Belize – Regional Location
Belize is organized into six administrative districts: Corozal and Orange Walk Districts in the north, Cayo District to the west, Belize District at the center, and Stann Creek District.
Administrative Districts of Belize
Belize is divided into several districts, with the Toledo District located in the south and Cayo and Orange Walk as the only inland districts, while the remaining four districts line the Caribbean coast The region experiences a subtropical climate, moderated by trade winds, with coastal temperatures ranging from 10°C (50°F) to 35.6°C (96°F), while inland areas see a wider temperature variation Rainfall also differs significantly, averaging 1,295 millimeters in the northern districts and reaching up to 4,445 millimeters in the southernmost region The dry season typically lasts from February to May, with occasional dry spells occurring in August.
Belize is a diverse, multi-ethnic, and multi-lingual nation, primarily inhabited by Mestizos (49%) and Creoles (25%), with significant populations of Maya (11%) and Garifuna (6%) The Maya community includes three ethnic groups: Yucatec, who reside mainly in the north and west, and Kekchi and Mopan, predominantly found in the Toledo District in the south, where they represent about 60% of the local population Other groups include East Indians, Mennonites, Chinese, and expatriates from North America and Britain While English is the official language, Spanish and Creole are widely spoken, alongside Garifuna, Mopan Maya, and Kekchi Maya in the Toledo and Stann Creek Districts.
Belize, a former British colony, achieved political independence on September 21, 1981, and operates under a parliamentary democracy modeled after the Westminster System The constitutional Head of State is the Queen of England, represented by a Belizean Governor General The Prime Minister, who leads the majority party in the House of Representatives, serves as the Head of Government The bicameral National Assembly includes the Senate, with twelve members appointed by the Governor General, and the House of Representatives, consisting of 29 elected members The Honorable Said W Musa was re-appointed as Prime Minister after the People's United Party won re-election on March 4, 2003, controlling 22 seats, while the opposition United Democratic Party, led by Honorable Dean O Barrow, holds seven seats The Honorable John Briceño serves as Deputy Prime Minister, overseeing Natural Resources, the Environment, Commerce, and Industry.
The administration of Belize's six districts involves collaboration among various government officials, including the District Accountant, the Officer Commanding the District Police, and department heads Each district town is overseen by a locally elected Town Council comprising seven members, while Belize City is managed by a nine-member City Council and Belmopan City by a seven-member City Council In rural areas, local governance is facilitated by elected village councils of seven members Additionally, Maya villages in the southern districts of Toledo and Stann Creek are governed jointly by village councils and alcalde councils.
Belize's economic foundation originated in the mid-20th century, transitioning from forestry products like logwood, mahogany, and chicle to large-scale agriculture This shift included the cultivation of citrus and bananas in southern Belize and sugarcane in the north, marking a significant change in the country's agricultural landscape.
Belize is experiencing a significant economic transformation, shifting from an agriculture-based economy to a more service-oriented one, with the service sector contributing 59.5% to the GDP in 2001, compared to just 16.8% from the primary sector The country has approximately 16,979 farmers operating on 265,000 acres of land, divided into 146,000 acres for crops and 119,000 acres for pastures In 2001, agriculture accounted for 11.3% of GDP and 88.9% of total export earnings, with sugar, bananas, and citrus fruits as the primary income sources Notably, citrus exports surpassed sugarcane as the largest contributor to foreign exchange earnings in 2001, followed by sugarcane and bananas.
$95.1M (includes fresh fruits and by-products), $59.4M and $42.8M, respectively, totaling
Belize's export sector is thriving, with traditional commodities generating $197.3 million, while new export products like papayas, habanero peppers, and aquaculture are on the rise Additionally, marine products, including farmed shrimp, alongside small manufacturing, significantly enhance the country's export contributions.
Belize's economy has transitioned primarily to agriculture, yet the textile and wood industries remain vital income sources Notably, the tourism and financial services sectors have experienced significant growth from 1998 to 2003, with tourism witnessing remarkable increases The Belize Tourism Board (BTB) reported that 2002 marked a record year for overnight visitors arriving in Belize, highlighting the country's rising appeal as a travel destination.
Cruise passenger arrivals surged by over 500 percent compared to the previous year, highlighting a significant recovery in Belize's tourism sector (BTB 2003a) In 1998, total overnight arrivals reached 176,054, and despite challenges such as three major hurricanes and a decline in international travel post-9/11, Belize saw a 13.3 percent increase in tourism arrivals four years later Furthermore, the number of hotels in the region grew by 4.5 percent in 2002 (BTB 2003a).
Belize's economy benefits from its abundant land, forest, and water resources, as well as its strategic proximity to the U.S market and strong historical ties to the United Kingdom These environmental assets present significant opportunities in nature-based tourism However, the economy faces challenges, including vulnerability to natural disasters, as evidenced by the impact of hurricanes in 2000 and 2001 Additionally, declining preferred market access for key exports like bananas and sugar under various international agreements poses further challenges for Belize's economic stability.
The natural vegetation of Belize consists of a mosaic of major formations, according to underlying geology, terrain, soil type, wetness, salinity, altitude and rainfall pattern (PFB
The Central American Ecosystems Mapping Project identified 85 terrestrial ecosystems and two marine ecosystems in Belize Satellite imagery from 1996 and 1998 revealed that approximately 15,867 square kilometers, or 69.1% of Belize, is forested, including 804 square kilometers of Pine Forest, which constitutes 5% of total forest cover These ecosystems are categorized into nine major classes: water, wetland, coastal savanna, mangrove and littoral forest, lowland savanna, lowland pine forest, submontane pine forest, lowland broadleaf forest, and submontane broadleaf forest, along with two land use types: agricultural (including aquaculture and forest plantations) and urban areas Notably, all these ecosystem classes are found in Southern Belize, the focus area of this Master’s Project.
Belize is renowned for its vast natural habitats and relatively low levels of human disturbance, which support viable populations of various conservation-sensitive species that are declining in other Central American regions The country is a local center of endemicity and serves as a crucial migration route for both Nearctic and Neotropical birds With over 540 bird species documented, including more than 80 that are of special conservation concern, and over 150 recorded mammal species, Belize is a vital area for biodiversity conservation.
Out of the recorded wildlife species, forty-three are classified as endangered, threatened, rare, or hunted, with thirteen recognized as internationally significant and listed in CITES appendices, IUCN Red Data Books, or the US Endangered Species Act Additionally, 111 reptile species and 40 amphibian species have been documented, although the amphibian count is still tentative However, there is a lack of comprehensive data on freshwater fish and invertebrates.
The decline of suitable wildlife habitat in Central America is alarming, with Belize serving as a vital refuge for nearctic and neotropical migrants, as well as endangered mammal species The country's protected areas encompass significant portions of critical habitats, essential for sustaining viable populations of these species and acting as the primary conservation strategy Furthermore, Belize's protected regions are integral to the Maya Forest Region and the Mesoamerican Biological Corridor, linking the remaining forests of Peten in Guatemala to those in Calakmul, Chiapas, Mexico.
Table 1: Broad Ecosystem Classes and Land Uses by Cover
Protected areas establishment and legal framework
Belize boasts a rich array of natural and cultural resources found in its marine and terrestrial environments This significance is reflected in the establishment of 71 protected areas throughout the country, highlighting the commitment to preserving these vital ecosystems.
Belize Protected Areas
Regional, national, and international conservation initiatives
Demonstrating a commitment to conservation, Belize is a signatory to various regional and international environmental treaties such as the Central American Convention on Biological
Belize is committed to preserving its diverse ecosystems and prioritizing the protection of critical areas in Central America as part of the Alliance for Sustainable Development The country is a signatory to several international environmental treaties that address key issues such as biodiversity, climate change, desertification, endangered species, hazardous waste management, maritime law, ozone layer protection, ship pollution, and wetland conservation.
The preservation of biological diversity is a priority for various regional, national, and international initiatives, including the efforts of The Nature Conservancy (TNC) and the Toledo Institute for Development and Environment (TIDE) to protect the Maya Mountain Marine Area Transect (MMMAT) through their “ridges to reefs” conservation strategy Additionally, the Mesoamerican Biological Corridor (MBC) and the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System (MBRS) are extensive projects supported by the Global Environment Facility (GEF), aimed at enhancing environmental sustainability in developing regions The MBC, involving seven Central American countries and southern Mexico, focuses on protecting critical biodiversity sites, establishing corridors for the movement of wildlife, and fostering equitable development that respects cultural sensitivities while conserving biodiversity.
The MBRS project is a comprehensive fifteen-year initiative designed to safeguard the vulnerable barrier reef system that extends from Mexico to Honduras Recognized as a World Heritage Site since 1996, the Belize Barrier Reef faces significant threats from harmful fishing practices, agricultural and industrial runoff, and coral bleaching Key objectives of the project include the creation of integrated management plans for the sustainable utilization of coastal and marine ecosystems, as well as enhancing local and national capabilities in environmental management through education, information sharing, and training.
Standardizing ecosystem monitoring and enhancing its execution and dissemination across the region are crucial for effective environmental management Strengthening institutions and programs aimed at maintaining water quality and preventing contamination, especially in transboundary contexts, is essential Additionally, establishing transnational coordination and cooperation mechanisms will facilitate the harmonization of policies, including laws, standards, regulations, and enforcement related to the conservation and sustainable use of the Mesoamerican Biological Corridor (MBRS).
The Tri-national Alliance for the Gulf of Honduras (TRIGOH), established in 1996, is a collaborative network of conservation organizations from Belize, Guatemala, and Honduras This alliance focuses on coordinating conservation efforts and addressing conflicts in the biologically diverse Gulf of Honduras, which encompasses various coastal and marine protected areas.
In response to a growing trade deficit and diminished growth following recent hurricanes, the government is prioritizing decentralization and privatization to address budgetary limitations This strategy involves delegating resource management and conservation efforts to quasi-governmental organizations like the Toledo Development Corporation (TDC) and the Coastal Zone Management Authority (CZMA), along with various non-governmental organizations (NGOs).
The Protected Areas Conservation Trust (PACT) serves as Belize's primary funding agency for managing protected areas, aiming to ensure sustainable financial support for the conservation of the country's natural and cultural treasures Funded through exit fees from foreign visitors and entrance fees to protected areas, PACT plays a crucial role in the management and development of these areas However, despite providing essential revenue for both governmental and non-governmental organizations, the funding remains inadequate to effectively manage and maintain Belize's extensive system of protected areas.
The management of protected areas in Belize has been delegated to private organizations, including the Belize Audubon Society (BAS), TIDE, and the Toledo Association for Sustainable Tourism and Empowerment (TASTE), through legally binding co-management agreements with government agencies like the Fisheries and Forest Departments Currently, fourteen protected areas are jointly managed by NGOs and community-based organizations (CBOs) alongside the Forest Department Among these, the BAS oversees eight areas, such as Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary and Blue Hole National Park, while CBOs manage six sites, including Caye Caulker Forest Reserve and Mayflower Bocawina National Park Additionally, the Sarstoon-Temash Institute for Indigenous Management (SATIIM) is launching a World Bank-funded project to establish a co-management system for the Sarstoon-Temash National Park, the southernmost protected area in Belize.
TIDE has established a co-management agreement with the Fisheries Department for the Port Honduras Marine Reserve and participates in the oversight committee for Payne’s Creek National Park, appointed by the Forest Department Additionally, TASTE is in the process of negotiating a co-management agreement for the Sapodilla Cayes Marine Reserve Meanwhile, Ya’axche’ Conservation Trust (YCT) manages its own Golden Stream Corridor Preserve, and TIDE also owns and manages private property.
The devolution of management responsibilities to local communities often lacks the essential financial resources needed for effective implementation Despite efforts to establish co-management agreements with government agencies, inadequate human and financial capacity poses a significant challenge to fulfilling these responsibilities While decentralization allows for innovative and localized management of protected areas, it also highlights the absence of mechanisms to ensure accountability to the government, local populations, and other stakeholders.
Toledo District: Context and Issues
The Toledo District stands at a pivotal point of change, with accelerated development on the horizon as the Southern Highway nears completion and a new road to Guatemala is planned, intersecting traditional Maya lands known as the "Maya heartland." Perspectives on the future of Southern Belize vary widely; some advocate for economic growth through industrial agriculture and large infrastructure projects, while others prioritize eco-regional conservation to safeguard one of the last pristine wilderness areas, stretching from the Maya Mountains to the coast Amid these contrasting visions, many residents strive to preserve their traditional livelihoods within politically designated zones, logging concessions, and protected areas The region's rich biodiversity and complex organizational dynamics highlight its significance, as resource management issues arise across various scales—international, national, regional, and local—encompassing chronic concerns and emerging challenges related to economic development, society and culture, and environmental sustainability.
Southern Belize, often labeled as "the forgotten district" due to its economic underdevelopment, is home to the majority of the country's protected areas and reserves The Toledo District, in particular, faces the highest levels of poverty and illiteracy, making it the most economically disadvantaged area in Belize According to poverty assessments conducted in 1993 and 1996, Toledo has consistently been identified as the most indigent district in the nation.
Toledo, with its predominantly rural agrarian population, is home to various ethnic groups that uphold their cultural traditions through small-scale agriculture These communities rely on their natural environment for essential resources such as medicinal herbs, food, timber, and construction materials.
In recent years, Southern Belize, particularly the Toledo District, has garnered significant attention from the Government of Belize (GOB) as part of its initiative to combat poverty The GOB has implemented innovative strategies aimed at assisting the Toledo District in its development, emphasizing the importance of special benefits for the region Additionally, the government highlights the critical connection between environmental sustainability and economic growth, reinforcing the need for balanced development in these efforts.
Land use planning and environmental management are crucial for addressing poverty alleviation, advancing health sector development, and promoting tourism, especially eco-tourism and community-based initiatives Additionally, they play a significant role in supporting industrial and agricultural growth, as well as enhancing disaster mitigation and management strategies.
Perhaps the most significant intervention has been the improvement of the Southern Highway, which traverses the entire southern region of Belize Under the Southern Highway
Rehabilitation Project, some 104 miles of the existing Southern Highway – which connects
Protected Areas of the Toledo District…
Southern Belize, often depicted as "pristine" by environmental organizations, faces significant environmental challenges, including pollution, improper waste disposal, and the overuse of agro-chemicals, leading to deforestation and habitat destruction The banana industry relies heavily on pesticides and fertilizers, while the aquaculture sector is rapidly expanding, with eight shrimp farms occupying around 30,000 acres in the region This surge in human activity has contributed to the alarming decline of coastal mangroves, adversely affecting local water quality and coastal communities As aquaculture remains largely unregulated, there is an urgent need for the Government of Belize to implement comprehensive regulations and strategic planning to ensure sustainable development in this sector.
Belize, located in the hurricane belt of Central America, has faced significant challenges from major storms over the past three years, resulting in extensive damage to tourist facilities, infrastructure, and the agricultural sector The impact of Hurricane Iris in 2001 is still felt, with damage costs exceeding US$250 million and leaving 13,000 people homeless, particularly affecting 62 percent of the rural population In the Toledo District, rural villages and forests suffered greatly, with approximately 310,000 hectares of terrestrial ecosystems severely impacted.
Estimates suggest that it may take between 50 to 100 years for mature tree species to once again dominate the landscape (Monk and Penados 2002) During the transitional phase from relief aid to development assistance, rural communities are increasingly reliant on their local resources for sustainability.
The Toledo District, despite the damage from Hurricane Iris, boasts significant forest cover and commercially viable timber However, unsustainable logging practices and a questionable leasing policy threaten the sustainability of these resources Neighboring South Stann Creek is already experiencing declining timber harvests due to similar unsustainable practices As of 2002, the only management plan in the District was the Columbia Forest Reserve Management Plan, and the prevalence of short-term leases and the absence of comprehensive management strategies hinder efforts toward sustainable forest management, as highlighted in the ESTAP Regional Development Plan.
Sustainable management of forest resources goes beyond mere licensing and timber yield assessments; it requires the implementation of supportive programs such as plantation forestry, agro-forestry, silviculture, and reforestation Additionally, enhancing political awareness of the forests' value, especially in terms of soil and water conservation, is crucial Effective enforcement of existing legislation and the exploration of forests' recreational and tourism potential are also vital components of sustainable forest management.
Chapter Three: The Struggle for Land Tenure and Resource Control in Southern Belize
The Belizean test of multiculturality lies squarely within the scope of state- local debates over natural resource conservation – Clark (2000b:28)
The dynamics of politics, community rights, and territorial control significantly influence resource management in Southern Belize, presenting both opportunities and challenges The Maya people of Toledo, comprising 15,000 Mopan and Kekchi individuals—60% of the district's population—are at the forefront of advocating for recognition and rights to natural resources Their deep-rooted connection to the land is integral to their cultural identity and livelihood Notably, large government land holdings, such as National Parks and Forest Reserves, overlap with areas that hold significant cultural and historical importance for these communities, yet they lack legal title to the land This absence of officially recognized land tenure is a critical social issue in the Toledo District and reflects broader challenges faced throughout Southern Belize, impacting the capacity of indigenous communities to engage in collaborative natural resource management initiatives.
The ancient Maya civilization thrived in an expansive region of approximately 400,000 square kilometers, encompassing present-day southern Mexico, Guatemala, northern Honduras, El Salvador, and Belize This remarkable culture evolved significantly in complexity from 1800 B.C and reached its peak of cultural achievements between 250 A.D and beyond.
Chapter Three 43 Struggle for Land Tenure
By the mid-10th century A.D., Maya society underwent significant changes, leading to a dramatic population decline and the relocation of several large settlements By the time of European exploration in the 16th and 17th centuries, many Maya still inhabited regions that would later become Belize.
The arrival of European colonizers in the Caribbean and Central America significantly disrupted indigenous populations This appropriation of land and marginalization of these communities persisted through the transitions to national independence in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries and continues today The Maya, facing numerous challenges to their culture, currently inhabit regions of Guatemala, Mexico, Honduras, and Belize.
The debate over whether the Maya abandoned southern Belize due to Spanish conquest before British settlement is contentious and impacts claims to aboriginal rights Despite historical uncertainties, the Kekchi and Mopan Maya now occupy significant areas in the Toledo District and southern Stann Creek District In the mid-1900s, the British colonial government created ten Maya Indian Reservations in the Toledo District to support residential, farming, and subsistence needs for the Maya communities.
Currently, sixteen Maya communities, comprising 51 percent of the Toledo Maya population, live within reservations, while at least twenty villages exist outside these boundaries The 1992 Belize National Lands Act, which replaced the Crown Lands Act post-independence, fails to recognize these reservations, leaving the Maya without legal rights to the land, even within the reservations This absence of legal land tenure significantly contributes to the marginalization of these communities.
Most Maya communities navigate between cash and subsistence economies, yet many productive activities rely on resources for which they lack government-sanctioned rights This absence of control over productive assets significantly contributes to poverty in these communities.
Chapter Three 44 Struggle for Land Tenure
The Toledo Maya community faces significant economic challenges, with government assessments indicating that they represent the poorest segment of the national population In the Toledo District, a staggering 65.8 percent of the Maya are classified as "poor," and 30.4 percent of this group is considered "extremely poor," relying on resources that barely meet their basic subsistence needs As a result, the poverty rate among the Maya is twice the national average.
To combat poverty in southern Belize, the Government of Belize (GOB) recognized the need for innovative strategies to help the region progress (GOB 1998:1) A key initiative has been the Southern Highway Rehabilitation Project, which spans the entire southern region However, Maya leaders voiced concerns in the early 1990s that the new highway could exacerbate their marginalization unless the government addressed critical economic and social issues Their primary worry centered on insecure land tenure, fearing that the improved highway would lead to increased land speculation.
In the past decade, the Government of Belize (GOB) has exacerbated Maya fears by granting at least seventeen logging concessions on 480,000 acres in Toledo and permitting a foreign oil and gas exploration company to search for reserves on nearly 750,000 acres In response, the Maya have advocated for recognition of their rights to land and natural resources, citing their historical occupation as justification Despite the GOB's reluctance to address these demands, Toledo Maya leaders have garnered support from national and international NGOs and legal experts, intensifying their advocacy efforts at both national and international levels.
Toledo District Forest Licenses
On August 10, 1998, Maya leadership submitted a petition to the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) to urge the Government of Belize (GOB) to acknowledge indigenous land rights and to contest the legality of logging and oil concessions in the Toledo District Despite the ratification of multiple tentative agreements regarding resource use and indigenous rights, the conflict remains unresolved.
The Southern Highway Rehabilitation Project faced opposition that pressured the Inter-American Development Bank (IADB) to adhere to its policy against road construction in contested zones In response to environmental and social concerns, particularly for the Toledo Maya, the IADB allocated US$2.6 million for the Environmental and Social Technical Assistance Project (ESTAP), which aimed to develop a Regional Development Plan for the South Stann Creek and Toledo Districts However, ESTAP was dissolved in 1999, three years ahead of schedule, leading the Government to establish the Southern Region Development Corporation (SRDC) to continue its efforts As the Toledo District became the project's focal area, the SRDC was restructured into the Toledo Development Corporation (TDC).
The TDC is responsible for implementing the original RDP, which outlines development programs aimed at enhancing highway improvements while addressing potential negative social, economic, and environmental impacts from significant civil works (GOB 2000c) By serving as a unified voice for Toledo, the TDC facilitates interactions between potential investors and a single representative entity The Government anticipates that the Plan, in conjunction with the Southern Highway Rehabilitation Project, will expedite development in a region historically viewed as the most economically challenged in the country.
Chapter Three 47 Struggle for Land Tenure
Chapter Three 48 Struggle for Land Tenure
Toledo District Indian Reserves…
Approximately one-third of the Toledo District under the RDP is classified as National Land, encompassing around 336,000 acres Governed by the 1992 National Lands Act, National Land, which includes lease-land, is part of the Government's National Estate, overseen by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MNRECI) The remaining categories include Forest Reserves and National Parks The Government defines National Land as public land that serves as a largely passive and unmanaged resource.
The Maya Reservations in the Toledo District, encompassing around 70,000 acres, are a unique exception to Belize's typical land tenure systems Established by Britain under the Crown Lands Act, these reservations were created for the Kekchi and Mopan peoples of Southern Belize, with the first reservation set up in 1896 in San Antonio Although designated as Indian Reservations, the land remains under government ownership, preventing communal land ownership among the Maya and allowing national authorities to potentially revoke their rights to the land.
Maya organizations and the Government of Belize (GOB) are engaged in a heated dispute over the legal status and function of Maya Reservations The existing statutory rules, established in 1924, have not been updated, leading to ongoing tensions The National Lands Act, which replaces the Crown Lands Act, notably fails to address Indian Reservations directly, further complicating the situation.
The Toledo Maya Cultural Council (TMCC), representing the Mopan and Kekchi communities in Belize, asserts that the reservations for these indigenous groups remain valid under Belizean law, contrary to the perspective that they may not be applicable (ESTAP 2000:127).
Chapter Three 49 Struggle for Land Tenure
Current reservations cover only about half of today's contemporary Maya villages, as noted by the IACHR (2000) According to the RDP, the Commissioner of Lands and Surveys from the Ministry of Natural Resources has regulatory authority over the occupation of these lands However, actual control over occupancy is held by village alcaldes, who are traditional community-elected leaders, and Village Council Chairmen (GOB 2000c) Currently, the ten established reservations include sixteen communities, home to approximately 6,500 Maya individuals (IADB 2001).
The availability of productive land for expansion within reservations is minimal, and numerous Maya villages have emerged beyond the boundaries set by the Crown Lands Act, according to recent estimates.
Maya farmers occupy over 25,000 ha of unleased national lands…
There is a growing consensus that the reservation system has significantly declined, leading to a loss of confidence among stakeholders This deterioration is largely attributed to the lack of an official administrative framework and the absence of a formal policy governing the tenure of reservation land.
At least twenty Maya villages reside outside reservation boundaries This is not a recent or unexpected phenomenon In the Maya Atlas (1997) the TMCC and the Toledo Alcaldes Association (TAA) declare:
The reserves intended for the Maya were never clearly defined or recognized in the country's constitution as their communal property Additionally, the reservations established by the British to control the Maya population were not respected.
The Maya people have established numerous villages outside of designated reservations without government consent, as they view these lands as their ancestral heritage Their forefathers once built impressive temples in these areas, symbolizing their enduring connection to the land.
Thirty-six Maya villages in the Toledo District are situated near lands granted for logging concessions by the Government of Belize These concessions encompass forests essential to the Maya for religious practices, farming, hunting, and gathering Valentino Shal, President of the TMCC, highlights concerns regarding the impact of the Southern Highway's paving and the planned construction of a new highway on these vital resources.
Chapter Three highlights the struggle for land tenure in Guatemala, emphasizing that the new highway will facilitate access for outsiders to claim land, raising security concerns for the lands currently occupied by the Maya Anaya, an attorney with the Indian Law Resource Center, underscores that the Maya's issue transcends environmental degradation; it fundamentally revolves around ownership and control of their lands and resources This perspective is echoed by the ongoing interests and concerns of Maya organizations.
Five key NGOs advocate for the Maya community in the Toledo District, including the Toledo Maya Cultural Council (TMCC), the Kekchi Council of Belize (KCB), the Toledo Maya Women’s Council (TMWC), and the Toledo Alcaldes Association (TAA) These organizations emerged to tackle social, economic, cultural, and gender issues, as well as to enhance political representation for the Maya people As land availability and tenure became increasingly critical, these groups adopted a more political focus, leading to the formation of the Maya Leaders’ Alliance (MLA) in 1999 in response to the politicization of land in Southern Belize This analysis explores the specific interests of each organization.
In 1982, Mopan and Kekchi alcaldes established the Toledo Maya Cultural Council (TMCC) in response to the Government's land appropriation without consulting Maya communities, fearing the erosion of their traditional governance system The TMCC aimed to foster cooperation among Toledo Maya, promoting unity and addressing shared economic, social, and educational challenges As land conflicts intensified, the TMCC prioritized securing the ancestral territory of the Maya, ensuring their continued presence in the lands they consider their own.
1997) Since Mopan Maya and Kekchi Maya face similar threats, six representatives from
Chapter Three discusses the struggle for land tenure, highlighting the election of representatives to the TMCC Executive Committee The significant demographic difference, with the Kekchi population being nearly double that of the Mopan, has shifted the power dynamics between these two groups.
Despite efforts by pan-Maya organizations, tensions between the Mopan and Kekchi communities have led to the formation of single-ethnicity advocacy groups The Kekchi Council of Belize (KCB) was established in 1992 by Kekchi leaders as a legally recognized body to address community concerns in the Toledo District As a non-profit, non-religious, and non-partisan organization, the KCB collaborates with various entities to enhance the living conditions of the Kekchi people through leadership training, economic development, and the documentation of indigenous knowledge The Council's mission focuses on preserving the Kekchi language and culture while fostering interethnic harmony in Belize KCB President Gregorio Ch’oc emphasizes the importance of protecting indigenous heritage, including folkways and monuments, and ensuring that development projects align with the needs of Maya communities The KCB's initiatives now encompass a wide range of issues, including political matters and watershed management.