Turneffe Atoll Trust Receives $300,000 Grant
OutdoorHub 08.16.11
TURNEFFE ATOLL, Belize – The Turneffe Atoll Trust has been awarded a three year $300,000 conservation grant by the Oak Foundation to “to protect and sustainably manage Belize’s Turneffe Atoll,” announced Paul Robertson, Executive Director of Turneffe Atoll Trust.
The Oak Foundation, founded in 1998 and headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, funds conservation around the world including several key projects in Belize. The Foundation made grants in excess of $116 million in 2010.
Under the terms of the grant, Turneffe Atoll Trust will continue its work to establishment of a Turneffe Atoll Marine Reserve, addressing short-term needs of the atoll and developing a comprehensive plan for the long-term management of Turneffe Atoll. Funded through this grant will be several research priorities, a comprehensive Turneffe Atoll economic study and an educational process outlining the advantages of a Turneffe Atoll Marine Reserve.
This grant will build upon Turneffe Atoll Trust’s on-going efforts in Belize. The organization has been working since 2002 to facilitate a healthy eco-system at Turneffe Atoll, ensure social and economic benefits for Belize, and protect one of the world’s great marine environments, said Robertson.
