New River, Orange Walk District. Sugar cane is processed in the Orange Walk District at the Belize Sugar Industries Ltd. (BSI) processing plant located adjacent to the New River. The BSI’s processing plant, including its main condenser, factory floor waste stream, ash pit drainage, and drainage of molasses tanks produced about 6,500 tones of effluents per day or 48mg/l biological oxygen demand (BOD) in 1994. Twelve years later, it is believed that BOD values remain high as evidenced by annual localized fish kills downstream of the factory. Nutrients are transported to the New River mainly due to flooding and overflow of effluent ponds owing to heavy rains. Hence there is potential for nutrient transport over great distances on the New River. It is not known, however, if nutrients from BSI contribute to coastal or marine pollution. Banana and citrus are produced primarily in the Stann Creek District on 6,000 and 37,000 acres respectively. The production system, due to high drainage networks, is susceptible to nutrient movement through run-offs and leaching. The Stann Creek District also experiences relatively high levels of rainfall (about 80 - 100 inches per year) that drains from the Maya Mountains unto flat coastal areas and into its many rivers and streams. The banana and citrus industries use the highest estimated amounts of fertilizer per acre; therefore, nutrient pollution due to land run-off at the farm level is a significant threat to the marine environment. The effluents from the processing plants, also located in the Stann Creek District, enter the rivers due to surface run-off and overflow of effluent ponds, which can contribute significantly to localized increases in chemical, and biological oxygen demand and impacts on the marine environment. Other noteworthy crop production activities are located inland and are believed to contribute minimally to marine nutrient pollution. Livestock production (cattle, pigs and poultry) results in production of large quantities of nutrient-rich fecal matter. In the case of livestock production, less than 1% of pastures are irrigated, however more than 90% of livestock obtain drinking water from rivers, streams or on-farm ponds where direct nutrient enrichment of these water bodies occur through fecal deposition. Livestock production in low-lying areas with high water tables, like Orange Walk and Corozal Districts may also lead to contamination of ground water due to leaching through porous calcareous soils. Active aquaculture (primarily marine shrimp farming) has increased tremendously over the past decade and requires high nutrient input that may contribute to eutrophication of the marine environment. Tilapia farming is exclusively done in the Cayo District on approximately 60 acres of land adjacent to the Sibun River. Sixty (60) percent of the marine shrimp farming occurs in the southern portion of the Stann Creek District near the coast while 38 % occurs in the Belize District. All aquaculture farms manage direct water inlet from the sea and majority of the water outlet are through large drains directly connected back to the sea. The majority of water from these farms is released at harvesting time; however during extreme rainfall, water may be released to avoid product loss through pond overflow. These farms are point sources of nutrient pollution with great potential to impact Belize’s marine environment. Urbanization There is forty-five percent (45%) of Belize’s population of 291,800 living in the coastal zone. Presently, only three major residential areas (Belize City, San Pedro Town and Belmopan City) or about 28% of the population are connected to sewerage systems. All other areas are serviced with septic tanks and pit latrines. The 227.9 million litres of sewage (including waste water) from the

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Belmopan sewerage system is disposed of directly into the Belize River; 248.6 million litres of sewage from San Pedro flows into a shallow pond and into the sea; and 3,039.3 million litres of sewage from Belize City is disposed of directly into the sea as the mangrove swamp once used as a natural filtration system has been cleared for tourism development. Phosphorus from sewage is believed to be a major point source of pollution to the marine environment. The nutrient load from sewage is believed to be increasing with the steady growth in population living in the low-lying coastal areas like Placencia, Ambergris Caye, and other small cayes. In addition, tourism (mainly marine-based) is increasing in Belize; cruise tourism is the fastest growing sector and has increased seventeen-fold between 2001 and 2005 from 48,116 to 800,331 tourist arrivals. Overnight tourist arrivals have also increased. This is an immense concern, particularly as most of the coastal zone is vulnerable to flooding and currently have inadequate sewage treatment facilities. Marine vessel effluents Marine-based tourism is one of the main types of tourism promoted in the country. Phosphate and nitrate from sewage and bilge (ballast water) are discharged directly into the marine environment from live-aboard vessels. Cruise ships and other marine vessels’ effluents are a major threat to the health of the marine environment. This is especially alarming as a constant monitoring programme or sewage discharge/disposal facilities are not in place to safeguard discharge of effluents from these vessels. Potential fossil fuel discharges and or leakages from marine vessels and oil tankers are also sources of nutrient pollution to Belize’s marine environment. The oil company currently extracting oil in Belize has exported 452,268 barrels (19 million gallons) of fossil fuel since it began its commercialization in November of 2005 (local sales) and January of 2006 (export market) to August 12th, 2006; 372, 947 barrels of raw fuel were transported by sea to oil refineries outside of Belize and another 79,321 barrels were transported by land for local consumption. Impacts of eutrophication to the marine environment Increased supply of nutrients to the marine environment is a major threat to the health and sustainability of the sensitive marine ecosystems including coral reefs, and sea grass beds. The impacts of increasing nutrient supply vary depending on the level of eutrophication. The effects of moderate eutrophication include increased growth of phytoplankton, benthos and fish to changes in species composition. Severe eutrophication effects include algal blooms that may be toxic to growth of certain species and death of others. For example, algal blooms and “fish kills” have been reported occasionally in the country in rivers such as the New River in the Orange Walk District and have been attributed to nutrient rich effluents entering catchments from point and non-point sources. Some other incidents of elevated nitrate levels have been recorded in Belize City, Port Honduras Marine Reserve in Toledo, Dangriga and Cayo; however, these may be due to natural nitrogen dissolved in rain or due to soil mineralization releasing nutrients naturally in the rivers of watersheds. Low dissolved oxygen was noted at Haulover Creek, Belize District, in the vicinity of the sugar storage facility. Phosphate levels recorded have generally been within acceptable limits. Sulphate levels of the effluents from aquaculture farms are generally above the normal recommended value of 200 ppm (Effluent standards, DOE). Hydrocarbon residues have been observed in the marine environment although there has been no major oil spills in the country. Hydrocarbons (primarily diesel from pleasure crafts and crude oil from oil tankers) are a major threat to Belize’s marine environment. Oil residues and slick can result in death to many marine species such as corals and wildlife and destroy inter-tidal habitats of endangered species such as birds and marine turtles.

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While several observations have been made and documented of nutrient pollution in isolated areas of the country, there has been no study done to quantify the impacts of nutrient pollution. Neither have there been any sustained monitoring programmes to determine the nutrient load within waterways leading to the marine environment. Challenges or Concerns (GAPS) In Belize, there are many different governmental departments such as the Department of the Environment (DoE), non-governmental organizations (e.g. Green Reef, and the Wildlife Conservation Society), research institutions (e.g. The University of Belize) and projects such as the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef Systems (MBRS) Project that are involved in various aspects of monitoring and control of pollution to the marine environment. These efforts, however, have been disjointed and discontinuous resulting in duplication of efforts, information gaps, and wastage of limited resources. The Environmental Protection Act (EPA) of 1992 is the major legislation in place to control development in Belize and thus plays an important role in preventing pollution to the marine environment.

• The Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Regulations (1995) under the EPA regulates development in the coastal zone. The EIA process is a vital tool used to ensure that development are economically and environmentally sound and that possible negative impacts to the environment are mitigated for. The National Environmental Appraisal Committee (NEAC), appointed under the EIA Regulations, reviews the EIA process.

• Other important regulations made under the EPA are the Environmental Protection (Effluent Limitation) Regulations (1995) and the Pollution Regulations (1996).

• Other planning legislation in place such as the Lands Utilization Act (Chapter 188 Revised 2003), the National Lands Act (1992 Revised 2003) and the Coastal Zone Management Act (1981 Revised 2000) also sets out guidelines for development in the country.

• The older Dumping at Sea Act, the Water and Sewerage Act (Revised 2003), the Public Health Act (Chapter 40, Revised 2000), the Belize Port Authority Act (Chapter 233, Revised 2000), and the Pesticides Control Act (Chapter 181B) are also important in controlling pollution to the marine environment.

• The Draft Aquaculture Act and National Aquaculture Policy and Zoning Plan are pending endorsement from the Cabinet.

The weakness in laws is evidenced by the fact that there are no legislations to control nutrient pollution from fertilizer application or monitoring schemes in place to evaluate effluent discharges from crop cultivation and livestock production (non-point sources of pollution that are difficult to assess). Water quality testing is viewed as one of the most beneficial tools utilized to monitor health of the marine environment and toxicity of effluents being discharged into this area. Unfortunately, water quality testing in most instances has been discontinuous with large lag time between sampling; water sampling methods and parameters being tested for are not standardized for the country; and monitoring of catchment areas is usually only done due to incidents of biological anomaly such as fish kills. Related incidents of known nutrient pollution and their impacts are inadequately documented and not disseminated widely. Some known water quality monitoring programmes implemented within the last 10 years to evaluate marine pollution include: (a) the Coastal Zone Management Authority and Institute’s (CZMAI) monitoring programmes on coral health of three of Belize’s back reefs and the Caye Chapel Water

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Quality Monitoring Programme and monitoring at other areas in the country, (b) mandatory analyses of effluents from industries (aquaculture, sugar, citrus etc.) as part of DoE’s environmental compliance requirements. Most of these reviews are not analyzed in a timely fashion due to limited human resources; therefore, relevant information is not gathered to meet the requirement under the environmental compliance plan. Parameters tested for include biological oxygen demand (BOD), chemical oxygen demand (COD), nitrate, phosphate, and sulphate; however, all of these parameters are not tested for in every instance. Public awareness and education outreach programmes are discontinuous and inadequate. This is one weakness that is being addressed through consultation with stakeholder groups about sensitive developments in the coastal zone such as aquaculture farms. Many environmental organizations are also becoming increasingly involved in community mobilization and awareness building on sensitive developments with potential impacts to the marine environment. Recommendation Based on literature reviewed, and responses from surveys administered to organizations and experts that are involved in the monitoring and control of marine nutrient pollution and GAPS identified, the following recommendations were made for inclusion in the National Plan/Programme of Action:

• Establish a national water quality lab/facility to monitor environmental pollution and/or strengthen BAHA’s monitoring capacity and expand its facilities to provide such services.

• Develop and implement a national monitoring program that will establish baseline information for critical parameters such as nitrates, phosphates, silicates and hydrocarbons to determine the state of Belize’s water environment; and establish monitoring stations that are continuously monitored in catchments throughout the country, especially in vulnerable areas; and collate results of past studies. This monitoring program can be modelled based on the guidelines in the ‘Environmental Water Quality Monitoring Program’ developed by the NARMAP programme (1995).

• Conduct capacity-building measures for water quality monitoring technicians including use of standardized and versatile methods.

• Conduct assessments to determine and quantify the impacts of nutrient pollution to marine ecosystems such as coral reefs and sea grass beds.

• Carry out continuous bio-indicator studies such as analysis of fish bile and species composition to adequately detect harmful changes in the marine environment.

• Develop guidelines and other measures to contain oil spills, which have potentially devastating impacts on the marine environment.

• Develop moratorium on mangrove clearance to clearly define acceptable development guidelines.

• Legislate and or enforce more coordination between agencies responsible for the monitoring and regulation of environmental pollution.

• Allow for the establishment of regulations by the Ministry of Agriculture on mandatory inclusion of drainage and sediment traps according to land topography to reduce nutrient rich sediment run-offs.

• Establish DoE as a statutory body as a means to increase environmental compliance accountability and reduce political influence especially due to conflict of interest.


References Literature reviewed: Abstract of Statistics 2005. Central Statistical Office (CSO), Belize, 2005. Belize Tourism Board. Overall Tourism Arrivals for 2005 increases.

http://www.onecaribbean.org/information/documentview.php? Environmental Statistics for Belize 2004. Central Statistical Office (CSO), Belize, 2005. Environmental water quality monitoring program: Final report. NARMAP. Lee, M. and Stednick, J. Belize,

1995. Oceans 2020: Science, Trends, and the Challenges of Sustainability. Field J. G., H. G. Hempel, and C. P.

Summerhayes, Island Press, Washington, Covelo and London, 2002. Preliminary National Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) Inventory Report. Usher W. S. and C. Williams.

2006. State of the Coast Report 1995. Coastal Zone Management and Institute, Belize 1995. State of the Coast Report 2001/02. Coastal Zone Management and Institute, Belize, 2003. Interviews:

Ariola, Eugene. Freshwater Coordinator, Programme for Belize. Personal interview. August 4th

, 2006

Franco, Jorge. Environmental Officer. Department of the Environment. August 8th

, 2006

Moore, Craig. Drainage and mining inspector. Department of Geology and Petroleum. August 8th

, 2006

Pott, Roberto. Belize Audubon Society. Personal interview. August 4th

, 2006

Roches Jr, Albert. Senior Environmental Officer. Department of the Environment. August 2nd

, 2006

Vasquez, Virginia. Coastal Zone Management Authority and Institute. Personal interview. August 4th

, 2006.


Appendix E: Issue Paper on Physical Alteration & Destruction of Habitat PHYSICAL ALTERATION AND DESTRUCTION OF HABITATS Introduction Belize is located in the northeast of Central America at 15º45’ - 18º30’ N and 87 º 30’ – 89º15’W: UTM Zone 16. It is bordered by Mexico (north and part northwest), Guatemala (south and rest of northwest), and the Caribbean Sea to the east. Belize’s total land area is approximately 22,960 km sq. (8,867 miles sq.). Its entire land area is divided into six administrative districts: Toledo and Stann Creek in the southern region, Belize and Cayo in the Central region, and Orange Walk and Corozal in the northern region. Belize also has approximately 1,060 low-lying cays and sand-flats located all along its vast coastline. Belize’s population has increased by 75% over the past two decades from 166,213 in 1985 to 291, 800 in 2005 (mid-year estimates); the population’s annual growth rate is currently sustained at about 3%. There has been significant growth in development and increased pressure on the environment, particularly on the highly valued, dynamic and sensitive coastal zone where 45% of Belize’s population of 291, 800 lives and marine-based tourism, aquaculture and other activities are increasing at an alarming rate. Physical alteration and habitat destruction is a major threat to the sustainability of sensitive coastal and marine resources in the country. This paper will briefly describe (a) the state of knowledge on physical alteration and habitat destruction and their impacts, (b) challenges in monitoring and controlling the impacts of physical alteration and habitat destruction and (c) recommendations to reduce pollution and other impacts of physical alteration and habitat destruction on Belize’s marine environment. Factors contributing to physical alteration and habitat destruction and their impacts In Belize, the main factors identified as contributors to physical alteration and habitat destruction are: urbanization, agriculture and aquaculture, forestry, mining and dredging, and natural disasters. Urbanization Growing residential, tourism and small cayes developments in Belize’s coastal zone have resulted in tremendous physical alteration and habitat destruction in this area, particularly in the last decade. Mangroves cover 1.5% (77,233 acres) of the total land area on the mainland of Belize (the official mainland area being 8,867 square miles) and are concentrated on the coastline and Belize’s 1060 cayes. Removal of mangroves has been customary to allow for development and potentially has the greatest impact on these areas. Unfortunately, this valuable resource is underappreciated and has been indiscriminately cleared for development. Mangrove clearance, for the most part is inadequately documented; permits were given by the Forest Department to alter 23 acres between 1999 and 2003; 219.32 acres in 2005 (93.1% of which was in the Stann Creek District), and from January to August of 2006, 143.75 acres (69.5% of which is for development on Montego Caye, Belize District and 26.8% in the Stann Creek District). However, it is believed that a larger number of acres have been cleared without issuance of permits for residential and other developments. Cruise ship arrivals have increased seventeen-fold between 2001 and 2005 from 48,116 to 800,331. Overnight tourist arrivals have maintained a gradual increase over the same period. Much infrastructure in Belize has been developed to facilitate cruise ship arrivals and overnight tourists


visiting coastal and marine areas like Ambergris Caye and Placencia. In addition, mangrove removal, construction and dredging activities at development sites produce high sediment loads to the marine environment. The overall impacts of land alteration, particularly mangrove clearance, on the marine environment are loss in habitats and nursing areas for numerous economically viable species such as birds, fish and lobsters; reduced natural coastline protection from erosion and other impacts of high wave activities, and increased pollutant loads entering the marine environment. Other impacts of physical alteration include loss of land masses and flooding due to changes in natural sediment transports and deposition processes. Physical alteration for developments in the coastal zone also result in increased production of sewage (including wastewater) and other pollutants that are of environmental concerns, especially as a national monitoring program on nutrient and sediment movement along the rivers and in coastal areas are not in place. Agriculture and aquaculture In Belize, agriculture is the most extensive form of commercial land use. Ten (10) percent (about 536,000 acres) of the country is used for agricultural production of which 36% is utilized for Belize’s major export crops (sugar, citrus and banana). Agriculture and aquaculture developments that are located adjacent to rivers and streams result in removal of riparian zone, increase erosion, and land (nutrient and sediments) run-offs, which negatively impact Belize’s marine environment. Physical alteration and destruction of habitats has occurred due to mangrove clearing and littoral forest removal for development of semi-intensive and intensive aquaculture farms, particularly marine shrimp farms. The acreage of productive shrimp farms has increased from 1,370 acres in 1997 to approximately 7,916 acres in 2006 (almost 600%), and intensity has also increased from 1,979 lbs per acre in 1997 to about 4,000 lbs per acre in 2006. Mangrove and other vegetative cover removal disrupts the natural filtration processes that reduce sediment and other pollutants from shrimp farm and other agricultural developments that can reach the marine environment; it also destroys the habitats for many species including commercially important species like fish and lobsters. Mining and dredging Mining and dredging operations result in physical alteration and destruction of habitats. In 2003 and 2004, permits were issued to carry out offshore dredging activities to mine an estimated 106,962 and 327,031 cubic yards respectively of sediments. The actual extraction figure in 2005 only amounted to 46, 639 cubic yards while total sand and gravel extraction from rivers and streams was 119,539 cubic yards. Licenses for oil exploration in coastal areas that are vulnerable to sedimentation include “Blocks 12 and 19” (1,211,803 acres) in the Toledo District and parts of “Blocks 8 and 13” (375,100 Acres) offshore of the Stann Creek District. Dredging of rivers, creeks and canals for drainage and ports to accommodate development in the coastal zone has been done in many areas such as at the Deepwater Port and at the Haulover Creek in Belize City. Dredging results in changes in stream flow, erosion, flooding and siltation which all have negative impacts on the marine environment. Sedimentation, for example, has been scientifically shown to stress coral reefs resulting in increased susceptibility to diseases. It also impacts sea grass and other marine ecosystems. The impacts to other marine organisms such as micro-organisms have not been studied in Belize. Natural Disasters Belize experiences a hurricane on average every three years. Studies conducted on Belize’s Barrier reef have shown that hurricanes cause significant reduction in coral cover in both shallow back reefs


as well as deep fore reefs. In addition, hurricanes result in extensive damages to infrastructure (marine piers, bridges, houses etc.), subsequently there are normally significant increases in infrastructure development after hurricanes resulting in increased demand for mining materials and hence increase in sedimentation and other pollutant loads to the marine environment. For example, hurricane Iris in 2001 resulted in BZ$5.1 million (US$2.55 million) in damages to the transport sector (marine piers, bridges etc) and affected 3,305 houses, which were mostly located in coastal communities (Placencia, Monkey River, Punta Negra etc.). Since hurricane Iris, there has been extensive re-development efforts in the areas affected, which in addition to the physical alteration and habitat destruction caused by this natural disaster, impacts the adjacent marine environment. Challenges or Concerns (GAPS) In Belize, there are many different governmental departments such as the Department of the Environment (DoE), non-governmental organizations (e.g. Toledo Institute for Development and Environment (TIDE), the Belize Audubon Society (BAS) and the Wildlife Conservation Society), research institutions (e.g. The University of Belize) and projects such as the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef Systems (MBRS) Project that are involved in various aspects of monitoring and control of pollution to the marine environment. These efforts, however, have been disjointed and discontinuous resulting in duplication of efforts, information gaps, and wastage of limited resources. The Environmental Protection Act (EPA) of 1992 is the major legislation in place to control development in Belize and thus plays an important role in preventing pollution to the marine environment.

• The Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Regulations (1995) under the EPA regulates development in the coastal zone. The EIA process is a vital tool used to ensure that development are economically and environmentally sound and that possible negative impacts to the environment are mitigated for. The National Environmental Appraisal Committee (NEAC), appointed under the EIA Regulations, reviews the EIA process.

• Other important regulations made under the EPA are the Environmental Protection (Effluent Limitation) Regulations (1995) and the Pollution Regulations (1996).

• The Mines and Mineral Act (Chapter 226) regulates the extraction of all minerals in Belize. • Other planning legislation in place such as the Lands Utilization Act (Chapter 188 Revised

2003), the National Lands Act (1992 Revised 2003) and the Coastal Zone Management Act (1981 Revised 2000) also sets out guidelines for development in the country. However, unlike the Mangrove Protection Act that limits the clearing of mangrove vegetation during development, the National Lands Act promotes land clearing as a requirement to develop land.

• The Mines and Mineral Act (Chapter 226) regulates the extraction of all minerals in Belize. • The National Parks Systems Act and the Belize National Protected Areas System Plan

2005, contributes to the establishment and management of protected areas in Belize. Protected areas have been promoted as a means to conserve natural resources and biodiversity, and as a niche for the growing tourism market.

• Draft Aquaculture Act pending public consultation and also a National Aquaculture Policy and Zoning Plan pending endorsement at the cabinet level.

Water quality testing for sediments, and other pollutants, and bio-indicator studies e.g. species composition are beneficial in monitoring the impacts of physical alteration and destruction of habitats. Unfortunately, water quality testing in most instances has been discontinuous with large lag time between sampling; water sampling methods and parameters being tested for are not standardized for the country; and there is limited focus on research of the impacts of physical alteration and habitat destruction.


Some known water quality monitoring programmes implemented within the last 10 years that give an indication of the impacts of physical alteration and habitat destruction include: (a) the Coastal Zone Management Authority and Institute (CZMAI)’s monitoring programmes on coral health of three of Belize’s back reefs, and the Caye Chapel Water Quality Monitoring Programme and monitoring at other areas in the country, (b) mandatory analyses of effluents from industries (aquaculture, sugar, citrus etc.) as part of DoE’s environmental compliance requirements, and other water quality monitoring activities. Most of these reviews are not analyzed in a timely fashion due to limited human resources; therefore, relevant information is insufficient to enhance information analysis in order to meet the requirement under the environmental compliance plan. Water quality parameters required for testing include biological oxygen demand (BOD), chemical oxygen demand (COD), nitrate, phosphate, and sulphate; however, all of these parameters are not tested for in every instance. Public awareness and education outreach programmes are discontinuous and inadequate. This is one weakness that is being addressed through consultation with stakeholder groups about sensitive developments in the coastal zone such as development of aquaculture farms, coastal tourism developments and other agricultural development related activities. Many environmental organizations are also becoming increasingly involved in community mobilization and awareness building on sensitive developments with potential impacts to the marine environment. Recommendations

• Develop a national monitoring program that will establish baseline information for critical

parameters such as nitrates, phosphates, silicates (suspended solids and turbidity) and hydrocarbons to determine the state of Belize’s marine environment. Establish monitoring stations that are continuously monitored in catchments throughout the country, especially in vulnerable areas; this monitoring program can be modeled based on the guidelines in the ‘Environmental Water Quality Monitoring Program’ developed by the NARMAP programme in 1995.

• Develop and incorporate the use of GIS in land management planning and marine pollution reduction schemes.

• Develop watershed management plans as a comprehensive approach to reduce the negative impacts of physical alteration and destruction of habitats on Belize’s marine environment

• Conduct continuous assessments to determine and quantify the impacts of physical alteration and habitat destruction to the marine environment e.g. the impacts of aquaculture and other developments adjacent to coastal ecosystems like coral reefs and sea grass beds.

• Educate developers about the benefits of best management practices that reduce impacts to the marine environment. Some of these practices include clearing only necessary land areas, run-off diversion, and sediment traps and barriers.

• Establish carrying capacities and enforce and or develop guidelines for development in vulnerable areas such as small low-lying cayes and areas with vulnerable ecosystems such as coral reefs.


• Allow for the establishment of regulations by the Ministry of Agriculture on mandatory inclusion of drainage and sediment traps according to land topography to reduce land run-offs and pollutants entering the marine environment

• Develop a procedural manual for mining and dredging based on articulated guidelines and formalize the policies being used for mining and mineral extraction.


References Literature reviewed: Abstract of Statistics 2005. Central Statistical Office (CSO), Belize, 2005. Belize Tourism Board. Overall Tourism Arrivals for 2005 increases.

http://www.onecaribbean.org/information/documentview.php? Best management practices for agricultural non-point sources of pollution. Tetra Tech Inc. 1998. UNEP.CEP

Technical report No.41 Environmental Statistics for Belize 2004. Central Statistical Office (CSO), Belize, 2005. Environmental water quality monitoring program: Final report. NARMAP. Lee, M. and Stednick, J. Belize,

1995. Oceans 2020: Science, Trends, and the Challenges of Sustainability. Field J. G., H. G. Hempel, and C. P.

Summerhayes, Island Press, Washington, Covelo and London, 2002. Preliminary National Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) Inventory Report. Usher W. S. and C. Williams.

2006. State of the Coast Report 1995. Coastal Zone Management and Institute, Belize 1995. State of the Coast Report 2001/02. Coastal Zone Management and Institute, Belize, 2003. Interviews:


, 2006

Franco, Jorge. Environmental Officer. Department of the Environment. August 8th

, 2006

Juan, Santiago. Former Manager of Triton aquaculture farm. August 14th

, 2000.

Moore, Craig. Drainage and mining inspector. Department of Geology and Petroleum. August 8th

, 2006

Roches Jr, Albert. Senior Environmental Officer. Department of the Environment. August 2nd

, 2006


Appendix F: Issue Paper on Solid Waste Management

LAND BASED POLLUTION SOURCE ON THE MARINE ENVIRONMENT

Solid Waste Management: Introduction

Solid Waste Management in Belize has always been a major contributing factor to the pollution of the natural environment. The cultural attitudes of a vast majority of Belizeans have failed to safeguard the integrity of the surroundings which impacts on their health and survival. However, the average person that is in physical contact with the environment on a daily basis e.g. farmers, vendors the labourers are not adequately aware of the impact Solid Waste has on the environment. Until public awareness on solid waste management – storage, collection and final disposal is assured and penalties are enforced, the present situation is likely to persist indefinitely. Sources of Pollution Solid waste can be regarded as normally solid or semisolid material resulting from human and animal activities that are useless, unwanted and hazardous. Solid wastes typically may be classified as domestic/residential, commercial and industrial in Belize. Belize’s coastline is also recipient to another contributor to solid waste pollution directly to the marine environment, internationally generated waste. Solid waste management falls under the responsibility of local government with the City Councils in Belize and Belmopan, Town Boards in the Districts and Village councils in the rural areas. Domestic or residential waste includes waste foods and the items associated with food production and preparation. Neither Local Government agencies nor the Sanitation Companies throughout the country provides adequate storage facilities for wastes generated within homes. This result in waste being left exposed to the elements. From the estimated 229,000 tons of solid waste produced by household and commercial establishments in 2003, almost 95,000 tons came from the municipality (residential). In 2003, the highest per capita generation rates were Belize City and San Pedro. This can be attributed to the tourism industry as Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) increased from 19, 328 in 1997 to 37,070 in 2000 and then to 48,125 in 2003. It is estimated that the cruise ship tourism with 575,196 visitors in 2003, generated 1,592 tons of waste while overnight tourism with only 220,574 generated another 2,076 tons. According to available data at the Central Statistical Office (CSO), 24,459 pounds of paper, 822, 026 pounds of plastics, 107,710 tires and 31,752 (including 3000 produced in Belize) batteries were imported to Belize in 2003. The composition of solid waste for 1997 include 60% organics, 20% paper, 5% plastics, 5% glasses, 5% metals and 5% others. Organics gradually decompose converting to potential liquid waste that can seep to sub-surface waters hence, affecting water quality of aquifers.

Industrial Wastes in Belize come from the major industries including citrus, sugar, banana, shrimp, construction, liquor and transportation. CSO figures indicate that waste from the major industries increased from 513,000 tons in 1998 to 529,000 tons in 2003. With developing technologies, most of these wastes are being reused or recycled. Below are some data in respect to the major industries and their solid waste:

1. From CSO data, it can be concluded that the Citrus Industry has been experiencing a gradual decrease in waste being generated. In 1998, 116,006 tons of waste peels were generated while in 2003 only 100,709 tons was recorded with an additional 2,657 tons of rejected fruits. Less than a decade ago, the disposal method practiced by the processors resulted in the residue from the pulp draining into the North Stann Creek River, entering


the Caribbean Sea and resulting in fish kills. This contamination of the river occurred more that once. According to Solid Waste Management Authority (SWMA), the company thereafter engaged itself in consultation and eventually concluded that the most environmentally friendly method of disposal was composting and eventually used the final product as fertilizer. Although there have been advancements in the disposal, there is still concerns of the possibility that some liquid run-off may find its way into the nearby creek that is a tributary to the North Stann Creek River.

2. The Sugar Industry generates very high volume of wastewater with concentration of

chemical lethal to aquatic life. The factory is equipped with treatment facilities that eventually discharge this treated waste into the New River. Like in the case of the citrus waste, fish-kills have also been experienced in waters of the New River which influent the sea in the Corozal Bay Area. This industry has been experiencing an increase of waste being generated and in 2003 reached 402,027 tons. With increase in sugarcane prices, a higher production rate and waste generation is expected.

3. The Banana industry produced in 2003, 16.776 tons of organic waste and 66 tons of

plastic. A breakdown indicates that 9,942 tons of the organic waste is reused and 6,834 tons were recycled.

4. Another important and growing industry directly along the coast is the Shrimp industry.

This industry’s waste generation increased approximately 500% between 1998 and 2003. Five hundred and eighty three (583) tons of waste was generated in 1998 while 3,835 tons was in generated in 2003.

5. The Battery industry in Belize is also very important to consider as the wastes are

hazardous materials that can easily seep into surface waters causing potential health risks. Records for battery import and production show 34.444, 25.851, 26.473 and 31,752 for the period 2000 to 2003. It is important to note that despite the inconsistency in overall units, production numbers have experienced a gradual decrease from 7,808 in 2000 to 2,998 in 2003.

6. Two main companies carry out poultry production in Belize, Quality Poultry Product in

Spanish Lookout and Caribbean Chicken in Blue Creek, Orange Walk. Interviews with these company’s personnel, indicate that together 465,000 gallons of water flows through these facilities per week. Quality Poultry used 5 treatment ponds to treat and store 240,000 gallons of water while Caribbean Chicken disposes of 225,000 gals into their field behind the facility. In terms of solid waste, averages of 50 – 55 gal drums are generated per week by both facilities. This waste is burnt by both and remains then taken to respective community dumpsites.

7. Construction wastes include mainly lumber, stones, soils and roofing zincs. Lumber is

biodegradable therefore causing no environmental problems. Stones and soils are used for land filling and landscaping while metals, which comprises of approximately 5% of municipal waste is discarded in residential wastes.

8. International Waste is difficult to quantify. One of the leading organizations with a coastal

clean-up campaign in Belize is the Belize Boy Scout Association. Records from the garbage collection for the period 2003 to 2005 indicate that 19,638 lbs of garbage was collected within a 77.5 mls distance. An average of 253.4 lbs per mile was collected mainly in the coastline of Belize City and Corozal Town. Shoreline and recreational activities debris was 88.2%,


9. Pollution from oil waste is a problem is recently getting attention. Last year, a recycling

company operating in Belize took 82,372 gls of waste oil to Guatemala. Unfortunately, limited people area aware of that such an initiative exists.

Fortunately, like many of our industries, environmental programs and treatment facilities and recycling alternatives are being developed to minimize impact to the waterways.

Priority/Risk Areas Landfills Solid Wastes are disposed of unsanitarily throughout Belize. The locations, in a majority of instances are not appropriate due to environmental concerns. Very little has been done to address this problem. These sites are hazards to the environment since they are literally “open dumps”. They contaminate surface and underground waters. Wind, rain and running water convey litter from these disposal sites into out water sources. What should be landfills in Belize can only be seen as dumpsites as there is no treatment of collected wastes. Presently, there are seven (7) sanitary landfills of which six (6), with the exception of Belmopan City, operate without addition of cover material. There is no waste separation at any of the sites, though salvaging is permitted. Interviews with the Town Boards indicate that the standard operational practice in these dumps is to simply spread the waste and burn to reduce the volume. According to SWMA’s Manager, there are five (5) garbage disposal sites considered to be a threat to human health and marine ecosystem and needs immediate relocation. Corozal Town, San Pedro, Caye Caulker, Belize City and Punta Gorda Town, all require relocation, as they are extremely low lying areas causing seepage to both surface and sub-surface waters. These sites are also very close to human inhabited areas and within half mile of the coast.

Rural Areas

According to health personnel at Public Health, proper waste disposal can assist in reducing public health risks for a household. Two of the considered adequate form of waste disposal is through preparation for municipal collection (54%) and burning (26.2%). In the urban areas of the country, 90.1% of the households use the municipal waste collection system. The rural areas where municipal collection system is minimal, 53.1% burn their wastes, 17.7% take it at the public dumpsites and 14.4% dump it in their own backyards. It is therefore evident that waste disposal is a greater issue in the rural areas especially those communities along major rivers and creeks. Potential Impact In the rainy season rainfall that runs over or infiltrates through solid waste, extracts dissolved and suspended constituents and thus becomes a contaminated liquid called leachate, which can gradually seep into groundwater. This infiltration is easier in the coastal dump sites highlighted in the priority/risk areas. As the waste decomposes through aerobic and anaerobic microbial action, waste-derived constituents increasingly become available to form leachate of greater concentration. Leachate from sanitary landfills or dumps sites can reach high organic concentrations well in excess of 20 000 mg/l of COD (chemical oxygen demand) and 10 000 mg/l of BOD5 (five-day biological oxygen demand) in the first several years after land disposal. It can also have high concentrations of total dissolved solids, ammonia, nitrate, phosphate, chloride, calcium, potassium, sulfate, and iron, as well as numerous heavy metals (commonly including lead, zinc, cadmium, and nickel) and organic trace constituents (commonly including by-products of decomposing solvents, pesticides, and polychlorinated biphenyls. In addition, high numbers of fecal bacteria are typical, while viruses seldom survive in leachate because of their sensitivity to the low pH values common to leachate


Health issues regarding solid waste pollution is an increase in various vector-borne diseases, such as dengue fever and increased pathogen survival, as in the case of cholera. Dengue Fever Vector-related diseases remain an important public health threat throughout developing countries. The organic materials in waste provide breeding sites for insects and rodents of varied species that feed in the dumpsites and transports sickness to nearby populated areas. The dengue vector mosquito (Aedes aegypti) that favours small, clean water pools for breeding spreads dengue fever breads in containers, tires, and tin cans found in waste piles. In 1993, it accounted for 23 000 deaths globally; and up to 2.5 billion people in tropical and sub-tropical countries were considered at risk. In Belize, a significant number of households (41.1%) stated that they are facing problems with rats, roaches and bats. Households in the rural areas (44.5%) and Belize City (43.8%) reported the highest problem with these animals and insects all of which bread in dump sites. The potential effects to the marine environment comes from High levels of nutrients such as nitrates, phosphates and fecal coliforms including E. coli can lead to temporary euthrophication of the water, reducing the transparency of the water. This reduction in transparency can lead to reduction of available sunlight for coral reef and reducing reef growth and polluting recreational waters used by both tourists and locals. Legal Mandate The protection of the marine ecosystem in terms of solid waste disposal is legally mandated under the Environmental Protection Act, CAP-328 Section 7 (k-m). ). This act includes the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Regulations (S.I. No. 107 of 1995), the Environmental Protection (Effluent Limitation) Regulations, SI # 94 of 1995, and the Pollution Regulations, SI # 56 of 1996. Coastal Zone Authority and Institute Act CAP-329, Section 5 (a-c, f-j), Fisheries Act, CAP-210 Section 141 (a-d), Public Health Act (Chapter 40, Revised Edition 2000) – The Removal of Refuse by-Laws (S.R. & O No. 39 of 1939) provides regulations regarding the collection of garbage (by-laws 5,6,7) and the Privy Accommodation By-Laws requiring that there be separate, suitable and proper sanitary accommodations for persons of each sex. The Public Health Act covers solid and liquid waste disposal relating to general public health. The Act deals with waste, lumber and packaging by-products. Through the Public Health Bureau, the Ministry of Health has statutory powers for the monitoring of sewage and solid waste and the prosecution of public health offenders Port Authority CAP 233, the Belize Port Authority Regulations prohibit any person from depositing, placing or discharging polluting matters (such as sewerage, oil, trade waste, etc) into the territorial water of Belize (regulation 10 (1)). The Belize Port Authority Act allows for the regulation and management of waste in Belize’s ports. It also regulates and makes references to such in regards air and water pollution through discharge from ships such as sanitary sewage, gaseous liquids and solids, carcasses, gasoline, oils, ballasts, butchers offal, garbage, residuum of gas, tar or refuse, trade waste or any other material that is capable of producing floating matter on the surfaces of water, sediment or obstruction on the bottom of the sea or odours of gas of putrefaction Belize Agricultural Health Authority Act (Chapter 211, Revised Edition 2003), The Belize Agricultural Health Authority (BAHA) Act provides for the monitoring, regulation, control and use, quality and suitability of bioengineered products, agro-chemicals, animal products, animal feeds and fertilizers. The Act also makes reference to disposal of animals (carcasses) that die of diseases by means of burial or other methods. BAHA also has the authority, with approval from the Minister; to


make regulations relating to issues on animal and plant health including the regulation of the disposal of waste and other material from carriers temporarily in Belize. Solid Waste Management Authority Act (Chapter 224, Revised Edition 2000), The Solid Waste Management Authority Act calls for the formation of an independent Solid Waste Management Authority (SWMA) with powers of a board to provide for the collection and disposal of waste in relation to the regulations of the Act. SWMA has the authority to: declare ‘service areas’, arrange for collection and disposal services, explore available recycling alternatives, devise modern methods and techniques for the efficient disposal of solid waste; and explore recycling possibilities of waste material Harbours and Merchant shipping Act - The Act regulates the discharge of solid materials from a vessel.

Mines and Minerals Act (Chapter 226, Revised Edition 2003) - The Act addresses the management of wastes generated at mines. Gaps There is a lack in information that can be used to accurately determine volume of solid waste being generated, recycled and disposed of. There is no study done in Belize to determine the effects, if any, our disposal/dumpsites have on the immediate inhabited areas as it related to health hazards. There are several government agencies that share legal responsibilities on Solid Waste Management. These include the Public Health Department, the Department of Environment, the Local Councils (City, Towns, and Villages), and the Solid Waste Management Authority, yet no enforcement of National Solid Waste Management Plan. The Solid Waste Management Authority has only one person on staff with little financial, logistical or manpower support. Enforcement of solid waste management is not currently undertaken actively by any of the responsible institutions. The average Belizean does not see garbage disposal as an illegal activity and does not know its implications. Public awareness should be considered as the key to victory. This should be factored into their lives through education at the workplace, and most importantly this is missing from our education institutions. It is important to realize that the health, wellbeing and in some cases the very survival of coastal populations depend on the health of the coastal marine ecosystem. Nevertheless, this ecosystem needs to be viewed as part of a bigger watershed system with headwaters, riparian forest, drainage basin, wetlands, and estuaries and near shore. Recommendations Immediate relocation of the Corozal, San Pedro and Punta Gorda Towns and Caye Caulker Village is urgent as these are immediately above sea level, which can result into seepage into ground water. All other dumpsites need to improve the collection, transport and storage of wastes.


An initiative that should be spearheaded by the SWMA is the establishment of public garbage collectors throughout the towns, cities and tourism areas. Garbage containers are seldom available, which makes discarding garbage appropriately a responsibility of transporting it home. There is a need to study health conditions of people living nearby these dumpsites as contact, waterborne and air pollution around dumpsites can cause respiratory, gastrointestinal and birth defect problems. This study should prepare a classified inventory of all wastes polluting the marine environment. Provide incentives to increase recycling initiatives already operational in the country and attract new companies. Increase public awareness - A public awareness campaign should be developed to improve solid waste management at a household level. This campaign should be coordinated with sanitation education programs in order to maximize the use of financial and human resources. In addition to a public awareness campaign, workshops could be conducted to increase awareness in the private sector. Increased awareness within the private sector is likely to increase compliance for improving the ruse and treatment of waste. Increase awareness of recycling of paper, metals, batteries, used oil etc. There is a need for institutional/inter-governmental coordination, harmonization and reactivation of relevant institutions and programs, to ensure the establishment and maintenance of a water pollution monitoring and management plan. References Raparto, Dave, A Report Produced for Greenpeace Pacific, Centre for Clean Development, 1227 W. 10th Avenue, Eugene, Oregon 97402 USA, March 1995 UNEP-Caribbean Environment Programme _Land Based Sources of Marine Pollution.htm CEP Technical Report No. 35 1995 Department of Environment, Country Environmental Profile, January 2006 Environmental Statistics for Belize 2004 Belize 2002 Poverty Assessment Telephone Conversations: Albert Roches, Solid Waste Managment Authority Isaias Majil/ Fisheries Department Virginia Vasquez/Coastal Zone Management Authority Dirk Francisco/Belize Audubon Society Olivia Carballo Avilez/ Belize Boy Scout

Rony Maza, PAHO Brent Lopez, Sanitation Enterprises Ltd. Kenrick Daly, Belize Port Authority Frank Guenter, Quality Poultry Products Isaac Bergen, Caribbean Chicken Mr. Lamb, Belize Waste Control Ltd.

of 99

Appendix G: SYNOPSIS: SEDIMENTATION IN THE MARINE ENVIRONMENT OF BELIZE

Sedimentation is the deposition of geological sediments, typically in suspension with water, that are transported away from the source and eventually fall out of suspension. Fine sediments for instance silt and clays require more time to fall out of suspension than coarser sediments such as sands and pebbles. Therefore, fine sediments have the potential to be transported farther than coarse sediments. It is primarily fine sediments such as clays and silts that enter Belize’s marine environment.

On land, sediments are made available from rocks and soils through the physical weathering or breakdown by wind, water, heat, pressure. Weathered rock and soil then become susceptible to movement or erosion. Erosion is the movement or displacement of those weathered materials by the action of wind, water, gravity, and sometimes organisms. Erosion is influenced by precipitation, slope gradient, soil mechanics, ground cover, and land use. It may be natural or anthropogenic. In this case, the anthropogenic causes are of concern.

Sedimentation, a source of pollution, is caused by point and non-point sources. Point sources such as direct pipeline discharges and non-point sources being runoff which release sediment laden waters into rivers and streams eventually end up in the marine environment. These anthropogenic sources of sediment pollution are identified as agriculture and aquaculture, forestry, mining, urbanization, and natural disasters.

Land use practices in Belize such as farming on the periphery of major rivers and streams, lack of terracing on slopes, and creating high drainage networks increase surface runoff by reducing ground percolation. This increases erosion and subsequent sedimentation downstream. These activities are more intense in the Stann Creek District and account for over 50% of fine sediments transported to the rivers in that area (WRIScS, 1997-2000). Livestock production requiring tree clearing results in some loss of root systems and ground cover. Heavy grazing also tends to increase soil erodibility. Aquaculture farms discharge water prior to harvesting and during periods of extreme precipitation to avoid product loss due to pond overflows. Precautions are taken by the industry to stabilize pond walls during construction; however, during the production phase there is constant discharge of sediment and nutrient-rich effluents directly to the sea.

Mangrove forests are cut down and replaced with aquaculture, tourism, and urban developments. Mangroves are natural filtration and containment systems that reduce pollutants entering the marine environment. Valuable rooting systems and ground cover have been lost in Belize’s pine forests through death of pine trees to the bark beetle infestation. Likewise in the removal of hardwood forests for industry, monitoring and enforcement of tree replacement is lacking. Therefore, soils with little root containment become exposed to wind and water. Surface runoff is increased due to decreased percolation.

Mining of river aggregates cause the resuspension of sediments in the water column. Once suspended, the fine sediment component is transported by current flow downstream. The likelihood of sediments reaching the marine environment increase when poor mining techniques are practiced. This is the case when sand and gravel bars are completely removed; when earth moving machines are used from within the river channel instead of from on land; or when mine tailings are allowed to carelessly discharge directly into rivers. Open pit mining removes overburden, removes natural ground cover, increases slope gradients. Poor management practices such as indiscriminate removal of land cover or failure to rehabilitate mined sites increase the potential for surface runoff and erosion due to wind, water and gravity.

Changes in land use associated with urban developments, particularly in coastal Belize, is potentially the greatest source of sedimentation due to the removal of acres of ground cover and rooting systems through the conversion of mangrove forests to urban centres. Urbanization results in increased runoff due to the creation of impermeable surfaces such as roads and drains.

Wild fires triggered during droughts result in reduced ground cover, exposed soils, and dust formation. Elevated precipitation levels and increased energy flow of water are produced during tropical storms and hurricanes, which subsequently increases soil erodibility and transport.

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The impacts of sedimentation have not been widely studied in Belize. Previous studies in the country have shown that stressful conditions created by suspended sediments increase coral vulnerability to diseases. Ecosystems may be negatively affected by sediments due to direct smothering; reduced light penetration; increased turbidity; changes in circulation patterns; reduced dissolved oxygen; increased nutrient levels in the water column.

There is non-harmonization of laws concerning environmental protection and housing and development laws that allow development within the fringes of the coast. There are no laws in place to control sedimentation and associated pollutants from agricultural sources. Turbidity, nutrients, and other water quality parameters are measured; however, sediment transport, physical, chemical, and biological sediment analyses are rarely examined. In most instances water quality testing has been discontinuous with large lag time between sampling. There are very few studies done for the country to investigate the impacts of sedimentation.

Several recommendations have evolved through agency discussions:

Develop a national monitoring program to collect baseline data for critical water quality and sediment analysis parameters to determine the state of Belize’s aquatic environments. Establish monitoring stations to reflect distribution of developments and ecosystem vulnerability. Collate and compare data from previous studies.

Develop and incorporate the use of Geographical Information System (GIS) in land management planning and marine pollution reduction schemes.

Develop watershed management plans as a comprehensive approach to reduce sediments and pollutants being transported to the marine environment.

Conduct studies on the impacts of sedimentation on the marine environment including impacts on commercial fishery, and on communities living in vulnerable areas.

Facilitate the coordination among agencies responsible for the regulating, monitoring, and enforcement of potential sources of environmental pollution, and increase capacity within these agencies to reduce the risk of pollution.

Allow for the establishment of regulations by the Ministry of Agriculture on mandatory inclusion of drainage and sediment traps according to land topography to reduce nutrient rich sediment runoffs; and, educate stakeholders on the benefit of best management practices to reduce sediment loss.

Develop a procedural manual for mining and dredging, and formalize the policies being used for mining and mineral extraction.

Harmonize the land development and forest laws, particularly for coastal areas as they relate to the clearance of mangroves and develop moratorium on mangrove clearance.

Issue Paper on Sedimentation

SEDIMENTATION IN THE MARINE ENVIRONMENT OF BELIZE Introduction Belize is located in the northeast of Central America at 15º45’ - 18º30’ N and 87º30’ – 89º15’W: UTM Zone 16. It is bordered by Mexico (north and part northwest), Guatemala (south and rest of northwest), and the Caribbean Sea to the east. Belize’s total land area is approximately 22,960 km sq. (8,867 miles sq.). Its entire land area is divided into six administrative districts: Toledo and Stann Creek in the southern region, Belize

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and Cayo in the Central region, and Orange Walk and Corozal in the northern region. Belize also has approximately 1,060 low-lying cays and sand-flats located all along its vast coastline. Sedimentation (and erosion) is influenced by 4 major factors: climate, soil, land cover, and topography. Belize’s climate is subtropical in the northern region and wet tropical in the southern region, which receives annual rainfall of about 60 and 150 inches, respectively. There is a distinct dry season (January or February to May or June); towards the end of the dry season, soils become dry and forest fires commonly occur, which increases soil erodibility. The rainy season (June to November) coincides with the hurricane season; during this period 90% of the fine sediment load (based on WRISCS study done in Southern Belize) is delivered to the marine environment in a number of river flooding events. The major soil types in Belize are principally composites of sandy loam to sandy clay soils in the Mountain Pine Ridge plateaus; limestone clays in the limestone uplands and foothills; coarse sand to heavy clays in swamp soils and young fertile sandy loam in the riverine alluvial soils. Each soil type displays varying natural vegetative cover that protects them from run-offs. However, once they become exposed and loose, for example with earth-moving equipment, they are easily eroded and transported with rain water over long distances; this is especially clear when no protective mechanisms are in place to reduce erosion after the removal of natural vegetative cover. Belize is fortunate to have about 69% of its 8,867 square miles covered in forest and 26.22% (1,069,426 hectares) of its territory (land and sea) under protected areas status. However, residential, agricultural, tourism and other developmental needs is increasing pressure to clear and alter land, which increases the risk of erosion and sedimentation. Mainland Belize is divided into 34 watershed regions with 16 major river catchments. The watershed areas including the rivers total 35,599.5 km sq. Most of these rivers originate from Belize’s Maya Mountains which reaches 1,124m (3,688 ft) at its highest point, while five of them (Rio Hondo, Belize, Sarstoon, Moho and Temash) extend into the boundaries of either Guatemala or Mexico. Stream flow on the slopes of the Maya Mountains is very fast, however as it flows down onto the flat coastal plains, it decreases progressively and drainage becomes less effective resulting in the formation of numerous lagoons, mangrove swamps, deep estuaries and river mouth bars near the submerging coasts. Altogether, these rivers are very significant as they are the major transport medium of pollutants, including sediments that enter Belize’s marine environment. Pollution due to sedimentation is a major threat to the sustainability of sensitive coastal and marine resources in the country. This paper will briefly describe (a) the state of knowledge on sources of sediments, (b) impacts of sedimentation, (c) challenges in monitoring and controlling sediment pollution and (d) recommendations to reduce sediment loads and impacts to Belize’s marine environment. Point and non-point sources of sediment pollution Sediment loads transported to Belize’s marine environment are believed to result from point and non-point source activities such as agriculture and aquaculture, forestry, mining and dredging, and urbanization, and natural disasters such as droughts, hurricanes and floods. It is primarily fine sediments (clay and silt types) that reach Belize’s marine environment. The results of the WRIScS study (1997 – 2000) in the Stann Creek District showed that weekly mean sediment concentrations was relatively low (≥ 200mgl-1), which was about a five-fold increase due to land use changes in the 20th Century. Since the study ended in 2000, it is expected that sediment loads would have increased in this area as well as other parts of the country due to significant increases in aquaculture, urbanization, mining and dredging and other source activities. Agriculture and aquaculture Agriculture is the most intensive form of land use in the country. An estimated 10% of the country is used for agricultural purposes; 36% of this area is used for Belize’s major agricultural crops. Current farm management practices that increase risk of erosion include: farming on the periphery of major rivers and

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streams which provide natural irrigation, and banana and citrus production which need high drainage network for optimal production, are mainly done in the Stann Creek District and accounts for over 50% of fine sediments transported to the rivers in that area (WRIScS, 1997-2000). Majority of the livestock production in Belize is done near major rivers and streams as this provides water for animals even during the dry season when minor streams tend to dry out. The common pasture establishment practice in Belize is to extract most trees from the area to allow for higher pasture density and simultaneously a higher animal stocking rate per area. This however causes greater soil exposure leading to greater soil erosion and sediment transport to nearby rivers and waterways during heavy rains. Active aquaculture (primarily marine shrimp) farms totalling approximately 7,916 acres are located near the coast where water from this source is utilized and managed. Water from these farms is then released prior to harvesting and during periods of extreme rain falls to avoid product loss due to pond overflows. Precautions are taken by the industry to stabilize the pond walls during construction, however, during the production phase there is constant flow of sediment and nutrient-rich effluents directly to the sea through the farms outlet canals. Forestry Mangrove forests are being cut down at an alarming rate and are being replaced by coastal developments (aquaculture farms, tourism related developments, and residences). This increases the risk of pollution, including sedimentation to the marine environment, as these mangroves are natural filtration systems that reduce pollutants entering the marine environment. Belize’s pine (Pinus caribea) forest cover has been reduced due to the bark beetle infestation that resulted in die-off of 40 -50% of infested trees. The trees re-placement program that was scheduled was never completed; therefore the majority of these areas lost some of their tree rooting system that stabilized the soil structure in affected areas. Loss of rooting system and subsequent erosion has also happened in other areas as it is only in some cases that Belize implores a mandatory tree replacement mechanism (e.g. when giving license for hard wood extraction). However, monitoring and enforcement of contractual arrangements are lax mainly due to limited resources. Mining and dredging Minerals (sand, sand and gravel and limestone) mined are mainly used for infrastructure projects, and road upgrading. Information on permits issued by the Geology and Petroleum Department indicates that the quantity of minerals extracted has sharply increased from 699,234 cubic yards in 1999 to 1,182,916 cubic yards in 2003. 106, 962 cubic yards was mined in 2003 from offshore dredging activities. Currently much of the sand and gravel mining occurs on land because of problems associated with unstable river levels due to flooding. It is however noteworthy the increasing pressure for marine sand mining due to increasing construction and tourism developments on Belize’s many islands. Licenses for oil exploration in coastal areas vulnerable to sedimentation include “Blocks 12 and 19” (1,211,803 acres) in the Toledo District and parts of “Blocks 8 and 13” (375,100 Acres) offshore of the Stann Creek District. Urbanization Construction done in urban areas is potentially the greatest source of massive sedimentation, over short periods due to removal of vegetation, exposure of soil surface during and after construction. This is particularly noteworthy in Belize where about 45% of Belize’s population of 291, 800 live within the coastal zone. Some recent or on-going urban developments in the coastal zone include the new cruise ship terminal being built in the Port Layola area in the Belize District, housing and other tourism development in the coastal areas of Corozal, Placencia in the Stann Creek District, Ambergris Caye and small cayes developments.

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Natural disasters Belize is vulnerable to droughts, which results in reduced vegetation cover, particularly due to fires, which exposes greater soil surface as well as promotes dust formation. Sedimentation rates after drought events (e.g. 2005 drought event) have not been studied; however, it is expected that sediment loads from rains following droughts will be significantly higher than under normal conditions. Tropical storms and hurricanes result in elevated rainfall levels and increased energy flow of water, which subsequently increases soil erodibility and transport. Impacts of sedimentation on the marine environment The impacts of sedimentation has not been widely studied in Belize, however, over the past decade, sedimentation has been blamed for many negative occurrences in the coastal zone including flooding of rivers, loss of property boundaries and reduced stability of structures in surrounding areas. A case in point is the loss of land in Monkey River Village, which is believed to have resulted from upstream farming activities that changed sediment loads downstream. Southern areas like Monkey River are considered to be “high-risk due to its high rainfall, hilly terrain and erodible soils, coupled with extensive agricultural development and the continued expansion of such development into marginal lands” (WRIScS, 1997 – 2000). Infrastructure developments such as drainage systems may become filled with sediments if not regularly maintained resulting in reduced efficiency in transporting flood waters and flooding in these areas. Similarly, various developments at the mouth of rivers (e.g. in Belize City) results in sediment accumulation which requires regular dredging to allow water craft passage. Belize has the second largest barrier reef in the world and the largest in the Western Hemisphere. Sediment accumulation in the marine environment results in stressful conditions for corals. Coral polyps become stressed due to the efforts to expel sediments. Studies in the surrounding waters of Caye Chapel have shown that under stressful conditions, due to sedimentation, corals become increasingly susceptibility to diseases which may kill them. However, the receiving water bodies of Belize are generally low in energy, therefore once the sediments reach the sea, transport of sediments operate independently of river processes. Hence, it is only during short-lived periods of high current flows, which occur about five times a year, and when sediments are produced within the marine environment itself that sediments can be taken directly to the reef. The bed sediments of the Belize Barrier Reef generally contain less than 25% of material from land-based sources and the WRIScS study has shown that nutrient loads in these sediments are within acceptable limits, therefore impacts to coral reefs and marine ecosystems from land-based sedimentation are considered minimal. Further studies are needed, particularly to quantify impacts from offshore developments. Challenges or concerns The Environmental Protection Act (EPA) of 1992 is the major legislation in place to control development in Belize and thus plays an important role in preventing pollution to the marine environment.

• The Mines and Mineral Act (Chapter 226) regulates the extraction of all minerals in Belize. • The Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Regulations (1995) under the EPA regulates

development in the coastal zone. The EIA process is a vital tool used to ensure that development are economically and environmentally sound and that possible negative impacts to the environment are mitigated for. The National Environmental Appraisal Committee (NEAC), appointed under the EIA Regulations, reviews the EIA process.

• Planning legislation in place such as the Lands Utilization Act (Chapter 188 Revised 2003), the National Lands Act (1992 Revised 2003) and the Coastal Zone Management Act (1981 Revised 2000) sets out guidelines for development in the country.

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• Other legislations in place to manage land cover include the Forest Act (1980 – 1990) and the Parks Systems Act (1980 – 1990).

• Draft Aquaculture Act and National Aquaculture Policy and Zoning Plan pending endorsement from the cabinet.

There is obvious non-harmonization of laws that prohibit mangrove removal from coastal boundaries, and housing and development laws that allows for developments within the fringes of the coast. These differences must be reviewed and amendments made to the laws to reduce rampant clearing of this vital ecosystem. There are no laws in place to control sediment pollutants that come from agricultural activities (crop cultivation and livestock production). This needs to be addressed as agriculture is the most dominant commercial land use and an extremely large source activity of sediments and other pollutants that can potentially enter the marine environment. Water quality testing is viewed as one of the most beneficial tools utilized to monitor the health of the marine environment. Turbidity or suspended solids, nitrates and other water quality parameters are tested for; however sediment movement parameters are rarely studied. Unfortunately, water quality testing in most instances has been discontinuous with large lag time between sampling. There are very few studies done for the country to investigate the impacts of sedimentation. Known studies include: the WRIScS study which involved investigation of effects of sedimentation from the river valleys in Stann Creek on sediment deposition on the fragile barrier reef; transport of contaminants from agricultural land associated with suspended sediments, the Caye Chapel Water Quality Monitoring Program, which monitored water quality (including checking sediment traps) surrounding Caye Chapel and at two other sites, and monitoring of tourism related developments near inland rivers and streams and in the coastal zone as part of DoE’s environmental compliance requirements. Incidents of known sediment pollution and their impacts are inadequately documented and information is mostly kept within the various monitoring organizations. Public awareness and education outreach programmes are discontinuous and inadequate. This is one weakness that is being addressed through consultation with stakeholder groups about sensitive developments in the coastal zone such as development of aquaculture farms. Many environmental organizations are also becoming increasingly involved in community mobilization and awareness building on sensitive developments with potential impacts to the marine environment. Even though the Geology and Petroleum department has very good guidelines and measures to reduce sediment impacts due to mining, monitoring seems to be one of the main concerns in that staff is quite limited for such works. It is also evident that there must be procedural manual for mining and dredging and the need to formalize the policies being used for mining and mineral extraction. Recommendations

• Develop a national monitoring program that will establish baseline information for critical

parameters such as nitrates, phosphates, silicates (suspended solids and turbidity) and hydrocarbons to determine the state of Belize’s water environment. Establish monitoring stations that are continuously monitored in catchments throughout the country, especially in vulnerable areas; and collate data from previous studies such as the CZMAI coral reef monitoring programme and the WRIScS study. This monitoring program can be modelled based on the guidelines developed by the NARMAP programme (1995) in the final report entitled, ‘Environmental Water Quality Monitoring Program’.

• Develop and incorporate the use of Geographical Information System (GIS) in land management planning and marine pollution reduction schemes. For example, GIS can be used to identify areas sensitive to erosion.

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• Develop watershed management plans as a comprehensive approach to reduce sediment pollutants being transported to the marine environment.

• Conduct baseline studies on the impacts of sedimentation to the marine environment including studies on impacts to commercial fishery and communities living in vulnerable areas.

• Educate developers about the benefits of best management practices that reduce sediment loss from cultivated lands. These practices include clearing only necessary areas, run-off diversion, sediment traps and barriers.


• Allow for the establishment of regulations by the Ministry of Agriculture on mandatory inclusion of drainage and sediment traps according to land topography to reduce nutrient rich sediment run-offs.

• Develop a procedural manual for mining and dredging and formalize the policies being used for mining and mineral extraction.

• Increase capacity within relevant pollution monitoring institutions to reduce the risk of pollution within rivers and marine environment.

• Harmonize the land development laws, particularly those of the coastal area and forestry as they relate to the clearance of mangroves.

• Develop moratorium on mangrove clearance. References Literature reviewed Best management practices for agricultural non-point sources of pollution. UNEP.CEP Technical report

No.41. Tetra Tech Inc. 1998. Environmental Statistics for Belize 2004. Central Statistics for Belize, 2005 Environmental water quality monitoring program: Final report. NARMAP. Lee, M. and Stednick, J. 1995. Oceans 2020: Science, Trends, and the Challenge of Sustainability. Field J. G., H. G. Hempel, and C. P. Summerhayes.

2002. Island Press, Washington, Covelo, and London, Revised classification of the soils of Belize. Baillie, I.C., Wright, A, Holder, M and FitzPatrick, E. 1993. NRI.

Bulletin 59 State of the Coast Report 1995. 1995. Coastal Zone Management and Institute, Belize State of the Coast Report 2001/02. 2003. Coastal Zone Management and Institute, Belize The Belize National Protected Areas System Plan 2005. 2005. Task Force on Belize’s Protected Areas Policy and

Systems Plan, Belize UNEP. Guidelines for Sediment Control Practices in the Insular Caribbean. 1994. CEP Technical Report No. 32

UNEP Caribbean Environment Programme, Kingston, Jamaica, An Investigatigation of the Impact on Reef Environments of Changing Land-use in the Stann Creek District of Belize.

Watershed-Reef Interconnectivity Scientific Study (WRISCS) in the Stann Creek Area, Southern Belize (1997-2001)

Interviews:


, 2006

Franco, Jorge. Environmental Officer. Department of the environment. August 8th

, 2006

Juan, Santiago. Former Manager Triton aquaculture farm. August 14th

, 2000.

Moore, Craig. Drainage and mining inspector. Department of geology and petroleum. August 8th

, 2006

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Appendix H: Matrix of issues/objectives/actions for the Belize NPA

1. Sewage Priority sources/causes:

1. Commercial sewage systems 1a. septic tanks 2. Latrines 3. Other sources (such as service trucks and marine vessels)

Top Objectives (What?)

Priority Actions to Address Issues

(How?)

Existing Activities

Primary Responsibility

(Who?)

Cost/ Resources Performance Measure

1. Improve the efficiency of the existing sewage treatment facilities within 5 years to meet existing standards

1. Assessment of the present facilities:

- water quality monitoring

- assess the integrity of the facility

- ability to increase capacity

2. Seek Funding

- Monthly monitoring for all 3 sites by Belize Water Services Limited (BWS)

- Belize Water Services Limited, - Public Health, - Dept. of Environment (DOE) and - PUC

- $100,000BZ for consultant for all three sites - human resources (in kind contribution) from BWS, public health & DOE about $15,000BZ

-All 3 sites meets exiting effluent standards - Updated water quality Monitoring program - Identify necessary infrastructure improvements to increase capacity of facility - Improve water quality (estimated 2yrs with funding

2. To strengthen enforceable measures for construction of septic tanks and latrines where applicable (presently in progress)

1. Develop and implement educational program

2. Increase capacity of

institutions for monitoring and enforcement

- Guidelines and approved designs for septic tanks (Public Health) - Census Information

- Public Health - Municipal Authority -DOE -Central Building Authority

- $175, 000BZ

- Establishment & Implementation of an Educational Plan - Increased Capacity Building for inspection officers - Harmonized Standards, Best Practices

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3. Coordinate the Standardizing Guidelines for designs

4. Include Public Awareness component 5. Design & implement a social assistant program for building of septic tanks in residential areas for those that need assistance

3. Provide waste water treatment facility for coastal residential communities within 5 years

1) Feasibility study 2) Land Acquisition for sitting of system 3) Identification of funding 4) Design & construction 5) Identify and standardize treatment systems that could be used in different parts of the country with relation to the topography of the country. (create guidelines) 6) Assess how efficiently new

- Census information - Poverty Assessment Report

Ministry of National Development, BWS, Public Health, DOE, Ministry of Tourism, Local Government, Ministry of Health

-e.g. Estimated $ 1.2 BZ per 2miles for Placencia Area proposed CDB, IDB, World bank / GEF, CIDA Estimated timeframe (3-4 yrs with funding)

- Identification of appropriate technology, sitting and cost analysis - Acquisition of property for project site - Operational sewage treatment facility - Development of classification for treated effluent to be released into the environment. Making criteria more stringent and requiring better treatment systems for developments in sensitive areas, like cayes.

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4. Increase connectivity to existing sewage treatment facility and future treatment facility 5. Reduce bilge, ballast water and sewage discharge into the marine environment

technology could be used for systems example.. vacuum system.

7) Educate general public on proper disposal of sewage waste

1. Subsidize cost for connection

1. Assessment of marine traffic (commercial and recreational) waste disposal

2. Develop guidelines, standards and establish a public awareness program 3. Develop guidelines & standards for ensuring the

Existing waste treatment facility Ship Registry

- Fisheries Dept - Coast Guard - Port Authority - DOE

-$2000 per household nationally -San Pedro (potential location) $70 000 BZ 6 months

Greater than 90% connection - Increased knowledge of bilge and sewage management from marine vessels - Public Awareness materials to address disposal practices - A standard guideline for the establishment of port and marina facilities.

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availability of discharge bilge & water waste from vessels for new port facilities and marinas.

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2. Nutrients Priority sources/causes:

1. Agriculture/ aquaculture (sugar, citrus, banana, livestock, shrimp, tilapia) 2. Residential and commercial sewage 3. Marine vessel effluents (bilge)



(How?)

Existing Activities Primary Responsibility

(Who?)


Develop ONE coordinated national water quality monitoring network to measure nutrient loads in rivers, lagoons and coastal areas to reduce nutrient pollution.

Hold two national workshops with govt., NGOs, private sector to harmonize standards and coordinate efforts. Capacity building for the establishment of a central lab for water quality monitoring (diagnostic capacity of lab of testing)

EIA Process (ECPs) All Companies that went thru EIAs, MBRS Synoptic Monitoring Plan and phase 2 initiative to include freshwater monitoring Land Use Study (Wright et al, King et al)

DOE Hydrology (flow rates to calculate nutrient loads) Agriculture Dept. (Training/ Extension), Public Health NGOs for freshwater monitoring

US$10,000 Lead org. staff time

Identify pollutants (nutrients) to be measured and Establish a Base Line at key locations in Belize (terrestrial and marine). Establishment Number of monitoring sites in rivers and coasts.

Establish ONE Protocol for Freshwater and ONE Protocol for Marine Waters WQ Monitoring. Conduct a Legislative review of existing WQM issues.

-WRISCS study -CZM Coastal -WQM Study -PfB -freshwater study -SATIIM -TIDE

DOE

US$6,000

Standardized collection and measurement methodology (ONE Protocol for Fresh and ONE for Marine Waters).

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(How?)

Existing Activities

Primary Responsibility

(Who?)


Develop ONE coordinated national water quality monitoring network to measure nutrient loads in rivers, lagoons and coastal areas to reduce nutrient pollution.

Plan for Continuity of the National WQM Plan. Recommend Legal Responsibilities for Continued implementation of the NWQM Plan. Recommend mechanisms to Enforce the Riparian Buffer Zone (66 feet) alongside all water bodies. Revisit the two Water Quality Monitoring Protocols to agree on their joint Implementation from a National Perspective.

DOE US$2,000 US$2,000

Adherence by all parties to the Minimum Standards set out in the Laws of Belize. Reduction in Incidents of Fish Kills in Rivers. Continuity in Water Quality Monitoring Plan by all Stakeholders (private sector, GOB)

Identification and Implementation of Best Management Practices from Agricultural & Aquacultural systems (small to large farms)

Training of Farmers in Best/Good Agricultural Practices Implement Land Use Planning and Zoning, alongside Land Distribution Policies to minimize or avoid use of marginal lands for agriculture.

Lands, Agriculture, PCB, Fisheries, Ministry of Education as part of public awareness, BAHA, and Good Agricultural Practices (GAP)

US$10,000 US$100,000

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3. Physical Alteration & Destruction of Habitat Priority sources/causes:

1. Urbanization & Development 2. Deforestation 3. Agriculture & Aquaculture



(How?)


(Who?)


1)Development & Implementation of a Land Use Plan, zone scheme for urban areas, zoning scheme for tourism development along the coastal areas -Harmonize land development & existing laws as it relates to coastal areas e.g. develop a moratorium on mangrove clearance.

Utilize GIS and other technology as part of land use planning Establishment of baseline data to monitor long term Assessment of how many mangrove cayes is still national land Revise and promote the use of existing land use plan (SDAs) Assessment of practices &Development of best practices in agriculture for irrigation purposes.

Fisheries & Forestry with NGOs for protected areas Agriculture Lands Department - Local municipalities

$100,000

$ 40,000 per year

Database of existing land use National Land use Plan Developed & Implementation begins Assessment report Report on best practices

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2)Updating and legislating a Coastal Development Policy

Compare and coordinate existing legislation to that they relate to each other Implement and enforce existing law (SDA, 66 ft buffer, etc) Moratorium on sale/ of mangrove cayes Enforce and Strengthen legislation in regard to riparian and steep slope. Inventory of vegetation along river banks. Revive planning bill initiative. Review and revised both documents

Implementation of the NPASP Cayes Development Policy Coastal Development guidelines

CZMA

$120,000 per year $40,000 BZ $ 80,000 BZ

Draft amendments and new legislation Legislation detailing & guiding coastal development.

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Implement policies Strengthen the coordinating capacity of the CZMA.

$1.5 M X 3 yrs

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4. Solid Waste Management Priority sources/causes:

1. Household and commercial 2. Agro-industries (citrus, sugar, banana) 3. Meat and seafood processing


Priority Actions to Address Issue

(How?)


(Who?)


1. Implement the National Solid Waste Management Plan

2. Develop norms

and specifications for Storage, Collection, Transportation, Treatment and disposal in collaboration with DOE & Health

1. Review status of the Board of Directors to reflect the primary stakeholders in the Authority

Ministry responsible for SWM

No Cost

The BOD membership reviewed by the Minister and replaced by the SWMA as stipulated in the act.

2. Establish the

SWMA

Ministry responsible for SWM

No Cost

3. Establish the secretariat

with qualified Staffing

Board of Directors (BOD)

$800, 000 – 1st Yr

Budget Approved Secretariat established as stipulated in the plan with CEO and staff

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4. Review and Strengthen Act (Chap 224)

BOD in consultation with AG Ministry

$5,000 (Put in legal jargon)

Act revised and Gazetted

5. Review and Update Mgt Plan

The secretariat with advise of stakeholders

$9,000 (Consultation with stakeholders)

Carry out 3 Stakeholders consultations in the following zones – Northern – Central – Southern Finalize and Approved SMWA plan

6. Implementation Mgt Plan

The secretariat

$500, 000 per annum after 1st Yr Administration Implementation Cost as per plan

Budget Approved Completion of Phases Public Awareness Campaign Implementation of user fee

7. Each agro-industry to develop a solid waste mgt plan with assistance from the SWMA

Belize Agro Industry Association

GOB administrative monitoring cost already in budget, it is the responsibility of the industry itself

Proper disposal of solid waste in an environmental friendly manner

8. Access the feasibility of conversion of waste to other productive uses

Belize Agro Industry Association

GOB administrative monitoring cost already in budget

Proper disposal of solid waste in an environmental friendly manner

national plan of action for the control of land-based...

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