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Turneffe Atoll Marine Reserve Background

Turneffe's Background

Early Conservation Efforts

Protection for Turneffe Atoll had been discussed for more than 20 years. National Gap analyses had also recognized its importance. Despite this, the atoll remained without formal management until the Turneffe Atoll Marine Reserve was declared in 2012.

Furthermore, sustainable management of Turneffe Atoll was first officially addressed in the early 1990s. This happened when the Turneffe Islands Committee was established. The committee was created to help protect the atoll’s fragile environment and safeguard the rights of customary users. It also intended to allocate different areas of the atoll for specific uses. However, this process was never implemented.

Planning and Development Initiatives

Subsequently, in 1994, the management of Turneffe Atoll became a priority for the three ministries responsible for Fisheries, Environment, and Tourism, as well as the Coastal Zone Authority and Administration.

In 1996, John Gill and colleagues drafted the Turneffe Islands Development Guidelines. These guidelines provided comprehensive recommendations for 94 sites across the atoll and helped shape future planning efforts.

Establishing the Marine Reserve

As a result, Belize passed the Coastal Zone Management Act in 1998.. The legislation called for the development of a Coastal Zone Management Plan for Belize, and Turneffe Atoll was identified as an area requiring strategic planning.

The first phase of the plan became law in 2001. Consequently, Belize’s coastal areas were divided into nine planning regions, including Turneffe Atoll.

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Turneffe Atoll Trust

Turneffe Islands Development Guidelines

Development of the Turneffe Islands Development Guidelines

In 2001, the Turneffe Islands Coastal Advisory Committee (TICAC) held its inaugural meeting and began a comprehensive planning process for the future management of Turneffe Atoll.

Over the following two and a half years, committee members worked closely with stakeholders to develop The committee completed the Turneffe Islands Development Guidelines in 2003.

Key Recommendations and Planning Framework

In addition, the guidelines contained Provisional Development Site Tables that were based largely on the earlier recommendations developed by John Gill and his colleagues.

These recommendations helped identify appropriate areas for development while emphasizing the need to protect important habitats and natural resources.

As a result, the document became one of the most comprehensive planning resources available for Turneffe Atoll at the time and provided valuable guidance for future management initiatives.

Challenges to Implementation

However, despite the significant effort invested in the planning process, the Development Guidelines were never formally adopted.

Consequently, many of the recommendations were not implemented, and the Turneffe Islands Coastal Advisory Committee remained largely inactive for several years.

Nevertheless, the work completed by TICAC helped establish a foundation for future conservation planning and contributed to later efforts that ultimately supported the creation of the Turneffe Atoll Marine Reserve.

Turneffe Atoll Coastal Advisory Committee

Formation of the Turneffe Atoll Coastal Advisory Committee

In October 2010, following the revitalization of Belize’s Coastal Zone Management Program, the Turneffe Islands Coastal Advisory Committee (TICAC) was restructured and renamed the Turneffe Atoll Coastal Advisory Committee (TACAC).

This change aligned the committee’s name with the official designation of Turneffe Atoll and reflected its evolving role in regional planning and management.

By this time, several significant changes had occurred across the atoll. Large areas of land ownership had shifted from national ownership to the private sector.

In addition, the University of Belize had established a research station, and the Belize Coast Guard had established a station at Calabash Caye. These developments highlighted the growing importance of coordinated planning and sustainable management for Turneffe Atoll.

Developing Updated Management Guidelines

Furthermore, Belize established nine regional Coastal Zone Committees, including TACAC, to develop recommendations for the sustainable management of coastal and marine resources.

The committee brought together stakeholders from various sectors to review existing plans and identify emerging priorities for Turneffe Atoll.

As a result, the Turneffe Atoll Management Guidelines were completed in 2011. These guidelines built upon and expanded the recommendations contained in the 2003 Development Guidelines while incorporating new information, changing land-use patterns, and updated conservation priorities.

Consequently, the document provided an important framework for the future management and protection of Turneffe Atoll.

Turneffe Atoll Sustainability Council

Establishing a Collaborative Management Framework

At the same time that Belize’s Coastal Zone planning initiatives were progressing in 2010, the Turneffe Atoll Trust (TAT) began efforts to establish a long-term management framework for Turneffe Atoll. As part of this initiative, the Turneffe Atoll Sustainability Council (TASC) was created.

TASC brought together a diverse network of stakeholders, organizations, and individuals who shared a common interest in the conservation and sustainable development of Turneffe Atoll. Although it operated as an informal collaborative body, the council played an important role in building consensus among key stakeholder groups and promoting a unified vision for the future of the atoll.

The formation of TASC represented an important step toward creating an effective and inclusive governance structure for Turneffe Atoll. By encouraging dialogue and cooperation among conservation organizations, tourism operators, fishermen, researchers, landowners, and government representatives, the council helped lay the foundation for the management systems that would later support the Turneffe Atoll Marine Reserve.

Objectives of the Turneffe Atoll Sustainability Council (TASC)

The primary goals of TASC were to:

  • Promote the long-term conservation and sustainable management of Turneffe Atoll.
  • Strengthen collaboration among stakeholders with interests in the atoll.
  • Support science-based decision-making and responsible resource management.
  • Encourage stakeholder participation in planning and management processes.
  • Develop recommendations for effective governance and protection of Turneffe Atoll.
  • Advance initiatives that balance environmental conservation with sustainable economic opportunities.
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Declaring Turneffe a Marine Reserve

Stakeholder Consultations and Planning

Over the course of two to three years, the process of declaring Turneffe Atoll a Marine Reserve required more than 10,000 hours of consultation and planning. This achievement was made possible through the dedication and collaboration of Turneffe’s stakeholders, including fishermen, resort owners, the University of Belize, the Belize Coast Guard, and private landowners. In addition, visitors and supporters contributed through financial donations that helped advance conservation efforts.

Furthermore, the stakeholder consultation process was guided by The Nature Conservancy through its Conservation Evaluation Process. One of the most significant outcomes was the development of the Turneffe Atoll Marine Reserve Management Plan. Today, many experts regard this plan as one of the most comprehensive protected area management plans ever developed in Belize.

Overcoming Key Challenges

By the end of 2011, a strong case had been established for the protection of Turneffe Atoll. However, two major challenges remained before the area could be officially designated as a Marine Reserve.

The first challenge was securing support from a senior government leader who could champion the protection of Turneffe Atoll as a national priority. The second challenge involved financial sustainability. Although Belize has an impressive network of Marine Protected Areas, many depend heavily on international donor funding because revenue from entry fees and government support is often insufficient.

Consequently, the first challenge was addressed in March 2012 with the appointment of Lisel Alamilla as Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and Sustainable Development.

Securing Long-Term Financial Support

During her first months in office, Minister Alamilla took the time to learn about Turneffe Atoll and became convinced of its ecological and economic importance. As a result, she approached BLUE Marine Foundation to help address the reserve’s long-term financing needs.

Meanwhile, ecotourism expert Costas Christ introduced BLUE Marine Foundation to the conservation opportunities at Turneffe Atoll. BLUE quickly recognized both the significance of the atoll and the possibility of overcoming financial barriers through support from The Bertarelli Foundation.

To further evaluate the opportunity, BLUE engaged its partner, Fauna & Flora International, to conduct a scoping study. The study highlighted the potential for investment in the conservation of globally important marine biodiversity while also supporting sustainable development in Belize.

A Clear Path Forward

The scoping study confirmed the strength of the planning and preparation that had already taken place. In addition, it provided recommendations focused on securing the long-term financial and institutional sustainability of the proposed Marine Reserve as part of Belize’s national protected area system.

With the study’s findings in hand, BLUE Marine Foundation helped facilitate an agreement between the Government of Belize and The Bertarelli Foundation. Under this understanding, the Foundation agreed to provide financial support if the Government proceeded with the designation of the Turneffe Atoll Marine Reserve.

Finally, with both political support and financial backing secured, the path forward became clear. Minister Alamilla publicly announced the Government of Belize’s intention to protect Turneffe Atoll and move ahead with the creation of the Marine Reserve.

Turneffe Atoll Marine Reserve is Declared

Official Declaration of the Marine Reserve

In November 2012, The Government of Belize officially declared the Turneffe Atoll Marine Reserve by Minister Lisel Alamilla, Minister of Fisheries, Forestry and Sustainable Development, on behalf of the Government of Belize through Statutory Instrument 111 of 2012.

This milestone marked a significant step forward in the protection and sustainable management of one of Belize’s most important marine ecosystems. Furthermore, the declaration provided a framework for long-term conservation while supporting the needs of local communities and stakeholders.

Choosing a Co-Management Approach

Over the years, Belize has implemented a variety of management models for its protected areas. However, the most successful approaches have involved co-management arrangements that actively engage stakeholders at every level of decision-making and management.

These partnerships have created opportunities and incentives for stakeholder participation, particularly among fishing communities. As a result, Belize’s co-management model has gained recognition at the national, regional, and international levels for its effectiveness in protected area management.

After careful consideration, Minister Alamilla decided to move forward with establishing a co-management arrangement for the Turneffe Atoll Marine Reserve.

Building Effective Governance

Although stakeholder participation is essential to the success of a marine reserve, it does not guarantee effective management on its own. In addition, successful protected area management requires strong governance, clear leadership, and informed decision-making.

Consequently, the Turneffe Atoll Marine Reserve required a Board of Directors with the skills, experience, and commitment necessary to make decisions that support the long-term conservation and sustainable management of the reserve.

The Board of Directors

Establishing the Turneffe Atoll Sustainability Association

An effective Board of Directors for the Turneffe Atoll Marine Reserve required individuals with a strong understanding of the atoll and a commitment to addressing the challenges of managing this unique marine ecosystem. Board members needed expertise in the scientific, social, economic, and logistical issues affecting Turneffe Atoll. Furthermore, strong representation from the atoll’s key stakeholder groups was essential to ensure balanced and informed decision-making.

While local perspectives provide the foundation for effective management, international expertise can also offer valuable insights. Consequently, a Board that combines both local and international perspectives is better positioned to make informed decisions that support the long-term sustainability of the reserve.

With these goals in mind, the Turneffe Atoll Sustainability Association (TASA) was established as a Belizean non-governmental organization dedicated solely to the co-management of the Turneffe Atoll Marine Reserve.

Board Representation and Governance

TASA’s Board of Directors was designed to reflect the diverse interests and expertise connected to Turneffe Atoll. The Board includes two representatives from the fishing community, two representatives from the tourism sector, one representative from the University of Belize, one representative from the Turneffe Atoll Trust, one marine science expert, and one private landowner from Turneffe Atoll.

In addition, the Fisheries Administrator and the Executive Director of TASA serve as ex-officio members, providing guidance and support to the Board’s management and governance responsibilities.

Co-Management Agreement

On October 2013, the Turneffe Atoll Sustainability Association signed a Co-Management Agreement with the Government of Belize. Under this agreement, the Fisheries Department acted as the regulatory agency, while the Turneffe Atoll Sustainability Association became the designated manager of the reserve.

As a result, TASA assumed a leading role in supporting the conservation, management, and sustainable development of the Turneffe Atoll Marine Reserve in partnership with the Government of Belize.

Learn About Our Programs

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Tourism & Financial Sustainability

Securing more predictable revenue sources for TASA.

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Enforcement

Enforcing regulations and safeguarding the marine environment.

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Adaptive Management

The Adaptive Management Program guides TASA’s on-site management of the Turneffe Atoll Marine Reserve.

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Stakeholder Engagement & Livelihoods

Fostering improved stewardship of natural resources through active involvement with stakeholders

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Administration & Governance

Ensuring the effective management of the Atoll's natural resources.

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