November 9, 2011
Hon. Gaspar Vega
Deputy Prime Minister
Minister of Natural Resources and
The Environment
Ministry of Natural Resources and
The Environment
Belmopan

Dear Hon Vega:

Re: Oil Exploration in the Sarstoon Temash National Park

The Association of Protected Areas Management Organizations stands in solidarity with the Sarstoon Temash Institute for Indigenous Management in their call to the government to be open, transparent and accountable regarding any new permits issued for oil exploration in the Sarstoon Temash National Park.

APAMO as the umbrella organization of NGOs and CBOs working to conserve and manage the protected areas of Belize for the long term well being of local communities and the country of Belize, reaffirms its position of: NO to oil exploration and drilling offshore and NO to oil exploration and drilling within the protected areas under the National Parks Systems Act and in key private protected areas and watershed areas.

 APAMO continues to call on the Government of Belize to respect our protected areas and offshore areas which are critical for the wellbeing of all Belizeans and keep these areas free from oil exploration and exploitation. It is APAMO’s view that the oil industry cannot contribute to the sustainable economic development of Belize without proper consideration to the environment, local culture and adherence to environmental, protected areas, and socio-economic laws, policies and plans.

 It is also APAMO’s view that transparent consultation, participation and consensus with and from stakeholders, communities, and protected areas managers are necessary and essential before the granting of concessions and permits for oil exploration and production.

 Before giving oil concessions and permits, priority should be given to policy development for oil exploration and production that is properly consulted with the people of Belize, local experts, conservation managers, indigenous communities and their leaders in order to ensure best environmental practices and equitable distribution of the benefits derived from oil production and to prevent negative social and cultural and environmental impacts. This will guarantee that Belizeans will continue to maintain their basic, universal right of access to environmental services such as clean water, clean air and a healthy environment.

It is unacceptable that indigenous communities have been prevented from extracting resources from national parks and made to follow the law while powerful companies are given unilateral permission to explore for oil in the same area without proper consideration for the environment, the indigenous communities and their culture.

 APAMO therefore expresses its solidarity with SATIIM and does not support any activity that would compromise the protected areas, especially national parks, and the ability of our natural systems to maintain a healthy environment that is critical to sustaining the population and economy of Belize.

Sincerely,

Yvette Alonzo

Executive Director, APAMO