The purpose of our protocol geographic information systems involvement in southern Belize is to structure the creation of ecological maps detailing habitats
and ecological niches, natural wonders, land-use and occupancy maps deriving from oral historical data, harvesting areas, habitation sites, historical sites, the
use of remote-sensing images, and GPS readings in conjunction with the use of GIS for map and spatial analysis. These data will form the basis of land management
talks and negotiation of land rights and title specifics for the indigenous people of Southern Belize and also to coordinate and integrate traditional forest resource
management systems with government-instituted system of management plan for benefit of conservation, preservation and ecotourism. Delineation of boundaries between
villages would also reduce tensions in boundary conflicts between neighboring villages.
Belize is a Central American country that is bordered between Mexico to the north, Guatemala in the west and south, and the Caribbean Sea to the east-it is
approximately the size of Massachusetts. This former British colony gained its independence in 1981 and currently has a population of over 280,000 people and
comprised of predominantly five ethnic groups: Garifuna, Creole, Mestizo, East Indian, and the Maya. Of all these groups, the Maya people are the original indigenous
inhabitants and currently occupy the highest population density with a concentration in the southernmost part of Belize named Toledo.
Belize harbors the largest living barrier reef (second largest reef) in the world and is home to some of the most intact tropical rainforest in Central America.
Rainfall ranges from 48 inches in the north to 160 inches per year in the southern part of Belize. Geologically, Belize consists of limestone and sandy soil to the
north and is dominated by mountain pine savannah that is transected by the remote and rugged Maya mountains range in the south the range boasts an altitude of 1,124m
and some of the most pristine and untouched mountainous tropical rainforest in all of the Americas.
At present, two of the countries main sources of income are agricultural export and the growing ecotourism industry. Importantly, ecotourism has played a
major role in the past decade as one of the country's leading source of income-the industry has the potential to occupy an even larger role in economic stability if done appropriately.
The living barrier reef of Belize and its tropical rainforests and archeological sites have become key forces which have put Belize on the map as a prime
tourist destination. As the hunt for freshness in tourism shifts from typical to atypical-travelers have begun expanding their destination to more ecologically
oriented alternatives. The diversity of labels such as "green, eco, sustainable, alternative, and responsible" convey both the breadth and the import of this phenomenon.
This shift in eco-travel over vacationing makes the district of Toledo, Belize a prime location as it is the best preserved part of Belize both culturally and environmentally.
This marketability as a prime ecotourism destination can assist with the development of fresh revenue streams for the preservation and the sustainable management of the
rainforest resources and the other natural places of Belize.
With the impending insurgence of ecotourism, however, there are several noteworthy precautions to be advised so as to not cause a deleterious effect to the fragile ecosystems, natural and sacred places, or cultures.
Better known as the forgotten district, Toledo is the southernmost district in Belize. With some three dozen small villages, Toledo is mainly inhabited by Kekchi and Mopan
groups of Maya people. The paucity of development in Toledo has allowed for the preservation of the most pristine tropical rainforest found in the country-and the Americas. With
the recent completion of a paved highway, access to this district has opened a window of opportunity ideal for the development of an eco-tourist destination.
As the district and its inhabitants brace themselves for the development from tourism, mixed feelings and concerns have arisen from multiple ethnic groups including the Mayas living
traditionally in Toledo. Many inhabitants in Southern Belize are acutely aware that with economic development comes change, a phenomenon that has been all too common for them. Having
chosen to live a simple life, most Mayans are concerned with sustainable development associated eco-tourism. Perhaps their greatest concern of all is that of the securing of their land.
For many Mayan people, their traditional notion of land tenure is based on the fact that their ancestors were the original inhabitants of this area. With the increase in land development
for tourism by international investors, land security will require more than a verbal agreement between the Mayas and the Government of Belize. Unfortunately, the land issue has
been a controversial topic and a subject of concern which has cast nothing but bad memories as far back as the beginning of the 1500's for all the Mayas in Belize. To understand
the situation fully, it is imperative to develop a timeline of interactions between Mayas and early settlers regarding land issues in Belize.
Though tourism is a growing major source of income for the country of Belize and can offer with it realistic modes of conservation and preservation, land development for tourism
in Southern Belize poses consequences to both the indigenous people living in Toledo and the government itself. The increase in tourism could greatly affect the livelihood of local
indigenous groups who fear the threat of land displacement, while subsistence farming practiced by indigenous groups can affect the ecological resources that attract tourism. To effectively
prepare for such changes, the native inhabitants of Toledo in conjunction with the government of Belize will require a mutual agreement resulting in equal beneficiaries. Such an approach
would require willingness by the government to acknowledge native Mayan culture, land, tradition, and sovereignty; in return indigenous people can help protect the national biological
diversity while making their livelihoods when living in and around protected areas.
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