Making up almost 2% of the land area of Belize
The Bala m Jungle Estates are form ally known as:
The C orozal Timb er Lands
Re gistered in the Lands Title Re gistrar
in Belmop an, Belize as:
Property Overview……………………………………3-9
Contact Information……………………………………10
PROPERTY OVERVIEW
Mexico
In the Corozal District of Belize, south of where the Yucatan
Peninsula of Mexico greets the Caribbean Sea, exists a beautiful
tropical paradise with a coastline that lies near the breeding and
migration fields of several thousand tropical species. It is a place
otherwise known as the "Belizean Riviera."
Belize
Santa
Marthax
b
Balam Jungle is a large area of land situated near a number of
communities in this region. To the north
(approximately 6km north of the northern
boundary) lies the small community of
Fireburn. To the west, the land borders on to the
Mennonite lands of Little Belize; to the
xFireburn
southwest, the Freshwater Creek Forest
Reserve; and to the south, the survey line runs
along the southern Corozal District Boundary.
The nearest communities to the southern
xBomba
boundary are Santa Martha and Bomba,
approximately 9km to the south west and south
respectively . The eastern boundary of the
property knows no limits as it
dives below the crystal-blue tide
of the Caribbean Sea and borders
on to the southern most part of
Chetumal Bay, stretching south
to making up 19km of beachfront
property approximately 20km
due west of Ambergris Caye and
San Pedro (Map b).
Roughly
rectangular
in
dimension, the property consists
of four contiguous freehold title
blocks of land. The property
extending inland about
19 kilometers at its widest point.
With a total area of over 60,000
acres located in the northern
Belize, the property constitutes
nearly 2% of the land area of
Belize and is one of the largest
privately owned blocks of land in
the country.
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The property has remained uninhabited and in relatively pristine condition
since the Golden Age of the Mayan Indians, around 900AD. In fact, several
Mayan pyramids still stand deep in the jungle of the property, and although
they have not yet "officially" been discovered or archeologically surveyed,
early assessments have proved them to be magnificent examples of Mayan
architecture. The property and nearby lands are dotted with Mayan ruins,
from relic household dwellings to 95 foot temples along with countless
artifacts such as stone alters, weapons, and tools, much of which is simply
waiting for its mystique to be uncovered.
Caracol Ruin
There are some major landmarks which have helped protect Balam Jungle by giving it
strategic positioning, allowing it to remain largely undiscovered and in excellent condition. To
the north of the property is the Shipstern Nature Reserve, managed by the Swiss-based
"International Tropical Conservation Foundation." The 20,000 acre reserve now boasts three
different northern hardwood forests within a spectrum of forest types, accompanied by saline
savannas and mangrove mudflats. Between Shipstern and the Balam Jungle Lands is the 2,000
acre Fireburn Reserve, with a broad assortment of more humid forest types, managed by
Wildtracks, a multi-faceted nonprofit conservation organization, and the 300 acre "Kakantulich
Archaeological Reserve," currently in the making by the Government of Belize. To the southwest of the property is the Freshwater Creek Forest Reserve, to the north-west is the Balam Na
("home of the jaguar") Reserve and the charming Mennonite community of Little Belize.
Biologically, Balam Jungle is in an important transition zone between the dry Yucatan forest
found in Shipstern Nature Reserve to the north, and the more humid rain forests to the south and
west.
About a 15-minute boat ride due east of the property, is
Ambergris Caye, one of the most popular tourist and worldrenowned scuba-diving locations in the Caribbean/Central America.
Ambergris Caye is 43.5 kilometers long, making it the biggest
island off the coast of Belize and provides the property with its first
major line of defense against fierce seas and challenging Caribbean
weather. Situated 1 mile east of Ambergris Caye is our property's
second line of defense, the Belize Barrier Reef. The reef is the
second largest barrier reef in the world and the finest manifestation
of a coral reef ecosystem in this Hemisphere for its size, unique
variety of reef types and abundance of corals thriving in pristine conditions. Forming a nearly
continuous wall for 150 miles along the
continental shelf edge, the Barrier Reef
provides life and security to the entire country
of Belize offering some of the most
spectacular dive locations in the world.
Balam Jungle truly has a unique advantage
over most other areas in the Caribbean
because of the double shielding from the
relentless Caribbean tides. Since records have been kept, we know of no storm or hurricane that
has caused significant damage on the property, which has allowed for this unspoiled coastline to
remain an unparalleled location for a myriad of environmentally friendly tourism activities.
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In the past we’ve only been able to make general
assumptions about the diversity of Balam Jungle’s
environments and land uses. However, only after the
recent installment of over 20 miles of all-weather marl
road, connecting all existing roadways and serving as a
gateway to all regions of the property, including the
coast, have we really been able to discover the incredible
potential of Balam Jungle. This main artery roadway,
which accesses the property through the Little Belize
entrance, also connects Balam Jungle to the highway systems
of Belize, which are made up of good quality paved roads. The
new road allows any
type of vehicle access
to the property with the
ability for two way
traffic to travel up to
30-40 miles per hour. Once the final phase of roadwork is
complete, the property will be an easy 50 minute drive
from Phillip S.W. Goldson, the only international airport
in Belize, located just north of Belize City.
As you may already know, Belize is famous for its natural wonders, and having established
itself as the eco-tour capital of the World, it is a Mecca for those wishing to be more in touch
with nature. The massive amount of flora and fauna found in Balam Jungle is a fantastic
representation of the wide array of species found throughout Central America, while the rivers,
bays and ocean's edge are teaming with a sea of life. Both the Audubon Society and Wildtracks
(one of the leading eco-societies in Belize), are a few key groups that have already completed
some extensive studies of Balam Jungle. They have discovered over 250 species of birds - one
of the highest concentrations anywhere in the world! - 60 species of reptiles and amphibians and
much more, including a few of the most endangered species on earth, such as:
Jaguar (Panthera onca)
Jaguarundi (Herpilurus yaguarondi)
Ocelot (Leopardus wiedii)
Margay (Leopardus pardalis)
White-lipped Peccary (Tayassu pecari)
Collared Peccary (Tayassu tajacu)
Baird's Tapir (Tapirus bairdii)
Neotropical River Otter (Lutra longicaudis)
Caribbean Manatee (Trichechus manatus)
A natural Northern Biological Corridor, which is now part of the prestigious Meso-American
Biological Corridors Programme, extends through our property and creates a physical linkage
from Balam Na/Freshwater Creek Forest Reserve, up into the Shipstern Nature Reserve, through
which an abundance of wildlife can disperse freely. The corridor contributes significantly to the
incredible array of exotic flora and fauna and is a major reason for why Balam Jungle truly is a
nature lover's dream come true.
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Whereas Shipstern Nature Reserve is open to visitors wishing to explore its approximately
8,000 acres of seasonally dry Yucatan-type forest, Balam Jungle boasts approximately 28,000
acres of taller, more humid forests which are richer in palms, bromeliads and orchids. Standing
mostly in the western part of each of the five blocks, these pristine forests, including the stands
of majestic Cohune Palm, are breath-taking and lush with wildlife. Several exotic and
commercially attractive types of tropical tree species are found in abundance on the property,
including:
Mahogany
Mahogany (Swientenia Macrophyllya)
Santa Maria (Calophyllum brasiliense)
Cabbage Bark, aka Mayan Walnut or Machich (lonchocarpus
castilloi)
White Chaca
Bullet Tree (bucida bucerasl)
Chechem, aka Black Poisonwood or Caribbean Rosewood
(metopuim browneii)
Granadillo (platymiscium yucatanum)
Sapodilla (manilkara zapota)
Salmwood, aka Caribbean Walnut (cordial alliodora)
Mylady (aspidosperma)
Ziricote (cordial dodecandra)
Spanish Cedar (cedrela odorata)
Bastard Rosewood, aka Purple Heart (swartzia cubensis)
Even before hiring two forest rangers that have patrolled and protected this asset for over 4
years now, Balam Jungle’s forest and other vegetation patterns have never been severely
damaged. In regards to its remarkable resilience, the area is one of the last important coastal
forest refuges of the Yucatan Peninsula.
During the completion of a refreshed Inventory of the standing timber crop by Paul & Zoe
Walker of Wildtracks, two of the most senior ecologists in Belize, it became clear that Balam
Jungle’s “excellent soil grade” is a major reason the
property has such a premier timber resource. After
extensive consultation with Wildtracks and contracted
tree hunters, it became obvious that Balam Jungle is a
treasure box full of valuable timber. Many
professionals would agree that there is not another
standing hardwood crop like this, especially of
mahogany, in Belize. With some minor enhancements,
the Inventory will be able to serve as a Forest
Management Plan and will demonstrate the
sustainability of mahogany operations in Balam
Jungle. This will grant permission from the
Government of Belize to cut and export this hardwood along with all other species in demand on
the property, while at the same time fulfilling the request for FSA certification of the forest. The
Inventory/Management Plan will undoubtedly be an invaluable tool for anyone looking to sustain
logging operation in Balam Jungle’s Timberlands.
Although we’ve discussed our timber resource to a greater extent, it must also be mentioned
that the Special Development Area (SDA) studies done by the Belize Ministry of Natural
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Resources, identify the majority of our forested land as having the greatest extent of agriculture
potential of any area in the whole of Corozal District East. The fertile land is very suitable for
many kinds of agricultural use, specifically for production of the following:
Corn
Beans
Citrus Orchards
Pineapple
Sugarcane
Almond
Papaya
Vegetables
Cashew
Honey
Note: Within the petrochemical mapping system for Central America, the property lies in the
Corozal Basin, part of the Yucatan Platform. This is thought to be the eastern continuation of the
Northern Peten Basin, and the western continuation of the Yucatan Basin, both of which have
proven to be high oil producing areas in neighboring Guatemala and Mexico (CEP 2000,
unpublished). For this reason, this area has attracted much of the country's oil exploration
activities in the past. However, poor seismic data, low price of oil products at the time, and
logistical problems have prevented extensive exploration.
The timbered land gives way to thousands of acres of a variety of coastal ecosystems ranging
from extensive mangrove and saltwater marches interspersed with sugar-white beaches and palm
trees, to littoral forests, coastal lagoons and estuaries. These habitats connect to our crystal blue
coastal waterways that serve as essential nurseries for a vast array of living things, which in turn
supports the vibrant offshore fishing industry. These waterways also serve as an important
manatee transmigration route, which the endangered sea mammals have been using for centuries.
Along with the Inventory of the forested area, we have also completed an extensive Coastal
Survey. The study concentrates on the location of specific
areas most suitable for development along Balam Jungle’s
coastline based on water quality (clarity, color and depth),
shoreline and offshore substrate, elevation of coastal lands,
depth of bedrock, accessibility (both in terms of traffic and
services), privacy and security. The focus of this survey is
the south east coast of the Balam Jungle Estates, lying within
the two southern-most property parcels (Map c) –
investigating the biodiversity, physical characteristics and
development potential of the area. The study assesses the
natural resources of this portion of the property and
helps steer initial planning for any future
development, ensuring that it be sustainable and as
sensitive to the surrounding natural environment as
possible. Hard copies of the Inventory and Coastal
Biodiversity Assessment are available upon
request.
One of the most compelling uses for the land is
sustainable aquaculture. The low-lying coastal
parts of these five blocks of land are ideally suited
for shrimp farming operations. Specific mangroves areas offer extremely suitable conditions for
aquaculture use; shrimp and oyster farming have been exceedingly recommended. Mangrove
forests, among other ecological functions, play a critical role as ideal habitats that many
economically important species of fish, prawn and crab depend on for food, nursery and
spawning.
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Another, more obvious type of development with the greatest capacity to generate a substantial
return within Balam Jungle is Ecotourism. Although Belize has only recently begun to realize its
vast potential as a holiday destination, it makes our property's coastline an ideal canvass for
developers and investors to create their dreams with an ambience that will appeal to the fast
growing tourism industry.
The tourism industry is currently the single largest employer and contributor to economic
growth, accounting for BZ $222 million, 18% of Belize's total GDP. Its actual contribution to the
economy is greater, particularly when its indirect impacts are taken into account.
The property offers the opportunity to walk where the Mayan's walked, to track jaguars, to
explore the inviting waters of the Caribbean, and to really tap right into all the adventure of
Belize with its unique blend of Mayan and modern culture and a countryside rich with
environmental treasures. Balam Jungle is the chance to realize why Belize is claimed to be
“Mother Nature’s best kept secret.”
Tours & Other Possible Attractions:
Cave Tubing and Cavern Tours
Mayan Ruin Exploration
Jungle Canopy Tours and Nature Trails
Cruising and Chartering Vessels
Wilderness Survival and Awareness Schools
Commercial/Industrial Zone
T
Coastal
Survey
Area
As a rule of thumb, the vast majority of real estate interest
and value in Belize is associated with water frontage: sea,
lagoon or river. Water frontage properties invariably
commands sale values far in excess of inland properties,
however idyllic the latter may be. With its approximately 26km
of coastline, and the various coastal lagoons, the property is
certainly not short of water frontage. And, even though the
characteristics of the coastline differ greatly from one location
to another, Balam Jungle reserves many positive factors that
are of interest to real estate developers looking at coastal
properties.
Primary
Secondary
Key to Tourism
P
i lZ
The southern portion of these coastal lands has been
highlighted as being the best suited for development,
reflecting the proximity to the market forces of San
Pedro, ease of access by land, and potential supply of
mains electricity as a spur-line from the Belize Electricity
Limited high-tension lines south of the property. The area
of the survey was determined so as to encompass the
most southerly area defined within the Special
Development Area Plan (SDA) as having “prime time
coastal tourism potential”.
-8-
Development/Resort Opportunities Include:
Master Planned Resorts/Recreational
Communities
Extension Resorts and Resort Chains
Jungle Hideaways & Moderate
Jungle-Safari Eco-Tourism
Retiree Homes and Communities
Luxury Ecotourism Resorts
Birding Resorts
Fishing Resorts
Dive Resorts
Golfing Resorts
Fitness/Spa Resorts
Gambling Resorts
In order to strengthen the credibility of the studies on the property, we have assembled a
subdivision committee team composed of some of the most talented and accomplished
professionals in their respected fields, to analyze and trade perspectives while offering ideas
about the findings from the recent field assessments. The reward is that we now have the most
detailed and progressive knowledge on this property and can prove that there is a massive
amount of land and large areas of coastline with solid bedrock that are incredibly feasible for
development. With such a great timber resource and surplus supplies of white marl (the fill
material of choice in Belize) that can be quarried and used for any future roadwork or as a
development platform, Balam Jungle really has the key natural resources needed to support
development.
We welcome you to become a part of the future of Balam Jungle and Belize.
Review of possible ventures within Balam Jungle Estates:
Eco-tourism
Resort Development
Selective Logging
Aquaculture
Agriculture
Conservation
Petroleum Sourcing
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We have experienced in-country professionals that can make any and all arrangements
that are needed to satisfy your comforts levels if you decide to discover the
property. You are more than welcome to visit the property at any time. If you are
planning to visit the area in the next few months, try to coordinate a tour with one of our
in-country representatives and we will be happy to help you find accommodations and
provide transportation to show you around the property and help you identify and satisfy
any of your interests.
Contact us via email:
John Estephan - emeraldbelize2006@yahoo
For further inquiries, our team can be reached by phone at:
Direct: 501-670-6818 | Fax: 501-223-2609
Our Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 1442, Belie City, Belie Central America