November 10, 2011Hon. Gaspar Vega
Deputy Prime Minister
Minister of Natural Resources and the Environment
Ministry of Natural Resources and the Environment
Belmopan

Dear Hon. Vega

Re: Rosewood exploitation in the Toledo District

The Association of Protected Areas Management Organizations is deeply concerned with the unsustainable extraction of Rosewood occurring in the Toledo District. As a non-governmental umbrella organization of conservation NGOs and CBOs working to conserve our natural resources for the long-term wellbeing of local communities and the country of Belize, we believe that the extraction of any natural resource should be carried out in an environmentally sustainable manner. While the rosewood logging is currently occurring outside of protected areas, APAMO is concerned that the protected areas will then be targeted once stocks of rosewood have been depleted on community and private lands.

Belize has undertaken significant and exemplary efforts to stop environmental degradation, effectively manage its natural resources, protect its unique biodiversity and promote environmentally sustainable development. Beyond their inherent value, these natural treasures - which are a source of national pride - also guarantee benefits and services that are essential to the daily lives of the rural majority of the population, providing them with water, food and shelter. The protection and preservation of natural resources will help to guarantee the long term sustainable development of the agriculture, fisheries and tourism sectors upon which Belize is grounded in.

APAMO supports its member organization, the Ya’axché Conservation Trust, in its appeal to the government to address the immediate problem of illegal logging in Toledo through clarification of current legislation with regard to permits, licenses and exports, the enforcement of which must be upheld by the Forest Department. APAMO recommends an urgent re-assessment of rosewood stocks on community lands, and the development of a sustainable management plan for the future use of this precious resource.

Immediate action is required in order ensure the long-term availability of rosewood, and to protect the forests of Toledo from further degradation. APAMO therefore calls upon the Ministry of Natural Resources and the Environment to take urgent action that will put a stop to the open and organized plundering of this valuable timber species. We urge the Government of Belize to place a moratorium on all harvesting of rosewood until the re-assessment of stocks is complete.

APAMO reaffirms its commitment to continue working with the Government of Belize and other stakeholders to protect the biodiversity of Belize for the well-being of the local communities and all Belizeans, who have been the stewards of our natural heritage.

Sincerely,
Yvette Alonzo
Executive Director