Belize Network of NGOs congratulate Turneffe Atoll and Government on landmark conservation agreement

By Zoila Palma:  The Belize Network of NGOs (BNN) has congratulated the Turneffe Atoll Trust (TAT) and the Government of Belize on the signing of a landmark Turneffe Atoll Conservation Land Trust Deed of Mutual Release, Compromise and Settlement.

The agreement, signed on August 19, 2026, establishes a framework for the long-term protection and management of approximately 17,000 acres of mangrove-covered national land within the Turneffe Atoll Marine Reserve.

Under the agreement, the Government of Belize will become the trustee of the land for the benefit of the people of Belize, while TAT will be responsible for managing the trust lands.

BNN said the agreement provides permanent protection for flats-fishing habitats that support livelihoods and the multi-million-dollar flats-fishing industry, while also safeguarding important commercial fishing habitats.

The protected area forms part of the Turneffe Atoll Marine Reserve, which covers approximately 365,000 acres of coral reef, seagrass, mangrove and lagoon habitat.

The agreement also provides for TAT to receive BZ$2.2 million to help establish a world-class marine research facility at Turneffe Atoll through the University of Belize (UB), with an additional BZ$5 million commitment from TAT to help mobilize funding.

The facility is expected to support world-class marine research in collaboration with UB and an international university partner, while contributing to scientific management of the marine reserve and developing future marine conservation leaders.

Turneffe Atoll Trust Board Chairman Craig Hayes described the agreement as a significant achievement, saying, “This is a good day for Belize!” He added that the agreement “supports tourism jobs, preserves essential commercial fishing habitats” and gives the Turneffe Atoll Marine Reserve and UB an opportunity to become a world leader in marine research.

Prime Minister John Briceño stated: “These lands remain Belizean lands. They remain under public ownership. And they are being secured permanently for present and future generations of Belizeans.”

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