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Countries Appendix BELIZE (86.1%) Belize has substantial forest cover, a low population density, and a history of protecting its forests. Up until recently, the greatest threat to the rainforests came from small agricultural plots. Although timber is important to the economy of Belize, the method of selective cutting practiced by local firms has a small impact on the forest. There are numerous reserves which protect the high biodiversity of Belize, but these tend to be understaffed and could be at risk from illegal cutting activities. Unfortunately, in 1994, thousands of acres of primary rainforest were concessioned to a Malaysian-owned logging firm. The license runs until 2003 and allows the foreign firm to cut an extensive area of its hardwoods. The firm will probably not practice the low-impact timbering that has been practiced by Belize companies. According to the terms of the agreement, the government of Belize only received $15,000 for the concession. There is fear that a plan to expand and pave the Southern Highway will be an impetus logging operations. Belize has an exceptional ecotourism industry, with its extensive barrier reef and tropical rainforests, that rivals that of Costa Rica. . . . . . For current information I highly recommend trying the CIA and FAO links below. |
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