Final Report
Belize
Community Preparedness
and Resilience (CPR)
Community-Based
Approaches to Disaster
Preparedness and Climate
Change Adaptation
Taiwan–Belize 2016 Report
1
Acknowledgements
Pan American Development Foundation (PADF) would like to thank the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA)
of Taiwan for its dedication to assisting vulnerable communities in southern Belize and its generous
support of the Community Preparedness and Resilience Project (CPR): Community-Based Approaches
to Disaster Preparedness and Climate Change Adaptation. We would like to extend a special thanks to
H.E. Lyu-shun Shen, former Representative of Taiwan to the United States; Mandy Yu-Chen Tsai, Political
Division Officer; and Hanpin Huang, Political Division Officer of the Taipei Economic and Cultural
Representative Office (TECRO) in Washington, D.C.; and Benjamin Ho, Ambassador of Taiwan to Belize for
their unwavering support for PADF and the most vulnerable communities in our hemisphere.
PADF would also like to thank our partners at the University of Belize (UB), the National Emergency
Management Organization (NEMO), the Mayor of Dangriga Town Francis Humphreys, and the Dangriga
Town Council, as well as Past Village Chairman of Hopkins Village Wayne Casimiro, members of the Stann
Creek District Community Emergency Response Teams (CERTs), Wahima and Harlem Beach Volunteer
Groups, the Ignacia Cacho Library, and “Speak Out Radio Show” at Hamalali NGC Radio. PADF values each
of our many local partners and the residents of Dangriga Town and Hopkins village for their commitment
to building disaster preparedness and climate change adaptation at the community level.
Acronyms
Belize Red Cross Society
Belize Tourism Board
Community-Based Organization
Caribbean Climate Online Risk and Adaptation Tool
Climate Change Adaptation
Caribbean Community Climate Change Center
Caribbean Development Bank
Community Emergency Response Team
Coastal Zone Management Authority and Institute
Damage Assessment and Needs Analysis
Disaster Risk Reduction
Early Warning System
National Emergency Management Organization
Ecumenical Junior College
Geographic Information Systems
Gross Domestic Product
Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Taiwan)
Organization of American States
Pan American Development Foundation
Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office
University of Belize
BRCS
BTB
CBO
CCORAL
CCA
5Cs
CDB
CERT
CZMAI
DANA
DRR
EWS
NEMO
EJC
GIS
GDP
MOFA
OAS
PADF
TECRO
UB
Table
of Contents
From left to right: PADF-Belize Administrative and Finance Officer, Jeffy Gomez; PADF Director of Disaster
Management, Liza Mantilla; PADF-Belize Technical Advisor, Carianne Johnson; Minister of State in the Prime
Minister Office with Emphasis on Public Service, Energy and Public Utilities, Hon. Frank Mena; Mayor of Dangriga,
Mr. Francis Humphreys; PADF Senior Programs Director, Caterina Valero; Ambassador of Honduras to Belize, H.E.
Sandra Rosales Abella; Ambassador of Taiwan to Belize, H.E. Benjamin Ho; PADF-Belize Project Director, Minerva
Pinelo; PADF Director of Communications and Public Affairs, Hearly G. Mayr; and PADF Program Manager of
Disaster Management, Ashley Valle.
2
PADF
Executive Summary
About PADF
Introduction
Project Description
Project Activities
Highlighted Achievements
Best Practices and Lessons Learned
Results
Conclusions
Financial Report
Partners
2
3
3
5
5
10
12
14
16
17
18
Taiwan–Belize 2016 Report
1
Executive Summary
Coastal Preparedness and Resilience (CPR):
Community-Based Approaches to Disaster
Preparedness and Climate Change Adaptation
Belize is a low-lying coastal nation that is vulnerable to the effects of climate
change and the resulting intensification of natural hazards, particularly
storms and flooding. As extreme weather events become more severe
and rising sea levels, coastal erosion, and the degradation of valuable
marine environments threaten protective coastal ecosystems, it is
increasingly important to strengthen disaster preparedness among coastal
communities.
To build the resilience of vulnerable populations in Belize, PADF
implemented a 13-month project entitled “Community Preparedness
and Resilience (CPR): Community-Based Approaches to Disaster
Preparedness and Climate Change Adaptation.” PADF carried out this
initiative in Dangriga and Hopkins, two coastal communities in southern
Belize. Through the CPR project, PADF worked with business leaders,
members of fishing associations, educators and academics, public
servants, and other dedicated community leaders to strengthen the
ability of their communities to respond to, withstand, and recover from
severe hazard events and related disasters.
This effort was made possible by financing from the Ministry of Foreign
Affairs (MOFA) of Taiwan. Throughout the project, PADF worked together
with numerous partners to deliver capacity building trainings, identify
and strengthen Early Warning Systems (EWS), and complete ecological
restoration projects. Activities were completed with deep engagement
and support from the Belize Tourism Board (BTB), Belize Red Cross
Society (BRCS) Branch in Stann Creek, the Coastal Zone Management
Authority and Institute (CZMAI), the National Emergency Management
Organization (NEMO), the University of Belize (UB), Ecumenical Junior
College (EJC), Hamanasi Adventure and Dive Resort, and the Caribbean
Community Climate Change Center (5Cs). By building such partnerships
at the local level, PADF fostered a culture of cooperation and resilience
that are expected to yield positive dividends over the coming years.
During the life of the project, PADF strengthened the resilience of over
15,000 people in southern Belize to adapt to and respond to the increasing
frequency and intensity of storms and floods. Project beneficiaries included
participants in community-wide public awareness campaigns related
to climate change adaptation (CCA), sustainable coastal zone resource
management, and good environmental practices.
Beneficiaries also included over 800 people who completed trainings in
climate-smart livelihoods, 200 community members trained in disaster
preparedness and response, and members of two Community Emergency
Response Teams (CERTs) equipped and trained in disaster management.
Additionally, more than 300 students and 70 educators participated in CCA and
disaster risk reduction (DRR) educational campaigns, while more than two dozen
university students learned to use Geographic Information Systems (GIS) mapping
tools for the creation of hazard maps.
About PADF
PADF is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization founded in 1962 to bring together communities across Latin
America and the Caribbean to empower vulnerable populations, improve livelihoods, foster greater respect
for democracy and human rights, protect the environment, and prepare for and respond to disasters. The
Organization of American States (OAS) established PADF to assist member states to address the most urgent
development challenges, including preparing for, mitigating, and responding to the impact of disaster events.
In the last decade, PADF has reached more than 130 million vulnerable and excluded people, investing nearly
$700 million in development throughout Latin America and the Caribbean. Visit www.padf.org for additional
information.
Introduction
Throughout its history, Belize has endured numerous extreme weather events, particularly storms and
hurricanes. Such events have severely affected the people of Belize and their economy. In 1961, the powerful
Hurricane Hattie pummeled the nation, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake. Hurricane Hattie caused such
extensive damage that the nation relocated its capital city from coastal Belize City inland to Belmopan. Since
then, additional storms have hit the country, including hurricanes Keith (2000), Iris (2001), Dean (2007), Arthur
(2008), Karl (2016), and Matthew (2016). Given that 70% of Belizeans live in low-lying areas prone to flooding
and 41% live along the coast, PADF sees that improving disaster preparedness and response capabilities among
coastal groups is vital to the country’s long-term development.
Preserving coastal marine environments is a critical component of promoting sustainable socioeconomic
progress in Belize. We know that these environments protect communities by acting as a buffer against high
winds, ocean waves, and storm surges. They also provide essential habitats for fish that provide livelihoods for
those employed within the fishing industry. Because of the country’s unique marine
environments, Belize is able to generate significant revenues from tourism.
As a result, the three largest industries in coastal Belize are
tourism, fisheries, and aquaculture. Together these sectors
represent 30% of GDP and contribute $300 million
per year to the local economy.
The following table shows the impact of
recent major storms in Belize.
PADF teaches students
about the importance of
mangroves through arts
and crafts during the
"Back to School
Fest" at Hamanasi
Adventure and
Dive Resort.
Impact of Major Storms in Belize
YEAR
HURRICANE
IMPACT
2000
Keith
•
•
•
•
19 deaths and 3,279 homes damaged or destroyed
75% of crops damaged
Contamination of water supply and spread of water-borne illnesses
Widespread power and telephone outages
2001
Iris
•
•
•
•
Nearly 4,000 homes damaged or destroyed
15,000 people left homeless
25 deaths
95% of homes in 35 poorest villages destroyed
2007
Dean
• Temporary displacement of 8,000 people
• Extensive damage to agricultural sector
• 1,000 farm workers lost jobs
2016
Earl
• 10,000 people lost homes
• 2,000 homes destroyed
• 80% of homes in Belize District flooded
Project Description
Given the interrelated nature of DRR and CCA and their influence on
coastal zone resource management, livelihoods, and tourism in Belize,
PADF developed the project “Community Preparedness and Resilience
(CPR): A Community-Based Approaches to Disaster Preparedness and
Climate Change Adaptation.” Under this initiative, PADF aimed to promote
sustainable economic growth and prosperity for all by enhancing disaster
preparedness and climate change adaptation.
Project Objectives
PADF used a multi-pronged approach that integrated DRR, CCA, sustainable coastal zone resource
management, and livelihood protection and promotion. Our work achieved the following objectives:
• Increase the skills of coastal communities to cope with climate variability through education in disaster
preparedness and response.
• Foster private sector engagement in DRR, CCA, and sustainable coastal zone resource management.
• Improve community resilience through ecological restoration or infrastructure projects.
• Promote alternative livelihoods among members of vulnerable coastal communities.
Activities
PADF-Belize Project Director, Minerva
Pinelo, discusses civic engagement
and disaster resilience during
the 2016 Hopkins
Village Day.
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Certification of Community Emergency Response Teams
Trainings in GIS and Hazard Mapping
Strengthening of Community-Based Beach Custodian Associations
Development of Flood Gauge Monitoring, Signage, and Emergency Response Protocols
Improvement of School Emergency Plans and Evacuation Protocols
Establishment of Emergency Contingency Plans Among Tourism Service Providers
Protection and Reforestation of Mangroves to Prevent Coastal Erosion
Project Activities
Capacity Building at the Community Level
Community Emergency Response Teams (CERTs)
In partnership with NEMO and BRCS, PADF certified two Community Emergency Response Teams (CERTs).
Under this activity, 31 volunteers from Dangriga Town and Hopkins Village completed a six-week training on
“Community Disaster Response.” Training topics ranged from fire safety and the fundamental skills of disaster
preparedness, to specialized Damage Assessment and Needs Analysis (DANA) and the delivery of psychosocial
support and health services to meet the needs of those affected by disasters. PADF led the implementation
of emergency drills to assess the skills of training participants and identify opportunities to strengthen the
capacity of local CERTs. PADF provided training and emergency response equipment, including first aid kits,
emergency lights, pick axes and shovels, reflector vests, hard hats, and other protective gear, to each of the two
project-supported CERTs. In the future, this support will facilitate the delivery of life-saving assistance to those
affected by disasters.
Taiwan–Belize 2016 Report
5
GIS and Hazard Mapping
In collaboration with the University of Belize, PADF facilitated a 16-week course on using GIS tools to enhance
disaster preparedness and response. Under this partnership, 28 university students assessed coastal erosion
in Dangriga and Hopkins and developed hazard maps that highlighted areas most vulnerable to erosion,
mangrove deforestation, and floods. PADF donated portable electronic devices, GPS units, GIS software (ArcGIS
Online), and related tools to improve the capacity of the university to provide quality education to its students
on using advanced technology.
Under this project, students from the University of Belize produced hazard maps for Dangriga and Hopkins.
These maps provided a visual depiction of the risks facing both communities. The maps raised awareness of
the need to relocate numerous emergency shelters that are currently located within unsafe flood-prone areas.
NEMO has since used these maps to guide its decision-making regarding the construction of future shelters.
Likewise, the maps have been incorporated into contingency planning efforts at the Belize Tourism Board
(BTB), Coastal Zone Management Authority Institute (CZMAI), and Caribbean Development Bank (CDB).
Community-Based Beach Custodian Associations
PADF delivered trainings to volunteer members of beach custodian groups to enhance their understanding
of sustainable environmental practices and climate change adaptation. Group members learned simple ways
to incorporate these principles into their ongoing activities to counter beach erosion. PADF also forged a
partnership with the Caribbean Community Climate Change Center (5Cs) to facilitate trainings for volunteer
beach custodians on the Caribbean Climate Online Risk and Adaptation Tool (CCORAL). The tool assists users
to understand and use climate risk management strategies to foster more sustainable community development.
This web-based planning tool also helps decision makers in the Caribbean to integrate climate resilience into
their planning and community investment activities.
Community members participate in
hazard mapping exercises and
discussions on mitigation
strategies.
PADF installs roadway signage to alert drivers to
dangerous driving conditions.
Early Warning
Systems and
Contingency
Planning
Flood Gauge Monitoring
and Signage
With support from the
Belize Police Department in
Hopkins Village and Dangriga
Town, PADF developed
protocols for monitoring and
communicating emergency alerts
prior to and during floods. These
protocols enable public safety officials
to support NEMO by tracking water levels
along local waterways. These protocols clarify
duties among public safety officials and streamline
the delivery of timely warnings to residents regarding potential
flood situations.
PADF partnered with public safety officials to install custom-designed roadway signage to warn motorists
about dangerous driving conditions along busy stretches of roadway between Dangriga and Hopkins. The
signage informs and discourages drivers from traveling into areas experiencing dangerous flood conditions.
PADF also collaborated with both communities to establish procedures to expedite the communication of
flood warnings to local motorists. The signage adheres to the highest national safety and quality standards
and may be replicated in communities across Belize.
School Emergency Plans
PADF partnered with the Belize Ministry of Education to train 70 educators and 360 students from seven area
schools. Trainings enabled school administrators to develop multi-hazard emergency plans and evacuation
protocols. Teachers identified risks and hazards, planned response strategies, and incorporated evacuation
drills into their school emergency plans. With support from NEMO and public safety officials, PADF led
evacuation drills and provided guidance to schools to improve their emergency preparedness.
Emergency Contingency Planning Among Tourism Service Providers
PADF and the BTB developed trainings tailored to owners of local hotels. Trainings focused on best practices
related to contingency planning and multi-hazard emergency preparedness. By targeting three area hotels,
PADF efforts promoted disaster preparedness within the tourism sector of Dangriga and Hopkins. The BTB
offered technical assistance and endorsement of the PADF contingency planning process, one that has since
been held up as a model for nationwide contingency planning among the tourism and hospitality sectors.
6
PADF
Taiwan–Belize 2016 Report
7
Ecological Restoration
Mangrove Protection and Reforestation
In partnership with Hamanasi Adventure and Dive Resort, PADF conducted
trainings on the importance of mangroves to coastal resilience. Community members learned
foundational principles of ecological restoration, as well as mangrove reforestation methods and other
strategies for climate change adaptation. With support from the Belize Forestry Department and CZMAI, 30
community members, including members of beach custodian associations, students and teachers, hoteliers,
and fisher folks, participated in mangrove protection and reforestation activities in Dangriga and Hopkins.
Through this initiative, community members gained hands-on practice planting and caring for mangrove
seedlings and other types of coastal vegetation in order to combat beach erosion. Under this project, PADF
established two mangrove reforestation demonstration plots. Located near two schools, the plots allow educators,
students, and community members to continuously learn firsthand how to mitigate disasters by nurturing this
crucial ecological resource.
PADF provided training to community members on techniques of mangrove reforestation and the legal frameworks
that regulate this activity. In doing so, PADF promoted mangrove reforestation as an alternative livelihood activity
and we expect that more members of vulnerable communities can engage in the protection and reforestation of
coastal vegetation as a result of the project. By training community members on ways to be good stewards of coastal
resources, PADF considers that such skills may also be marketed to hoteliers and homeowners, thereby opening doors
to new employment opportunities.
Coastal Management and Sustainable Livelihood Development
Native to the Indian and Pacific oceans, the spiny lionfish were first released into the Atlantic Ocean in the 1990s.
Since then, the lionfish with its venomous spines and ferocious appetite has spread, spawning an invasion that is
devastating native fish populations and local industries throughout the Caribbean. Lionfish feed on younger fish and
with their sharp spines they encounter few natural predators. Capable of destroying a reef’s fish population in a few
short weeks, the lionfish is found across the Caribbean, including Belize.
The livelihoods of thousands of people in Belize depend on tourism and fishing industries. In Belize, the lionfish not
only threatens to overcome native fish; it also has the capacity to debilitate the tourism industry that is so vital to the
country. To address this urgent challenge, research shows that increasing human consumption for the lionfish is the
best hope for reversing the spread of this invasive species.
On July 15-17, 2016, PADF sponsored the first-ever lionfish derby in Dangriga and Hopkins. With support from its
partners at OCEANA, Hamanasi Adventure and Dive Resort, Blue Ventures, and the Belize Fisheries Department, PADF
organized a lionfish fishing tournament, cooking demonstrations, and jewelry making workshops. Over
700 community members participated in the planned events, including
cooking demonstrations by professional chefs, a lionfish cooking
competition, and jewelry-making workshops led by the Belize
Lionfish Association. By raising awareness of the potential uses
for the lionfish, PADF promoted the management of lionfish
populations while fostering sustainable coastal management
and alternative livelihoods for entrepreneurs and fisher folk.
In addition to promoting sustainable livelihood
opportunities through the management of lionfish
populations, PADF supported economic opportunities in
other ways. PADF provided training on tilapia farming,
climate resistant agricultural techniques, strategies to
ensure sustainable seas, and workshops highlighting
the importance mitigating coastal pollution. In total, 845
community members completed training on strategies
to achieve effective coastal management and more
sustainable livelihoods.
8
PADF
PADF sponsored a Lionfish Derby that featured cooking and jewelrymaking demonstrations showing ways to manage lionfish populations while
strengthening livelihoods
PADF established mangrove
reforestation demonstration
plots where community
members learn about ecological
restoration and mangrove
reforestation methods.
Taiwan–Belize 2016 Report
9
Mexico
Highlighted
Achievements
• In total, 15,553 community members benefited from
PADF activities, including 11,000 beneficiaries of disaster
mitigation efforts and community awareness campaigns;
Right: Taiwan Ambassador to
Belize, Benjamin Ho, delivers an
emergency response toolkit to
David Cruz, a volunteer member
of the local NEMO Search and
Rescue Team.
Guatemala
Belize
• 845 community members participated in workshops
on mangrove reforestation, tilapia farming, and the
commercialization of lionfish as alternative livelihood
strategies;
• 191 people in Dangriga and Hopkins received training in
disaster preparedness and response;
• 7 area schools, including 360 students and 70 educators
and school administrators, completed training in climate
change, good environmental practice, and sustainable
coastal zone management;
• 2 CERTs received training and were equipped with disaster
preparedness and response tools;
• 5 multi-hazard contingency plans were developed with
tourism service providers and local schools;
• 4 community based organizations (CBOs), including fisher
associations and beach custodians, completed training
in sustainable coastal resource management and good
environmental practices;
Dangriga
Hopkins
• 4 area businesses provided financial support and technical
expertise to advance PADF mangrove reforestation and
GIS training efforts;
Above: PADF-Belize Project Director,
Minerva Pinelo, teaches school children
about fire safety at Holy Family R.C.
School in Hopkins Village.
• 28 university students created two GIS hazard maps to
identify areas in Dangriga and Hopkins most vulnerable
to erosion and flooding and to inform disaster mitigation
strategies;
• 2 EWS were strengthened to improve monitoring of
floods, facilitate distribution of emergency alerts, and
improve driver safety along flood-prone roadways;
• 4 private sector businesses participated in DRR activities as
a result of the project;
10
PADF
Left: PADF-Belize Administrative
and Finance Officer, Jeffy Gomez,
and PADF-Belize Technical
Advisor, Carianne Johnson, discuss
the importance of community
engagement during the 2016
Hopkins Village Day.
• 2 mangrove reforestation demonstration plots were
created to foster community ownership and engagement
in ecological restoration.
Taiwan–Belize 2016 Report
11
Best Practices and
Lessons Learned
Encourage Diverse Community Perspectives
Throughout the project, PADF held consultations with diverse members of the community to gain support for project
activities and insight into local development challenges. As PADF developed hazard maps, for instance, the project team
held frequent discussions with residents to validate research findings on erosion. PADF incorporated feedback from
residents into the design of the hazard and emergency response resource maps. PADF considers that achieving effective
DRR and CCA requires support from diverse actors from across society. By continuously seeking such perspectives,
PADF encouraged the sharing of viewpoints and engagement across the community. This engagement is expected to
foster more lasting engagement and commitment to the disaster preparedness process.
Build Capacity at Grassroots Level
Disaster Management often becomes a government-led, bottom-down activity. Under this project, PADF employed
a bottom-up approach that focused on strengthening the capabilities of members of vulnerable communities. By
increasing their awareness, skills, and response capacity, PADF was better positioned to reactivate, strengthen, and
equip volunteer-led CERTs. As a result of the PADF trainings, these teams of certified volunteers are able to support the
replication of trainings and enhance the effectiveness of the NEMO.
Tailor Interventions to Respond to Continuous
Cost-Benefit Analyses
PADF consulted local, national, and international experts to fully understand the implications of measures aimed at
reducing coastal erosion. PADF considered various mangrove reforestation techniques and ecological restoration
strategies. PADF assessed the feasibility of each technique in light of its costs and benefits, including the effectiveness of
the approach and period of implementation. While some strategies presented clear advantages in addressing erosion,
they often carried high costs and did not foster the participation of community members. PADF determined that
transplanting mangroves and other coastal vegetation along public waterfronts would minimize costs while providing
numerous low-cost opportunities for community members to learn and engage in the process of building resilience.
This decision also enabled the community to see that mangrove reforestation does not require substantial resources or
the involvement of highly educated technical specialists.
Encourage Community Stewardship through Shared
Decision-Making
Infrastructure investments are often needed to improve disaster resilience in vulnerable communities. However,
members of the community are often not consulted or informed about key technical aspects of such projects. When
funding is limited, the cost of maintaining such infrastructure often falls to the members of the community. However, it
becomes difficult to expect communities to cover maintenance costs when the planning of such infrastructure projects
did not involve the community or seek their support. PADF considers that community stewardship can be improved
by involving community members early and often in the decision-making process. This inclusive approach can yield
positive results over the long term by fostering technical expertise, leadership, and civic engagement at the local level.
12
PADF
Leverage Engagement
Activities to Generate New
Partnerships
PADF values citizen participation and the creation of
mutually beneficial partnerships between members
of civil society, private sector actors, and the
public sector. Under this project, PADF provided
training to build the technical expertise
of volunteers from the Harlem Beach
Group. As a result of their leadership
and support to PADF, the international
ocean conservation and advocacy
organization OCEANA has chosen
to partner with Harlem Beach
Group to carry out training and
advocacy efforts. This new
partnership with OCEANA is
expected benefit the local
efforts of these volunteers
by facilitating greater
access to international
networks of expertise
and more diverse
sources of financial
support.
Over 30 community
members
participate in
PADF-supported
mangrove
reforestation
efforts.
Results
Alternative
Livelihoods
• 845 community members
completed training in
mangrove reforestation,
tilapia farming, and the
commercialization of
lionfish as alternative
livelihood strategies
Throughout the 13-month project, PADF and its local
partners achieved the following activities.
• 700 community members
participated in lionfish
cooking demonstrations,
cooking competition,
and jewelry-making
workshops
Community Engagement
• 15,553 community members benefited disaster mitigation
efforts, community awareness campaigns and other activities
• 4 community based organizations (CBOs), including fisher
associations and beach custodians, were trained in sustainable
coastal resource management and good environmental practices
• 31 volunteers from Dangriga Town and Hopkins Village
completed a six-week training on “Community Disaster Response”
• 2 CERTs were organized, trained, and equipped with disaster
preparedness and response tools
Private Sector
Engagement
Above: PADF sponsored a Lionfish Derby
that featured cooking and jewelry-making
demonstrations showing ways to manage
lionfish populations while strengthening
livelihoods.
Left: Students from the University of Belize
and Ecumenical Junior College collect
geospatial data for the creation of GIS
hazard maps in Hopkins Village.
DRR/CCA Capacity
Building
• 360 students and 70 educators
from seven area schools
completed training in climate
change, good environmental
practice, and sustainable
coastal zone management
• 5 tourism service providers and
local schools created multihazard contingency plans
14
PADF
• 191 people in Dangriga and
Hopkins completed training
in disaster preparedness and
response
GIS & Early Warning
Systems
• Facilitated a 16-week
university course on
using GIS for disaster
preparedness and
response
• 28 university students
created two hazard maps
to identify areas most
vulnerable to erosion and
flooding
• 2 EWS were developed
to improve monitoring
of floods, facilitate
distribution of emergency
alerts, and improve driver
safety along flood-prone
roadways
Above: PADF organizes
emergency drills and
simulations to evaluate and
strengthen skills of volunteer
community emergency
response team members in
Hopkins.
• 4 area businesses
provided financial
support and
technical expertise
to advance DRR
activities, mangrove
reforestation, and GIS
training
Ecological Restoration and Infrastructure
Resilience
• 2 mangrove reforestation demonstration plots were created
to foster community ownership and engagement in ecological
restoration
• 30 community members participated in mangrove protection
and reforestation activities
• Graduate students in the MA of International Development
Studies program at The George Washington University carried
out feasibility study in Dangriga and Hopkins and provided
recommendations of coastal erosion mitigation strategies
• Commissioned a study of existing drainage infrastructure and
identified priority opportunities for investment to improve resilience
Taiwan–Belize 2016 Report
15
Conclusions
Financial Report
The goal of the CPR project was to build the capacity of the members of Dangriga and Hopkins communities to
adapt to, withstand, and respond to the increasing intensity of storms and floods. Using a community-driven
and participatory approach, PADF and its partners improved disaster preparedness and fostered the adoption
of climate change adaptation strategies. PADF worked with public safety officials to improve EWS and create
flood monitoring mechanisms, roadway signage, and streamlined communications protocols. PADF assisted
school administrators, educators, and students, as well as hoteliers and tourism service providers to develop
contingency plans and improve their disaster preparedness and response capabilities. In partnership with
community volunteers, PADF was able to promote the reforestation of mangroves and other coastal vegetation
and inspire others to replicate these efforts along the Belizean coastline.
Belize Community Preparedness and Resilience (CPR)
Community-Based Approaches to Disaster Preparedness and
Climate Change Adaptation
PADF was able to complete its intended activities because of its collaboration with numerous community
groups, including members of Dangriga Town and Hopkins Village. PADF is grateful for the commitment
demonstration by members of local fishing associations, beach custodian groups, area schools and educators,
and tourism service providers. They have shown vision and leadership by participating in and supporting the
efforts of PADF to achieve sound DRR and CCA initiatives.
Building community resilience requires long-term commitment from the entire community. Although PADF
has completed its work in Dangriga and Hopkins, we are confident that the more than 15,000 people who
participated in the project activities are better equipped to lead and carry on these efforts in the years ahead.
PADF and volunteer beach custodians from the
Harlem Beach Group organize a beach
clean up day to build awareness of
the importance of protecting
coastal environments.
As set forth in the Taiwan PADF Agreement a total of $300,000 was earmarked for the 13-month DRR/CCA
project in Belize. The budget covers all anticipated staff, travel, field activities, and material costs to be used in the
implementation of the project.
TOTAL BUDGETED
EXPENSES
TOTAL BUDGETED
EXPENSES
TOTAL BUDGETED
EXPENSES
$110,465
$70,991
$39,474
$3,150
$17,151
(14,001)
Travel
$11,570
$21,644
(10,074)
Field Activities
$99,335
$128,443
(29,108)
Other Direct Costs
$30,300
$1,135
$29,165
Total Direct Costs
$254,820
$239,364
$15,456
$45,180
$40,636
$4,544
$300,000
$280,000
$20,000*
DESCRIPTION
Staff Costs
Equipment and Supplies
Total Indirect Costs
Total Project Costs
*PADF invested budget balance to expand
other regional DRR activities.
Taiwan–Belize 2016 Report
17
Partners
PADF is a non-profit organization that was
established in 1962 to carry out socioeconomic development programs and disaster
assistance in Latin America and the Caribbean.
In November 2012, Taiwan and PADF entered
into an agreement to establish a five-year
Disaster Assistance and Reconstruction Fund
for Latin America and the Caribbean.
PADF was responsible for the project design and
management, including the financial and technical
supervision, monitoring, and evaluation of all project
activities.
Thanks to the generous contribution and Taiwan’s
technical expertise in disaster management, PADF
was able to implement the present project as well as
previous initiatives in Haiti, Dominican Republic,
Honduras, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.
Coastal Zone Management Authority and
Institute (CZMAI) supports the allocation,
sustainable use and planned development
of Belize’s coastal resources through
increased knowledge and the building of
alliances for the benefit of all Belizeans and
the global community.
CZMAI supported PADF by hosting an
informational fair in Dangriga during the national
Coastal Awareness Week. The Belize Red Cross Society (BRCS), affiliated
with the International Federation of Red Cross
and Red Crescent Societies, is a humanitarian
organization dedicated to the alleviation
of suffering and providing assistance, with
complete impartiality, making no discrimination
as to nationality, race, sex, religious belief, class
or political options.
The Belize Red Cross Society (BRCS), co-facilitated
a 6-week course on Community Disaster Response
training (CDRT) for NEMO volunteers to improve the
ability of participants to respond to emergencies and
disaster events.
Dangriga Town Council
The Stann Creek Ecumenical Junior College
(EJC) is a community college that offers a wide
range of academic programs with emphasis on
arts, business and science. EJC embraces the
philosophy that quality education should be
affordable and should foster vocational and life
skills in all its students.
With support from UB, the EJC Environmental Club
participated in the collection of geospatial data on
coastal erosion and needs for drainage infrastructure in
Dangriga. EJC students completed trainings in disaster
preparedness and response and mangrove reforestation.
The Dangriga Town Council is the local
government representative elected every three
years. It represents the ruling authority charged
with management of Dangriga Town. It consists
of the mayor and six council members.
The Dangriga Town Council supported PADF throughout
the life of the project. The Council provided technical
and logistical support for the organization of project
activities. The Council encouraged high levels of
community participation and enabled PADF to
develop broad-based support among members of the
community.
University of Belize (UB) is a national,
autonomous, and multi-campus institution
committed to excellence in higher
education, research, and service for national
development.
The University of Belize supported the collection
of geospatial data for identifying and monitoring
coastal erosion. UB assisted in the creation of maps
depicting flood-prone areas and emergency shelters
in the communities of Dangriga and Hopkins.
Caribbean Community Climate Change Center
(5Cs) supports the people of the Caribbean as
they address the impact of climate variability
and change on all aspects of economic
development through the provision of timely
forecasts and analyses of potentially hazardous
impacts of both natural and man-induced
climatic changes on the environment, and
the development of programs that create
opportunities for sustainable development
5Cs supported training of project participants through the
CCORAL, a web-based platform designed to help decision
makers in the Caribbean to integrate climate resilience
into their decision making and planning processes. National Emergency Management
Organization (NEMO) is entrusted to preserve
life and property throughout the country
of Belize in the event of an emergency,
threatened or real, and to mitigate the impact
on the country and its people.
NEMO supported PADF in coordinating capacity
building efforts in disaster preparedness among
volunteer members of local CERTS.
The Belize Tourism Board (BTB) is a strategic
partner in marketing the Belize tourism
product, developing tourism initiatives and
programs, and implementing tourism policies
to address the changing needs of visitors
and stakeholders. The organization’s goal is
to ensure socioeconomic growth of Belize
through prudent, transparent and effective
governance.
The BTB supported PADF in its educational campaigns
and outreach events. BTB also provided technical
assistance to PADF to ensure that training materials
developed on contingency planning for hotels adhered
to nationally accepted quality standards.
Hopkins Village Council
The Hopkins Village Council is the local
government representative elected every three
years. It represents the ruling authority charged
with administration of the village. It consists of
the mayor and six council members.
The Hopkins Village Council supported PADF
throughout the life of the project. The Council provided
technical and logistical support for the organization of
project activities. The Village Chairman actively engaged
in and facilitated PADF capacity building efforts and the
evaluation of simulation exercises.
Hamanasi Adventure and Dive Resort believes
in responsible, natural and cultural based ecotourism and is committed to protecting our
ecosystems and their biodiversity by taking
continual steps to be more environmentally
friendly and aware. The property was named
Belize’s first-ever Green Globe Certified
beachfront property in 2010.
Hamanasi Adventure and Dive Resort supported
PADF in carrying out educational campaigns related
to conservation, environmental stewardship, and
sustainable community development through
outreach events and mangrove reforestation initiatives.
“I have learned
a lot with PADF.
I’ve learned
about mangrove
reforestation, I’ve
learned about
GPS mapping, I’ve
learned so many
things.”
“PADF has been a wonderful
help for us. Because simple
things like finding the tools
to clean the beach up could
be quite a challenge. That’s
where PADF helped us a lot,
not only with tools but with
encouragement.”
–Sharane Chadwick, Wahima and Harlem
Beach Cleanup and Volunteer Group
Watch the
video online at
padf.org/belize
“We are learning to use resources that
are very scarce much more wisely than
we have in the past to ensure that we
get full bang for the bucks that we have.
All of that can be tracked back to the
actions [PADF] took.”
– Mayor Francis Humphreys, Dangriga Town Council
– Christene Anderson,
fisherfolk, Ecumenical
Junior College student
The training that
we had helped me
out with the skills
that I had. I also got
acquainted to other
team members so it
made me respond
much easier. For
example, when it was
time to get members
to assist [after
Hurricane Earl] I easily
came up with a team.”
– David Cruz, NEMO
Volunteer Search &
Rescue
About PADF
The Pan American Development Foundation, a 501(c)c nonprofit organization, brings together
diverse stakeholders to improve livelihoods, strengthen communities and civil society, foster
greater respect for democracy and human rights, and improve disaster preparedness and
response in Latin America and the Caribbean. Established by the Organization of American States
in 1962, PADF has worked in every country in the region. In 2015, PADF reached more than 17
million people by investing over $93 million in development resources in 22 Latin American and
Caribbean countries.
1889 F Street, NW, 2nd Floor
Washington, D.C. 20006
Tel. 202.458.3969
padf.org
/padforg
@padforg
22
PADF