The multiple security and natural resource emergencies in the Chiquibul Forest was brought to the forefront three weeks ago when the Friends For Conservation and Development - which co-manages the national park - held a press conference.
And it got the attention of foreign diplomats - who visited the Chiquibul on December first to get a first-hand feel for the environmental impacts affecting the remote western area of Belize.
The high level delegation included Two Foreign Service Officers from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, US Ambassador, Vinai Thummalapally, along with three embassy senior staffers, British High Commissioner, Pat Ashworth and his Deputy as well as the European Union Head of Office, Cosimo Lamberti Fossati.
They were taken to observe the xatero trails, milpa farming activities from Caana temples in the Caracol area and given a tour of the Chiquibul Forest Joint Enforcement Unit at Tapir Camp.
Leading them through the activities were George Thompson of the Institute of Archaeology, Executive Director of FCD, Rafael Manzanero and the Commander of Patrol posted at Tapir Camp.
They explained the importance of joint forces units in the area of Chiquibul and the need for further reinforcement with conservation posts along the western border. The FCD personnel explained that a key element is the acquisition of appropriate equipment and field gear.
FCD expects to take more officials and other interested parties to the Chiquibul forest in the next few months.
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