PACT welcomes New Executive Director
Belmopan, Belize, December 2, 2024 ─ The Protected Areas Conservation Trust (PACT) is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Abil Castañeda as its new Executive Director effective today.
Over the last decade, Mr. Castañeda has been an integral part of sustainable development in Belize, particularly through his work in tourism, cultural development, and natural resource management. With a respected career in public service, spanning more than 13 years, he has significantly contributed to advancing sustainable policies and practices in the country in his various roles at the Ministry of Tourism, including Project Liaison Officer, Tourism Officer, Chief Tourism Officer, and acting Chief Executive Officer. He also served as the Director of Cruise, Capacity Development, Quality and Registrar of Hotels at the Belize Tourism Board.
Throughout his career, Mr. Castañeda has led the design and implementation of critical national policies, plans, strategies, and programs aimed at fostering sustainable and responsible development within Belize’s tourism sector. He has served on countless national and international committees and boards, including the National Environmental Appraisal Committee, the National Climate Change Committee, the Fisheries Advisory Council, and the board of directors of the Coastal Zone Management Authority and Institute and PACT.
Mr. Castañeda holds a master’s degree in Tourism Management, Tourism and Travel Services Management from Universidad Regiomontana in Monterrey, Mexico, and a bachelor’s degree in Tourism Management from the University of Belize.
The Board of Directors and management of PACT are pleased to welcome Mr. Castañeda who will lead PACT’s strategic scaling up of resource mobilization and improved governance towards strengthening Belize’s national protected areas system.
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About the Protected Areas Conservation Trust
The Protected Areas Conservation Trust (PACT) is a statutory organization established as a Trust Fund under the Protected Areas Conservation Trust Act, Chapter 218 of the Laws of Belize, Revised Edition 2020. Since its establishment in 1995 as Belize’s national Conservation Trust Fund, PACT has been at the forefront of conservation efforts in Belize, with significant legislative amendments in 2002, 2015, and 2017 enhancing its mandate. Sourcing funds nationally and internationally, PACT contributes to financing the sustainable management and development of Belize’s natural and cultural heritage through support to the government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and community-based organizations that manage Belize’s National Protected Areas System.