Status of Coral Reefs of the World 2000

Status of Coral Reefs of the World: 2000
ecosystems. The Health Secretariat has jurisdiction over issues affecting health and
subsequently natural resources. There is extensive legislation including key regulations such
as: Declaration of Tulum 1997; Ecology Law 1988; Fisheries Law 1992; National Waters Law
1992; Federal Ocean Law 1986; Port and Navigation Law; and National Properties Law.
Mexico has an extensive and effective protected areas program, with numerous ecological
zoning programmes responsible for regulating coastal activities.
Belize
There is the legal and institutional policy framework to manage coral reefs, but there is a
lack of enforcement and monitoring capacity. The system of MPAs is not financially
sustainable, and relies on international support. Administrative units involved with the
conservation and sustainable use of coastal marine resources include:
• Fisheries Department - management of fisheries, responsibility for marine
reserves; plans to delegate more to NGOs
• Forestry Department – responsibility for National Parks, most delegated to NGOs
• Coastal Zone Management Authority/Institute – monitoring and research,
conservation and MPA planning, policy development, financing of many MPAs
• Marine Protected Areas Committee - promotes communication among MPAs;
• National Coral Reef Monitoring Group- proposed coordination for national reef
monitoring efforts;
• Barrier Reef Committee - oversees MBRS project and World Heritage sites;
• Coastal Zone Advisory Committee - shares information and advice between
governmental departments and NGOs
• Land Utilisation Authority - regulates land use;
• Department of Environment - enforces environmental regulations;
• NEAC (National Environmental Appraisal Committee) - approves/disapproves EIAs
• Belize Tourist Board - oversees tourism industry.
The pertinent laws include: the Fisheries Act 1948; Environmental Impact Assessment 1995;
Environmental Protection Act 1992; Water and Sewerage Act 1971; Declaration of Tulum
1997; and Coastal Zone Management Act 1998.
Guatemala
There are few laws or regulations that pertain directly to coral reefs, although several may
benefit reefs indirectly: Declaration of Tulum 1997; Decrees Issued by the Congress of the
Republic on protected areas and reefs; Elimination and Disposal of Sewage and Residual
Water; Law for the Rational Exploitation of the Fisheries Resources of the Country; Law of
Protection and Improvement of the Environment; Regulatory Law of the Areas of Territorial
Reserves of the State of Guatemala; and Rules Concerning an Environmental Impact
Assessment.
Honduras
There are several laws and regulations affecting coral reef resources, although the
enforcement of these is sometimes lacking. Important regulations includes Declaration of
Tulum; Biodiversity Convention; Central American Component for the Protection of the
Environment Convention, Environmental Protection; Climatic Change Convention;
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