SACD is dedicated to improving the quality of life of the stakeholder communities of CBWS through several mechanisms, including the promotion of sustainable development. All stakeholder communities rely on the ecosystem services of CBWS – particularly storm and erosion protection and nursery areas provided by mangroves – making it vital to protect these ecosystems. In recognition of the urgent need to adapt to climate change, SACD is working towards strengthening the resilience of the protected area and the stakeholder communities, especially the most vulnerable sectors – fishing and farming.
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Under the Sustainable Development Programme SACD is seeking to develop a Community Strategy for the three key stakeholder communities of CBWS. This will guide activities towards strengthening community engagement, to identify areas for support of sustainable community development, under a structured framework with economic alternatives well planned in accordance with the needs of the communities and incorporating climate change resilience and best practices.
Alternative livelihoods
Since its establishment, SACD has developed and supported several alternative livelihood project. In 2012, SACD implemented a chicken rearing project aimed at reducing dependence on seasonal fishing and providing a supplemental income. The project involved 9 fishermen families and provided all materials necessary to start the project and training for chicken rearing at Escuela Mexico, Corozal District.
SACD also initiated the Sarteneja Homestay Programme, identified as a key element for fostering growth of tourism in the Sarteneja Tourism Development (2009) and empowering women in the community and providing an alternative means of income. SACD launched the homestay program in the village, aiming for a self-sustained programme in the future. Currently, the Homestay Programme is composed of 13 families.
SACD has focused on developing alternative livelihood projects in Sarteneja, being the most dependent stakeholder community on fishing.
Sarteneja, Chunox, Consejo and Copper Bank have been identified as the most dependent stakeholder community, relying on CBWS for their livelihood. As a small organization based in Sarteneja, SACD’s first alternative livelihood projects began in Sarteneja. SACD plans to expand alternative livelihood opportunities to Chunox and Copper Bank in 2016.