Conservation Investment Program

To ensure that it is getting maximum conservation value for its investments, the Protected Areas Conservation Trust (PACT) is modernizing and bringing greater innovation into its investment strategy, i.e.,other than investments via competitive grant making. Furthermore, among the revised functions outlined in the PACT Act 2015 is the legal mandate of “setting strategic priorities for the development, mobilization and allocation of financial resources for the BNPAS.” In response, the organization has developed and is implementing a Conservation Investment Strategy (CIS).

Whereas the long-term approach will be to respond to the needs of the Belize National Protected Areas System, as opposed to individual sites, the desire is for investments to respond to the current critical needs of the BNPAS. As determined through a consultative process, these initial critical needs include:

• • Investments towards Biodiversity and Ecosystem Protection enabling improved Ecosystem Health.
  • Financial Sustainability/ Revenue Generation for the BNPAS guiding the improved financial sustainability of the system.
  • Development and/or expansion of socio-economic benefits from the BNPAS to support community development and local economy.

The CIS makes specific investments towards these priorities. Allocations are made in a manner that is transparent, equitable, and provide for optimum Conservation Return on Investment (CROI).