The Association of Protected Areas Management Organizations (APAMO) was first conceptualized at a meeting of protected areas management organizations (PAMOs) on January 23rd, 2003.  The meeting, at which the idea of APAMO was created, was spearheaded by the Belize Audubon Society (BAS) and the UNDP-Belize in recognition of the problems and challenges resulting from inadequate and ineffective coordination among the protected areas management organizations of Belize. 

It was agreed that the main function of the Association would be to create an environment where communication, discussion and networking among the various protected areas management agencies would occur. Additionally, the Association would represent its member agencies and would participate proactively in lobbying for action related to protected areas and environmental issues.

Three and a half years later another critical step in APAMO's development was taken. On July 11^th, 2006, another meeting of protected areas management groups was held. The meeting accomplished the following objectives:
·         Discuss the opportunities and challenges facing protected areas management
·         Reviews the previous attempt to create an association for PAMOs
·         Explore the interest among PAMOs to create and formalize an association to address
      the challenges facing protected areas management
·         Determine organizations committed to becoming members of the Association
·         Develop an action plan to address priority issues for the association and protected areas
      management

The Association of Protected Areas Management Organizations was formally established as a legally registered non-profit, non-governmental organization in October of 2007.  APAMO set out to advocate for legislation and policies that provide for the long term integrity and proper management of protected areas, champion the adoption and implementation of the national policy and system plan for Belize’s protected areas system, and continuously build the institutional capacity of the member agencies of the Association. In December 2007 APAMO completed its 5 year Strategic Plan.  APAMO continued to develop as an organization by developing a Financial Plan and Communication Strategy in 2008, a Fundraising Plan in 2009, and an Advocacy Plan in 2010. 

APAMO is governed by its General Assembly of Members. The Executive Committee is appointed by the General Assembly. The Executive Committee then appoints the Secretariat.  APAMO was originally housed at the Programme for Belize office, where there was only the APAMO Coordinator in the Secretariat, in order to share resources but later moved to settle at its current location at #1154 Sunrise Avenue, Apt. 101 Sunrise Building, Belize City, now with four staff members in its Secretariat indicating its successful development and the overall viability of the Association.

APAMO serves as the unified voice that advocates for and contributes to the sustainability and effective management of Belize’s Protected Areas.