Last weekend Galen University hosted the first annual Belize Wildlife Conservation Network (BWCN) conference in Central Farm. Attendees included an impressive list of stakeholders in Belize’s wildlife conservation community. The main goal of this conference was to increase communication and collaboration between the Forest Department of Belize and the non-governmental wildlife conservation entities.
The conference began Thursday the 13th with an 8 hour workshop presented by Ed Clark of the Virginia Wildlife Center. Workshop topics included Strategic Planning for Conservation and Taking the Mystery out of Fundraising.
Friday opened with a performance from the Cayo Music School and an address by Rasheda Sampson of the Forestry Department on wildlife legislation. Most of the day consisted of presentations by participants including Bart Harmsen (Panthera), Yeray Seminario (Peregrine Fund), Ed Boles (Nature Works) and many others. Friday concluded with a social buffet at the San Ignacio Hotel where participants networked and shared experiences.
Saturday’s proceedings began with a dynamic talk from Dr. Colin Young of Galen University on the role of local communities in wildlife management highlighting the success of The Community Baboon Sanctuary. Subsequent presentations included Tony Garel from BHAP, Nick Wicks, Ya’axché Conservation Trust, Rafael Manzanero of FCD, Omar Figueroa on Spatial Ecology and Conservation of Jaguars and Pumas in central Belize, Sharon Matola of the Belize Zoo, and Ed Clark of the Virginia Wildlife Center on Successful conservation models.
The conference was a remarkable success, thanks in large to the participant’s enthusiasm. In all, 62 individuals participated in the conference representing 26 conservation organizations from throughout Belize, Guatemala, Panama and Virginia. Co-organizer and wildlife veterinarian Dr. Isabelle Paquet-Durand of Galen University said she had hoped that the conference would benefit every conservation organization in Belize and she hopes that the word will get out for next years conference.
The conference launched the Belize’s Wildlife Conservation Network (BWCN). BWCN comprises governmental and nongovernmental entities and individuals who work in wildlife conservation. The network supports the Forest Department by streamlining communication between conservation organizations, by sharing useful information and resources with Forestry and by improving the efficiency of conservation organizations in Belize. According to Rasheda Samson of Forestry, the network allows participants to work more closely with forestry to increase forestry’s capacity to execute its role in managing wildlife and protected areas. According Marion Cayetano of Galen University, the benefits of membership are significant and there is no cost or risk in joining. For information and to join the network just email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
Our since gratitude goes to PACT for providing key financial support for the conference and the Networks website. The conference was co-sponsored by Galen University, San Ignacio Hotel, Pro-Belize, Jaguar Paw Resort, Dr. Gil Boese (Birds Without Borders) and Mr. Ed Clark (Wildlife Center of Virginia).
