A week ago, we told you how the Department of Environment got a big win in the Supreme Court against the Ambergris Caye Citizens for Sustainable Development. This group of San Pedro residents was asking the court for judicial review against the DOE for granting environmental clearance to Cayo Rosario Development Limited. That company wants to construct of a resort on Cayo Rosario, a 10-acre island off the northwest coast of San Pedro.
Justice Courtney Abel dismissed their claim at its very preliminary stage.
The ACCSD notes that the May 30th refusal by Justice Courtney Abel was disheartening, but it does not deter them from their goal, which is to, quote, "stop destructive development, massive dredging, and over-the-water structures in Belize's Hol Chan Marine Reserve." End quote.
And so, the ACCSD says that it will not give up in its attempts to shutdown this development. In a 600-word press release, sent today, the citizen organization said that the Hol Chan Marine Reserve is the #1 attraction for tourists who visit Ambergris Caye. They also point out that Cayo Rosario sits in the middle of the reserve.
They say that although the Environmental Impact Assessment, and the Environmental Compliance Plan for this project has already been approved, they still need dredging and mangrove clearing permits, as well as permissions from the Belize Fisheries Department, to develop a portion of the national marine reserve.
They stress that the 2015 Belize Fisheries Act, Hol Chan Regulations say, quote, "No Person within the boundaries of the reserve shall erect any structures temporary or permanent unless authorized by the Fisheries Administrator." End quote.
Their release ends by saying, quote , "The ACCSD appeals to Mayor Guerrero, San Pedro Town Council, Minister Heredia, and local stakeholders to help take action to make sure that this important area is not destroyed." End quote.
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