Implementing Agency:
Department For International Development (DFIDC)

Managing Institute:
Department For International Development (DFIDC)

Contractor:
Natural Resources Institute (NRI)

Project Code: 083-502-004	Start Date: 01/09/1989	End Date: 31/10/1992
Commitment: £55,845	Status: Completed	Type of Funding: Bilateral - TC

Project Background:
Mountain Pine Ridge was designated a forest reserve in 1944 and controlled timber production started in 1955. Generally though production has been lower than expected due mainly to forest fires and hurricane Hattie in 1961. In 1987 DFID commissioned a consultancy to determine what was needed to effect sustained commercial production. The team recommended controlled exploitation of the ridge in a programme which combined economic benefit with preservation of the environment. Government of Belize accepted this principle but could not consider which strategy (of which there were 3) to use to implement it until a fresh inventory was completed.

Project Objectives:
To carry out inventory, review royalty rates and draw up management plan for sustainable development of forest reserve.