Our Conservation Partners
Summary
Monkey Bay Wildlife Sanctuary works in partnership with government agencies, conservation organizations, funding institutions, communities, researchers, and educational partners to advance the protection of Belize’s natural and cultural resources.
These partnerships strengthen our ability to manage protected areas, support community-led development, conduct research and biodiversity monitoring, build local conservation capacity, and provide meaningful environmental education experiences. We are grateful to the organizations and individuals whose investments, expertise, and collaboration make this work possible.
The Protected Areas Conservation Trust (PACT) has been a key conservation finance partner of Monkey Bay Wildlife Sanctuary since 2024, when the organization joined PACT’s Conservation Investment Strategy 2.0. Through this partnership, PACT provides critical support for the effective governance and management of Monkey Bay Wildlife Sanctuary and Monkey Bay National Park.
The current three-year project, valued at BZ$346,666.65, is titled “Continuing to Strengthen the Governance and Management of Monkey Bay Wildlife Sanctuary and Monkey Bay National Park” and is being implemented from 2024 to 2027. This investment strengthens Monkey Bay’s capacity to carry out protected area management, conservation, and institutional development activities.
The Belize Nature Conservation Foundation (BNCF) has been a valued conservation partner of Monkey Bay Wildlife Sanctuary since 2024. Through its grant programme, BNCF has supported initiatives to strengthen the management and protection of Monkey Bay National Park.
This funding has enabled investments in ranger staffing, specialized training, field and patrol equipment, essential infrastructure, and other operational needs. BNCF’s support has helped Monkey Bay maintain a stronger management presence within the park and improve its capacity to protect the area’s natural resources.
The United Nations Development Programme’s Small Grants Programme (UNDP SGP) is partnering with the Freetown Sibun community and Monkey Bay Wildlife Sanctuary to implement the project “Strengthening Sustainable Livelihoods and Market Access in the Sibun River Watershed.”
Monkey Bay serves as the project’s fiduciary and administrative partner, helping to coordinate implementation, manage project resources, and support the community in achieving its objectives. This investment is strengthening local capacity, expanding opportunities for sustainable livelihoods, and improving access to markets while promoting the responsible stewardship of the Sibun River watershed.
Belize Audubon Society (BAS)
The Belize Audubon Society (BAS) is a non-governmental organization dedicated to the sustainable management of Belize’s natural resources through leadership and strategic partnerships with stakeholders in order to create a balance between people and the environment.
Runaway Creek Nature Reserve
Runaway Creek is a private reserve with immeasurable ecological value, historical significance and aesthetic beauty; a hidden gem of the Maya Forest Corridor in Central Belize. Areas of collaboration include Environmental Eudcation, Community Outreach, and Wildland Fire Management.
Wildlife Conservation Society
WCS has long been at the forefront of marine conservation in Belize with a history of providing technical and scientific support for over 30 years. As the managers of large portions of the Maya Forest Corridor, WCS and MBWS collaborate in the areas of Wildland Fire Management, Law Enforcement Patrols, and Community Outreach.
Toucan Ridge Ecology & Education Society (T.R.E.E.S)
Ecological conservation organization that has established a great little research and education center.
Friends of Conservation and Development
A non-profit, non-governmental organization based in the Cayo District. FCD is the only non–governmental organization with an assertive management presence in the Chiquibul Forest, representing 7.7% of the national territory.
The Belize Zoo and Tropical Education Center
The best little zoo in the world! One of our neighboring NGOs in the Maya Forest Corridor. Areas of collaboration include Wildfire Management, Wildlife Rehabilitation, and Community Outreach and Environmental Education.
Community Baboon Sanctuary
The Howler Monkey Sanctuary known as the Community Baboon Sanctuary (CBS) was established on the 23rd February 1985 and is located on the northern coastal plain of Belize. The nature and functioning of the CBS is completely embedded within the seven Belize River Valley communities that comprise it and it is inextricably linked to the Kriol culture and history of the region.
Direct Nature Aid
Direct Nature Aid (DNA) is a valued international conservation partner of Monkey Bay Wildlife Sanctuary, supporting practical projects that strengthen wildlife conservation and protected area management.