And over in San Pedro, the residents of the San Pablo area have written to the Minister to ask for the ministry to intervene in what they call out-of-control landfilling and mangrove destruction. The residents of the area have signed a petition, which they sent to Habet via email weeks ago.
Today, Habet said he hadn't seen it yet, but explained that the Departments of Forestry and Environment would have to take a look.
Orlando Habet, Minister of Sustainable Development
"I think we have to get the Forest Department to go and look at it because the Forest Department is in charge of mangroves, from that standpoint, but also the Department of Environment to see what kind of effect it will have, negative effect of course, on the entire eco-system. We know that it is very challenging, especially in San Pedro, Caye Caulker, along the entire coast because mangroves are so absolutely important for us in terms of storm protection, the biodiversity, especially in the coast area, but also we have the challenge with people who want to do development, whether it's for business as a tourism area or also for housing development which is also a challenge for the government. So it is looking at it to see if there's a way to do it sustainably. If it is not, then more than likely the Department of Environment will put a stop order until things are done legally and put in place."
Email
Print