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CLEARWATER, FL (March 25, 2025) — Clearwater Marine Aquarium Research Institute (CMARI) is pleased to announce a new partnership with the Government of Canada’s Local Engagement Action Fund (LEAF), which will expand climate change and marine conservation efforts in Belize. This new 18-month grant of $48,812 Canadian dollars has been awarded to our local Belize chapter, CMARI-Belize, to strengthen their efforts within Gales Point Wildlife Sanctuary to protect this critical habitat, build the resilience of the local community residing within its environs, and reduce the impacts of climate change in this protected area.
“Thanks to the generosity of the Government of Canada, we are taking bold steps to preserve Belize’s biodiversity and strengthen the resilience of communities and critical habitats, such as the Gales Point Wildlife Sanctuary – a protected area at the forefront of the impacts of climate change,” said Jamal A. Galves, CMARI-Belize’s program coordinator and research scientist.
CMARI-Belize utilizes the Greater Caribbean manatee as a flagship species to protect and conserve Belize’s coastal ecosystems, other threatened species, communities, and livelihoods that rely upon them. Sample projects include species research and conservation efforts, community livelihood programs, summer camps and education outreach for children, and habitat restoration.
“This project is one of two selected by the Government of Canada this year for implementation in Belize, and it underscores the Canadian Government’s commitment to global environmental sustainability and the preservation of biodiversity,” said Shehryar Sawar, Head of Development of Cooperation, High Commission of Canada. “CMARI-Belize, a key player in the conservation efforts of Belize, remains dedicated to ensuring that local communities are equipped to face the challenges posed by climate change.”
The key goals of the project are to expand CMARI-Belize’s seagrass monitoring and mangrove restoration efforts, implement an agroforestry project, collect data on the endangered Greater Caribbean manatee through a tagging and tracking project, and enhance climate change education locally. A key objective is to engage youth and females in project activities.
“This grant allows us to take significant strides in preserving Belize’s invaluable marine life and engaging the local community in climate adaptation and conservation,” said Galves. “The work we do here is crucial for protecting our natural heritage and empowering the youth who are the future stewards of this beautiful region.”
The Gales Point Village is located on a narrow peninsula within the Gales Point Wildlife Sanctuary, a protected area that serves as a vital habitat for endangered species, including the Greater Caribbean Manatee (Trichechus manatus manatus), and is home to one of the last strongholds of the Maroon Creole culture in Belize.
This community, located in a low-lying coastal area, is facing the immediate impacts of sea-level rise, coastal erosion, and habitat degradation, including the loss of vital seagrass beds after Hurricane Lisa in 2022.
The new project will focus on several key goals:
- Monitoring and Restoration – Expanding the monitoring of seagrass health and restoring mangrove habitats at 10 key sites within the sanctuary. Both seagrass and mangrove ecosystems are crucial for carbon sequestration, biodiversity, and providing essential habitats for marine life.
- Regenerative Agroforestry – Launching a sustainable livelihood project targeting youth in Gales Point. This initiative will engage households that use outdoor fire hearths in replanting trees and seasonal crops to promote reforestation, carbon sequestration, and improved livelihoods through small-scale regenerative agroforestry projects.
- Manatee Monitoring – Training local youth in the monitoring and health assessment of endangered manatees. Through satellite-tagging and health assessments, the project will track manatee movements, habitat use, and overall well-being to protect these vulnerable species.
- Climate Change Education – Engaging the community, especially the youth, in climate change awareness and education. Workshops and outreach activities will educate students and residents about the impacts of climate change and the importance of preserving their local environment. A key objective is to engage youth and females in project activities.
“This project is crucial for Gales Point Village, a marginalized coastal community of about 296 residents,” Guy added. “By directly engaging the youth and community members, we hope to create lasting change in the region’s approach to climate resilience and biodiversity conservation,” said Celeshia Guy, Conservation Biologist at CMARI-Belize.
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Belize Media Contact: Jamal A. Galves, MS | jgalves@cmaquarium.org | M (501)615-3838
Florida Media Contact: Marsha Strickhouser | mstrickhouser@CMAquarium.org | (727) 242-0770
- About Clearwater Marine Aquarium
- Clearwater Marine Aquarium (CMA) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit working marine rescue center dedicated to inspiring the human spirit through leadership in education, research, rescue, rehabilitation and release. With a mission to preserve the environment and its marine life, CMA is home to rescued dolphins, sea turtles, river otters, stingrays, a nurse shark and more. Through Clearwater Marine Aquarium Research Institute, CMA conducts important global research focused on protecting manatees, North Atlantic right whales and sea turtles. Major motion picture Dolphin Tale (2011) and its sequel Dolphin Tale 2 (2014) features the true stories of rescued resident dolphins Winter and Hope, inspiring millions around the world. The mission and potential to change people’s lives differentiates Clearwater Marine Aquarium from any other aquarium in the world.
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