Wildtracks

Wildtracks is a well established conservation organization working towards the sustainable future of the natural resources of Belize, through conservation of ecosystems and species, building engagement and strengthening capacity towards effective environmental stewardship at all levels. The organization was established in 1990, and registered as a Belize non-profit organization in 1996. In collaboration with its partners, Wildtracks has made critical contributions towards conservation in Belize, and has demonstrated high cost effectiveness, effective project and strategy implementation, with built-in evaluation, and with a demonstrable, consistent success record. Wildtracks is recognised a... read more Wildtracks is a well established conservation organization working towards the sustainable future of the natural resources of Belize, through conservation of ecosystems and species, building engagement and strengthening capacity towards effective environmental stewardship at all levels. The organization was established in 1990, and registered as a Belize non-profit organization in 1996. In collaboration with its partners, Wildtracks has made critical contributions towards conservation in Belize, and has demonstrated high cost effectiveness, effective project and strategy implementation, with built-in evaluation, and with a demonstrable, consistent success record. Wildtracks is recognised at national level for its conservation successes, has a highly motivated team, and an international following of dedicated supporters. The organization is very focused - its programs and program strategies are designed to support national and global goals and address critical gaps, and fall into four areas: 1. Biodiversity Conservation (Landscapes / Seascapes; Protected Areas; Endangered Species) 2. Sustainable Development (Coastal Communities; Climate Change; Sustainable Fisheries) 3. Outreach (In-situ and Ex-situ education, outreach and engagement at all levels) 4. Support (Volunteer Programme; Capacity Building; Conservation Consultancy Services; Financial Sustainability; Administration) Biodiversity Conservation Landscapes / Seascapes: Wildtracks has partnered with other stakeholders towards the successful declaration of the North East Biological Corridor in Belize, linking key protected areas within the tropical forest landscape, and protecting wide ranging species such as jaguar and tapir. In the marine environment, Wildtracks has been providing technical support for the strengthening of river to reef communication and collaboration between five protected areas in the northern Belize seascape. Endangered Species Conservation: Wildtracks has partnered with Government and non-Government stakeholders to address wildlife trafficking in Belize, strengthening recognition of wildlife crime for improved multi-agency enforcement. It also hosts two of Belize's four wildlife rehabilitation centres - for endangered Antillean manatees and two species of primates - endangered Yucatan black howler monkeys and critically endangered Central American spider monkeys, focusing on effective wildlife rehabilitation and release as part of integrated species conservation strategies. Both have the highest success rates in the region, with strategic species reintroductions to strengthen species viability. Sustainable Development: Wildtracks works with its local partners, the Sarteneja Alliance for Conservation and Development, providing technical support for the community based organization towards effective management of Corozal Bay Wildlife Sanctuary, one of Belize's largest marine protected areas, and an important site for manatees. The organization has worked with both the co-managers and local fishermen towards the development of a rights based fishery, protecting traditional fishing practices and building stewardship of the fish resources. It has also worked with the Sarteneja community to develop and implement a community tourism development plan that has provided a roadmap for tourism development in the community, based on a common vision. As part of this, Wildtracks has provided tour guide training for more than 30 local fishermen, allowing them to shift from fishing to tourism. It has also been working to build climate change resilience in marine protected areas and vulnerable coastal communities. Outreach: The Outreach Programme focuses on effective partnerships to build capacity at national and local levels for improved environmental stewardship. Wildtracks engages students from schools around Belize, particularly in species conservation, building awareness of ecosystem services and climate change resilience. In the coming two years, Wildtracks will be investing in infrastructure and equipment to better support its education and outreach activities, to engage youths as conservation leaders in their communities. Wildtracks achieves its outputs through its team of dedicated volunteers, who take on the daily maintenance of the endangered species in rehabilitation, and through the skill set of its directors for effective conservation planning and facilitation, bringing people together from all levels of society for concrete conservation successes. Much of the work is done on a volunteer basis, but the operating costs have been creeping higher, and there is now a critical need to diversify the income base. Income is currently through volunteer contributions to operating costs, grants, and through consultancy services in conservation planning for initiatives that meet the Wildtracks Mission, as a way of providing technical assistance and facilitation to conservation efforts on a local and national level whilst also providing a financial sustainability mechanism for support of Wildtracks activities