Belize-Guatemala Territorial Dispute and its Implications for Conservation

Abstract

Guatemala has claimed Belizean territory for 150 years, ever since the colonial era. While several attempts have been made to settle this dispute, with no final resolution, several problems both on the land and sea still exist, including illegal settlements, illegal logging, illegal hunting, illegal fishing, illegal harvesting of forest products, illegal farming, illegal land subdivisions, loss of property and threat to human life. These problems have created conflict between the two nations along with a series of confrontations among the military forces, communities, and fishermen in the two countries. A proposal facilitated by the Organization of American States for confidence-building measures between the two countries did not succeed. Both countries now seek to finalize the settlement at the International Court of Justice. This paper introduces the issue with a summary of the history of Belize's territory and the origins of the claim, followed by a summary of the treaties and negotiations agreed to between the two countries, important elements of the Belize Maritime Act, and a discussion of the implications for conservation and efforts made to resolve this conflict.

Utilizing GIS and Remote Sensing to Inform Spatial Conservation Planning: Assessing Vulnerability to Future Tropical Forest Loss in Southern Belize

“…Guatemalan citizens began crossing the border into Belize in the early 1990s to exploit the relatively untouched land for illegal resource use such as farming, non-timber forest product harvesting, logging, and hunting. The remoteness of the border, lack of personnel, lack of finances, and high danger of armed Guatemalans are barriers to enforcement [16]. Near the southern boundary of CRFR, an old logging road has provided access to an agricultural area that has expanded over time, which will continue in the future according to the model.…”

Effect of Sex and Age at Release on the Independence of Hacked Harpy Eagles

“…The area had become inundated with xaté collectors (xatéros), who illegally crossed the border from Guatemala to harvest the xaté (palm Chamaedorea). Many xatéros lived in the forest for weeks at a time and survived, in part, by poaching the local wildlife (Perez et al 2009). …”

Predictive Modeling of Future Forest Cover Change Patterns in Southern Belize

“…The Guatemalan side of the international border near CRFR has been heavily deforested [57]. Guatemalan citizens began crossing the border into Belize in the early 1990s to utilize the land for illegal farming, cattle ranching, marijuana production, timber and non-timber forest product harvest, and game hunting [58][59][60]. The remoteness of the border, lack of personnel, lack of financial resources, and high danger of armed encounters are barriers to enforcement by the Belize Defense Force and Forest Department [60].…”

“…Guatemalan citizens began crossing the border into Belize in the early 1990s to utilize the land for illegal farming, cattle ranching, marijuana production, timber and non-timber forest product harvest, and game hunting [58][59][60]. The remoteness of the border, lack of personnel, lack of financial resources, and high danger of armed encounters are barriers to enforcement by the Belize Defense Force and Forest Department [60]. In a different section located near the southern boundary of CRFR, an old logging road has provided access to an agricultural area within the reserve that has expanded over time, which will continue in the future according to the model.…”