Managing one of Belize’s most important marine treasures, the Turneffe Atoll Marine Reserve, requires dedication, innovation, collaboration, and sustainable financing.
Over the past two years, the Turneffe Atoll Sustainability Association (TASA) has transformed how marine conservation is done in Belize. Blending traditional knowledge with technology, TASA has strengthened enforcement, improved reef monitoring, and deepened engagement with fishers and coastal communities.
Through the project, TASA achieved remarkable results:
- Conducted over 2,200 patrols, covering more than 80% of the marine reserve.
- Used radar systems, drones, underwater cameras, and the SMART app to boost surveillance and collect real-time data.
- Digitized 100% of scientific data collection, producing 15 key reports on reef health and marine species.
- Improved the Reef Health Index from 2.5 to 3.0, showing tangible progress in ecosystem recovery.
- Engaged over 1,300 stakeholders through education, outreach, and reef week events.
- Developed a citizen science app for visitors to report sightings and contribute to conservation efforts.
- This project proves that when technology meets community-driven conservation, the results ripple far beyond the coastline.
The Belize Fund for a Sustainable Future is proud to have supported this work with a BZD $831,788 grant, helping TASA scale up its digital monitoring tools and advance Belize’s blue economy through stronger, smarter, and more inclusive conservation practices.
