Sarstoon Temash Institute for
Indigenous Management
Annual Report 2007
Mission Statement:
“To safeguard the ecological integrity of the Sarstoon
Temash Region and employ its resources in an
environmentally sound manner for the economic,
cultural and social welfare of its indigenous people.”
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Contents
Words from the Executive Director
What is SATIIM
Accomplishments
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5
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 SATIIM’s 3rd General Gathering
 Community Management of Sarstoon Temash Coastal Marine
Resources
 Park Management
 Advocacy
 Fisheries and Coastal Zone Management
 Education and Outreach
 Advocacy
 Judicial Milestone for Conejo ...
 Board & Staff Strategic Planning
 Pictures of Events SATIIM participated in
Financial Statement (2007)
SATIIM’s Management & Staff
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15
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Gregory Choc
Executive Director
SATIIM
Dear Friends,
I am pleased to present the Sarstoon Temash Institute for Indigenous Management (SATIIM) 2007 Annual Report. The activities that
are captured in this report demonstrate our strong commitment to honor our pledge to safeguard the ecological integrity of the
Sarstoon Temash Region and to employ it resources in an environmentally sound manner for the economic, cultural, social and
spiritual wellbeing of its indigenous people.
This year mirror last year’s challenges and opportunities. We continue to successfully implement our park management, coastal and
community development programs. The threat of oil development is ever more real and this has forced us to expand our advocacy and
human rights program. We continue to employ several old and new strategies to make certain that the rule of law and respect for
human rights prevail. Last year we took the government and US Capital Energy to court to press for the respect of the rule of law.
Amidst and against all odd, we triumphed.
This year was no different. Recognizing that the government was not about to give greater involvement of SATIIM and communities
in the development of the Environmental Impact Assessment we set out to engineer new strategies. SATIIM partnered and
collaborated with the Maya Leaders Alliance (MLA), a consortium of Maya organizations, who are pushing for Maya rights to land
and its resources in southern Belize. SATIIM assisted in preparing one of our communities, Conejo, to embark on a history precedent
setting constitutional land claim in the Supreme Court of Belize.
SATIIM gave its unconditional support simply because it would have settle for all time the true owners of the land that our
communities have task us to manage. It would have also established certainty which is a fundamental prerequisite to proper land use
and sustainable resources management planning. This has been a major challenge for SATIIM over the last seven years as we had to
contend with ad hoc political maneuvering over rights and resources usage in the region.
On October 18, 2007 the Supreme Court made a landmark decision that affirmed native title and gave the villagers of Conejo and
Santa Cruz rights to the land that they traditionally and currently use and occupied. The court decision also affects the other
communities and they can assert the same rights as they too practice traditional Maya customary land tenure.
This ruling also has implication for the oil development concession the government has granted to US Capital Energy. We affirm that
under the ruling the government had no right to grant such permit and concession without the knowledge of the communities in the
region and thus this concession is null and void. It is our hope that this victory will establish greater accountability and transparency
and provide greater involvement and benefit to the communities.
SATIIM like the MLA is cognizant that the implementation is going to be an uphill one. Nonetheless we remain committed to our
communities and with your help we will continue to influence and shape oil and other development policies that are so needed in
Belize. We are proud to have been a part of this history land right struggle and we could not have been effective had it not been for
your unconditional support. Therefore, as we prepare for the New Year, you can be assured that our zeal for good policies, respect
for the rule of law, good governance and human rights will continue to be the pillars of our work.
On behalf of our communities, the board of Directors and staff I want to thank you for your support and look forward to solidify
partnership for the future. God bless.
Gregory Choc
Executive Director
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What is SATIIM?
T
he Sarstoon Temash Institute for Indigenous Management (SATIIM) is a
community based indigenous environmental organization working in the far south
of Belize, in a region in the Toledo District that lies between the Sarstoon and
Temash Rivers. SATIIM co-manages, with the Belizean Forestry Department, the
41,898 acre Sarstoon Temash National Park (STNP). The national park was declared by
government in 1994 on lands traditionally used by the Garifuna and Maya communities
who live in the area. There was no community consultation process before the creation of
the park. What is now SATIIM began in 1997 as the Sarstoon Temash National Park Steering
Committee, which was formed after the communities around the park came together to
stake a claim in the management of the land and natural resources in and around the park.
Many villagers opposed the declaration of the park and viewed it as confiscation of their
lands, but others saw the creation of the park as an opportunity for the indigenous
communities to continue to safeguard and manage the area. Residents who saw this
opportunity formed the steering committee and began a long process of discussion with
their neighbours, slowly persuading people that the communities could benefit directly and
indirectly from the national park if they organized and controlled its management.
SATIIM’s Board of Directors is made up of five elected community representatives, one from
each of the buffer zone communities: Barranco, Midway, Sunday Wood, Conejo and Crique
Sarco. In addition, representatives from the Q’eqchi Council of Belize, the Toledo Alcaldes
Association and the Garifuna National Council have seats on the Board, with representatives
chosen and appointed by those organizations. The Forest Department represents the
Belizean government on the Board of Directors. The elected Board members serve two year
periods and are elected at the General Gatherings, an event held every two years with 10
delegates from each community. This general assembly also decides overall policy and the
Satiim’s Staff & Board -2007
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Accomplishments
T
SATIIM’s 3rd General Gathering
he Sarstoon Temash Institute for Indigenous Management (SATIIM) held its 3 rd
General Gathering today June 29, 2007 at the Novitiate Nazareth Retreat Center.
The theme for this years Gathering was: ―Managing and Defending our Living
Heritage for Future Generations.‖ The event commenced at 8 am until 5:30 pm
and had the participation of over 50 delegates from the buffer communities of the Sarstoon
Temash National Park: Crique Sarco, Conejo Creek, Midway, Sunday wood and Barranco.
The Gathering was called to order by the chairman of the board of SATIIM Mr. Alvin
Loredo, followed by an opening prayer and presentation of SATIIM’s staff. The Guest
Speaker for the Gathering was Dr. Filiberto Penados. Dr. Penados is a native of Succotz, the
former director of Tumul Kin Learning Center in Blue Creek Village, Toledo and current
lecturer at Galen University, Cayo.
Mr. Alvin Loredo, BoD Chairman
addresses the Gathering
Presentations made at the Gathering included: Two year summary of Accomplishments (by
Executive Director – Greg Choc), Two Year Financial Report (by Finance Officer - David
Duncan Jr.) and The Challenges Ahead (by Chairman - Alvin Loredo). The community
leaders from all the buffer communities spoke on behalf of their communities and
highlighted their concerns.
The community members voiced their opinions on priorities on where they think SATIIM’s work should focus for the
next two years and election of new board members took place. Community board representatives elected for year 20072009 are:
Samuel Choc - Crique Sarco
Manuel Acte - Sunday Wood
Manuel Caal - Conejo
Arnoldo Paau - Midway
Alvin Loredo - Barranco
Other Board members include representatives from the Forestry Department, Qeqchi Council of Belize, National Garifuna
Council and the Toledo Alcaldes Association. The event closed with a ceremony to honor outgoing board members.
Mr. Samuel Choc (above left) signs motion of the board, Mr. Pedro
Ishim : Midway Chairman ( left) and Dr. Filiberto Penados: Guest
Speaker (below) addresses Gathering, elected board representatives
(above right) and delegates at the gathering (right).
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Fisheries and Coastal Zone Management/Bi-National Activities
Hon. Vildo Marin addresses forum
Speakers @ the Forum
Field Trip of Sarstoon Temash Region
S
ATIIM, through funding from the Global Environmental Facility Small Grants Programme
(GEF/SGP) and the British High Commission, conducted the first ever Sustainable Fisheries
Forum. This event was held on January 18th 2007 with participation of over 100 stakeholders.
Participants included the Fisheries Minister from Belize, Hon. Vildo Marin and the Executive
Director of the Fisheries Ministry in Guatemala, Licenciado Oswaldo Morales, technical personnel from
the Fisheries department of Belize and from UNIPESCA in Guatemala, FUNDAECO, Red de
Pescadores, fisher folks from the coastal communities of Barranco, Mother Bush Point, Panti Beach,
Temash Bar and from Barra Sarstun Guatemala. Also present were representatives from the civil society
community including environmental NGO’s and fisherfolk associations.
The event was followed by a brief discussion of recommendations and a field trip to the Sarstoon
Temash region for the Ministers and donors.
The main goal of the Bi-national Fisheries Forum was to foster bi-national cooperation and coordination
between stakeholders and statutory authorities for the management of shared marine resources of the
Amatique Bay. This was accomplished through joint efforts of Belizean and Guatemalan stakeholders
including fishers, environmental organizations, and policy makers.
Some of the recommendations made for future of the bi-national management initiative for the
sustainable management of
the Amatique Bay included:
 Authorize, train and support community and NGO stakeholders in environmental monitoring of
marine resources
 Support efforts for better marketing of seafood, including (1) the facilitation and
authorization of import/export permits between Belize and Guatemala; and (2) Helping to
secure investments for better storage and value added processing in Livingston and Punta
Gorda, Barranco and Barra Sarstun
Prohibit, through active enforcement of current law, entrance of commercial shrimp trawlers
from Guatemala into Belizean waters.
Since the forum, the Punta Gorda Fisherman’s Association (PUGOFA) which represents
approximately 70 fisher-folk from Punta Gorda and surrounding areas has been granted export
permits. The fisher folks from Sarstun also formed a fisherman association
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Community Management of Sarstoon Temash Coastal Marine Resources
T
T
Upgrade of Barranco Guest House
hrough the Oak Project SATIIM has purchased 8 sets of bedding for the Barranco Guest. A list of materials was
also purchased to electrify the Guest House. The Guesthouse which was built by community volunteers will
finally be shining at night. These upgrading has improved the facility and guests are more comfortable.
Camping sites for the STNP
hrough funding from the Oak Foundation, the Sarstoon Temash National Park now has two newly constructed
camping facilities. The camping sites are situate on the banks of Sunday Wood and Conejo Creeks which empty
into the Temash River. The cohune thatch structure with its wooden flooring will provide a cool and dry area
for campers. These camping grounds can be accessed by making arrangements from within the two villages or
at the SATIIM office in Punta Gorda.
Eco-tourism Equipments
isitors can now experience the pristine wildlife of the Sarstoon Temash from within a kayak or a canoe. Three
canoes, two kayaks, one dugout dorey and five bicycles were purchased for ecotourism purposes. The canoes
are also utilized by the Park wardens to conduct patrols of the Temash River. These equipment will assist to
facilitate more ecotourism activities such as biking, kayaking, camping and hiking. Nine sets of assorted sizes
snorkeling gears including mask, fin and snorkel was also purchased to enhance the visitors’ experience.
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Education and Outreach
S
S
ATIIM’s Education and advocacy program is ongoing. Over the past nine
months, the Education Officer in collaboration with other staff have conducted
and participated in a series of meetings, workshops, and events locally and
nationally.
Career Day
ATIIM participated in a Career Day that was hosted by the Toledo Community
College on January 23, 2007. A booth was set up for the event which showcased
the various projects carried out by SATIIM. The materials that were displayed
included the various studies carried out such as the: Traditional Knowledge,
Rapid Ecological Assessment, Management Plan, STNP brochure, SATIIM newsletters,
Oil Advocacy newsletter, pictures of the flora & fauna, and posters. Students from the
various forms visited the booth (over 400 students) and were provided additional
information about the park and SATIIM.
Toledo District Day
n January 27th, 2007 SATIIM participated in the Toledo District Day. Similar materials to those that were
displayed at the Career day were used for this event, which includes: STNP & STMMA management plan,
Rapid Ecological Assessment, Traditional Knowledge, posters, maps, Oil resource materials, pictures, and
wildlife skulls. In addition, over 300 people visited the booth from various parts of the country including
Belize City, Orange Walk and SATIIM had the opportunity to speak about SATIIM and its
program on national radio station.
O
M
Community Visits and School Presentations
onthly community visits were conducted by Education Officer, Community
Promoters, Park manager and wardens to all five buffer communities of the
STNP. School presentations and community meetings were held focusing on a
range of topics including: oil development in protected area, endangered species,
Leadership skills, etc. On these visits, educational materials which included the exercise
books, pencils and laminated maps highlighting the park ecosystem, park zones, land use and
vegetation type of the STNP were delivered to the students and teachers and copies were
placed in the community resource centers. Presentations were also made to schools outside the
buffer area of the STNP including the Julian Cho High School and the Tumul Kin Center for
Learning.
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Park Management
Patrols
R
egular foot patrols from the communities are
conducted by the rangers to monitor the Sarstoon
Temash National Park, the Temash River, Sarstoon
River and the Bay of Amatique. A total of 6 two day
marine patrols and 4 three day marine patrols were conducted
during the months of January to September 2007. These patrols
are carried out jointly with the Belize Defense Force, Police
Department, Forest Department (when personnel are available)
and SATIIM park wardens. Any trails leading into the national
park and illegal activity encountered on these patrols are marked
with GPS and forwarded to SATIIM’s GIS Analyst to be entered
Staff on Patrol
into a Hotspots Mapping database. Illegal activities encountered
on patrols conducted during this period includes: illegal logging, illegal fishing, entry into the Belizean
territory by Guatemalans to cut seismic lines, a dead Tapir floating down the Temash River and illegal
harvesting of red mangrove seeds. All confiscation was brought to the attention of the Police
Department and the other respective departments for further investigation and action.
In House Geographic Information System (GIS)
T
hrough our in-house GIS capability, we were able to
develop and print educational materials in the form of
posters. This is in an effort to continue educating the
schools in the buffer villages as well as the general public
about the importance of STNP. Two posters created were zoning and
ecosystem posters.
Ecosystems Poster
Zoning poster:
There are four zones in the STNP, Multiple use zone, Indigenous use
zone, Conservation zone, and Special or Unique value zone, each one
is important to the villages that live around it. In some zones
villagers can extract medicinal plants, housing materials, comfrey for
building of ceremonial temples under a strict permitting system while
some zones are strictly for conservation and research.
Ecosystem poster:
This poster depicts the different ecosystems that can be found within the STNP. The
park contains a newly identified ecosystem ―Sphagnum bog moss’ that is unique to Belize and all of
Central America.
A total of 126 posters were printed in-house that will be distributed to the schools buffering the STNP as
well as all the resource centers in the five villages.
Over the course of the year, SATIIM also provided technical support to the village of Conejo on
mapping their land use areas within their demarcated boundary, developed maps for partner
organizations and printed topographical maps for conducting patrols with the Belize Defense Force.
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Asset Allocation Mapping Training and Workshops
ATIIM’s GIS Data Analysts participated in an asset allocation mapping and training
that was conducted by First Peoples Worldwide during May 28 – June 8, 2007. The
main purpose of asset allocation mapping was to enable indigenous communities to
assume knowledgeable control, not consent, over the allocation of their territorial
assets. As a part of the mapping exercise, an aerial survey was conducted which included the
participation of representatives of indigenous groups from Guyana, Suriname, Fiji, Belize with
instructors from India, and the United States. This activity was followed by a series of Asset
Allocation workshops in three buffer communities of the STNP: Conejo, Midway and
Barranco. The focus of the workshops in the communities was to see how the communities
have been using the land around them and assisting them to make better decisions relating to land use. Mosaics of
communities were developed and were presented during the workshops. Communities can now quantify the amount of
forest that is left around each community especially the communities that have demarcated their village boundaries. In
carrying out this process, they will appreciate the resources around them and would treat it as assets rather than just land
and forest with no meaning.
S
During the workshops, the community of Midway stated that they have been noticing that there are fewer places to extract
leaves and sticks for their homes, as well as lack of good sources of water which have made their lives more challenging.
The community of Barranco expressed the same concerns as Midway and noted that most of their community lands are
swampy, and not suitable for agriculture.
Alternative Livelihood
T
hrough funding from the OAK Foundation, ten community members, nominated by their communities
participated in a tour guide training course. Community members nominated were: Mark Rodriquez, Alejandro
Cruz Rodriquez, Antonio Chun, Florencio Ixim, Manuel Coy, Pablo Makin, Marcos Ash, Hilario Tush, Maricio
Tush and Josio Bo.
The training commenced on August 6, 2007 and is held at the University of Belize Toledo Campus. The training is held
four days per week at 14 hours per week and total credit hours for successful completion of the training is 160. The
training was originally scheduled to be completed by the end of November but due to threat of two hurricanes and the
University not being able to garner the needed students for the course, the completion date was extended to December
2007.
Advocacy
Outreach and community education:
O
n Friday February 2, 2007 over fifty people from the villages of
Barranco, Conejo, Crique Sarco, Midway, Sundaywood, and members
of SATIIM’s Board of Directors and staff traveled to Spanish Lookout
in the Cayo District to meet with Mr. Allen Reimer, chair of the
Spanish Lookout Petroleum Board, Mr. Daniel Gutierrez, representative for Belize
Natural Energy, and to visit the active oil fields in this community. Considering
the recent oil spill in Spanish Lookout, it was a good time to take community members and community leaders to visit the
Belize Natural Energy (BNE) Spanish Lookout site. Community members from Sarstoon Temash had a chance to speak
with local people about what it is like to have oil development in their community and see what the oil site looks like first
hand.
At the Belize Natural Energy (BNE) central processing site we were able to see the pipelines that will be put up in and
around Spanish Lookout, we saw the chemicals that are used to separate the water and the oil, we also observed the many
trucks and holding tanks around the central site, and the clearing that is needed to build a large holding site. We also
visited a ―lease site‖ where the recent oil spill had happened. Mr. Reimer showed us this site and we were able to get
fairly close, close enough to smell the flare and get a sense of what a field site looks at close up- right beside a farm.
10
To date, SATIIM has been successful in preventing US Capital Energy Belize
Ltd to commence seismic surveys inside the Sarstoon Temash National Park.
In June 2007, the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report for US
Capital was completed and copies of the EIA report was delivered to village
leaders along with a note book to write their comments by representatives of
the company. The village leaders protested the action taken, since community
members were required to read the 300 page document which was too
technical. At a forum that was held by US Capital in Punta Gorda Town, the
communities made it clear that they did not understand the EIA report and
expressed the need for meetings to be held in the villages.
SATIIM lobbied with the Department of Environment to amend the Terms of
Reference for the EIA process and recommended ways of ensuring A technical report that
effective community participation to the process but our proposal was communities were required to read within a
rejected.
We sent copies of the EIA report to our national & international partners and
received comments which concluded that the EIA failed to comply with the Terms of Reference.
Moreover, it further lacks data to make a comprehensive analysis with respect to water quality,
vegetation fragmentation, and community benefits among others. This raises a red flag since it reduces
the mitigation measures that will ensure the preservation of the ecological integrity of the Sarstoon
Temash National Park.
In September, SATIIM presented a 24 page document to members of NEAC highlighting the areas of
concern and requested a response in writing, of how our concerns will be addressed. Up to date,
SATIIM has not received any response but National Environmental Appraisal Committee (NEAC) went
ahead and approved the EIA for US Capital.
Community Meetings
During the month of September the Board of Directors and staff conducted a series of community
meetings in the fiver buffer communities as well as reaching out to the community of Graham Creek, a
settlement located northwest of the STNP. The entire village was present at the meeting and the
community members were very vocal in expressing their sentiments about the oil company. One
community member said ― if we do not benefit from the extraction of oil then it is useless to have the
company to work in our area. They might just destroy the value of land and our water sources, it would
be best if it is us that destroy our resources then we cannot blame anyone.‖
With the continuous outreach to the communities we have seen a drastic change in the attitude of
communities compared to last year. We have also seen significant changes taken by the community
leaders, demanding respect and standing up for what they believe is in the best interest of their
community.
Our position has always been that we are not
opposing this development but our concern is that the
due process is not followed with respect to the legal and social issues.
Is it too much that we are demanding that the buffer communities who have been denied access to the
resources from the park not benefit from this development at the short
term and long term. At a community meeting held by representatives of
the oil company, a community member
mentioned the idea of
establishing ―trust fund for the village‖. The response given was that it is
too early to begin asking for a trust fund. In
responding the villager
said ― now is the time to being negotiating , because if oil is found the
company will not want to listen us then.‖
With the landmark decision of the Supreme Court in October, we have
Meeting at Midway Village
been out in the communities educating them about the implications of the
ruling with respect to oil concession granted to US Capital Energy Ltd.
The community of Midway made a
significant step where they agreed to retain the service of 11
Judicial Milestone for Conejo and Santa Cruz Villages
C
Cristina Coc, Martin Chen &
Greg Choc leading the victorious march
hief Justice, Abdulai Conteh delivered his ruling in the case brought against the
Ministry of Natural Resource and the Attorney General by the communities of
Conejo and Santa Cruz on October 18, 2007.
On May 5th, 2007 the village of Conejo submitted a written request to the government asking
for the demarcation and recognition of Conejo village lands. This request was presented to the
Prime Minister (PM) , along with a map of Conejo and written agreements with neighbouring
village affirming the boundaries of Conejo village. No response was received from the
Government of Belize.
On April 3rd, 2007 representative and members of the Maya communities of Conejo and Santa
Cruz filed claims in two separate lawsuits in the Supreme Court, alleging that the government
violated provision of the Constitution of Belize by its ― failure to recognize, protect and respect the customary land rights,
which are based on the traditional land use and occupation of the Maya people.‖
On October 18, 2007 an entourage of five bus load of community members from various villages traveled to Belize City
to express their solidarity and to be a part of this historic event. The landmark decision stated that the two Maya
communities have communal land rights to the lands they have traditionally used.
The Chief Justice ordered the following:
1. A declaration that the claimants and their member hold respectively, collective and individuals rights in the lands
and resources that they have used and occupied according to Maya customary practices and that these rights constitute
―property‖ within the meaning of section 3 (d) and 17 of the Belize Constitution.
2. A declaration that the Maya Village of Santa Cruz and Conejo hold collective title to the lands their members have
traditionally used and occupied within the boundaries established through Maya customary
practices; and that
this collective title includes the derivative individual rights and interest of village members which are in accordance
with and subject to Santa Cruz and Conejo and Maya customary law.
3. An order that the government determine, demarcate and provide official documentation of Santa Cruz’s and Conejo’s
title and rights in accordance with Maya customary law and practices, without prejudice to the rights of neighboring
villages.
4. An order that the defendants cease and abstain form any acts that might lead the agents of the government itself, or
third parties acting with its acquiescence or its tolerance , to affect the existence, value , use or enjoyment of the
property located in the geographic area occupied and used by the Maya people of Santa Cruz and Conejo unless such
acts are pursuant to their informed consent and in compliance with the safeguards of the Belize Constitution. This
order include, but not limited to, directing the government to abstain from:
i. Issuing any lease or grants to lands or resources under the National Lands Act or any other Act;
ii. Registering any such interest in land;
iii. Issuing any regulations concerning land or resources uses;
iv. Issuing any concession for resource exploitation and harvesting, including concessions, permits or
contracts
authorizing logging, prospecting or
exploration, mining or similar activity under the
Forest Act, the Mines Act, the Petroleum Act or any other Act.
The Chief Justice took three hours to read out the 67 page judgment. It was a jubilant
moment for those that were
inside the
courtroom while others were at the Battle Field Park entertained with traditional marimba
music.
From the Battle Field Park there was a solidarity march to the Radisson Hotel, where a press conference was held.
In press release sent out by the government press office Prime Minister of Belize, Rt. Hon. Said
Musa said ― I say this decision was very important because the indigenous people for centuries
have been disadvantage in the colonial era.
Furthermore, the PM stated ― that the
Government of Belize recognizes that the Maya people have rights to land and resources in
southern Belize based on their longstanding use and occupancy.‖
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Board & Staff 3 Day Strategic Planning
S
ATIIM’s Board & Staff participated in a three day Strategic
Planning retreat at the Lodge at Big Falls (October 31—November
2) The objective of the retreat was to review and evaluate both the
Strategic Plan and the STNP Management Plan. The session was
facilitated by Bruce Jones, who has been working in the Toledo District for
the past 13 years.
Board & Staff evaluating the Strategic Plan and the Park Management Plan
Day one of the retreat focused on evaluating the activities in Strategic Plan,
which was developed in 2004. The evaluation of the Strategic Plan generated
a lot of discussion and each activity was evaluated
objectively.
Day two focused on evaluating the Sarstoon Temash National Park Management
Plan which was developed in 2003. It was noted that most of the activities
stipulated in this plan have been accomplished and remaining activities in the
plan were prioritized.
The highlight of the day three was discussing the implications of the Supreme
Court with respect to the constitutional claim brought forth by Santa Cruz and
Conejo Village. It is important that the Board of Directors and staff clearly
understand the ruling since Conejo is one of the communities that SATIIM
work’s with. But more importantly the implication with respect to the oil
concession granted to US Capital Energy
Belize Ltd by the Government of
Belize.
Ms. Antoinette Moore,
explaining the ruling
SATIIM Staff assist in Hurricane Relief
H
SATIIM’s Staff (part of
APAMO) participating in relief
for residents of Sarteneja, Corozal who were affected by Hurricane Dean
urricane Dean devastated the Orange
Walk and Corozal district on August
21, 2007 causing structural and
agricultural losses.
In an effort to reach out to the affected
communities, the Oak Foundation made a
generous monetary donation to the Belize Red
Cross.
The Association of Protected Areas Management
Organization (APAMO) coordinated with the
Belize Red Cross in the distribution of hurricane relief supplies donated by the
Oak Foundation, to the communities of Sarteneja, Copper Bank, and
Chunnox.
Four of SATIIM’s staff traveled to Corozal Town on September 8, 2007 to
assist in the
distribution of the relief supplies. The mission started at the Red Cross building
where staff loaded the supplies in the Toyota Hilux. The journey to Sarteneja was an interesting one,
since we lost sight of the leading vehicle and took another route. We did manage to catch up with the
rest of the team by the second ferry and made it to Sarteneja.
Priority was given to the areas where most structural damage was observed. We visited the affected
families and
delivered a bag of
supplies
( food items, blankets, tarps, kitchen utensils, &
water). Despite the fact that we had to leave PG around 3 am, it was a rewarding experience to give
back to the community.
Other APAMO members that participated in the
hurricane relief effort were: Friends of Gra Gra
Lagoon Conservation Group, Programme for Belize, Friends of Nature, and Belize Audubon Society.
13
14
Snapshot of SATIIM’s participation in other
events
SATIIM participated in Parade for September Celebrations Parade
SATIIM Staff participate in the first ever
Barranco Country Festival
15
Financial Statement (2007)
STATEMENT OF INCOME AND EXPENSES
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2006
REVENUES
Bi-National Work
$
Community Outreach
116,417
26,825
General Operations & Coastal Project
297,355
Advocacy & Policy
214,109
Community Development Projects
49,278
Education & Outreach
39,949
6,488
Other Income
Total Revenue:
$
750,421
LESS: EXPENDITURES:
Programme Administration
207,559
Operational Expense
54,549
Consultancy
14,632
Bi-National Work
56,348
Community Outreach
40,619
Alternative Livelihood
930
Capital Expenditures
`
25,935
Advocacy Initiatives
178,810
Total Expenditures
$
579,382.00
NET INCOME
$
171,039
16
Revenue Collected in 2006
$300,000
$250,000
Belize Dollars
$200,000
$150,000
$100,000
$50,000
$Bi-National
Work
Community
Outreach
General
Operations &
Coastal Project
Advocacy &
Policy
Community
Development
Projects
Education &
Outreach
Other Income
Revenue Distribution
Education & Outreach
5%
Com m unity Developm ent
Projects
7%
Other Incom e
1%
Bi-National Work
16%
Com m unity Outreach
4%
Advocacy & Policy
28%
General Operations &
Coastal Project
39%
17
Expenditures
Programme Administration
Advocacy Initiatives
Capital Expenditures
Alternative Livelihood
Consultancy
Community Outreach
Operational Expense
Bi-National Work
18
SATIIM’s Management & Staff
Board of Directors:
Alvin Loredo
Chairman (Barranco)
Arnoldo Paau
Representative (Midway)
Manuel Acte
Representative (Sunday wood)
Manuel Caal
Representative (Conejo Creek)
Samuel Choc
Representative (Crique Sarco)
Pedro Kuk
Representative (Q’eqchi Council of Belize)
Martin Chen
Representative (Toledo Alcaldes Assoc)
Wilbur Sabido
Representative (Forestry Department)
Franklin Martinez
Representative (National Garifuna Council)
Office Staff
Gregory Choc
Executive Director
Lynette Gomez
Technical Coordinator
David Duncan Jr.
Office Administrator/ Finance Officer
Peter Shol
Education Officer
David Itch
GIS-Database Analyst
Acela Cho
Accounts Clerk/receptionist
Field Staff
Seleem Chan
Park Manager
Anasario Cal
Head Ranger (Crique Sarco)
Thomas Ishim
Ranger (Midway)
Egbert Valencio
Ranger (Barranco)
Enrique Makin
Ranger (Conejo)
Ranger (Sunday Wood)
19
Sarstoon Temash Institute for Indigenous Management
6 Pampana Street, Punta Gorda Town
Toledo District, Belize, C.A.
Phone: 501-722-0103
Fax: 501-722-0124
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://www.satiim.org.bz