Growing Future Ocean Guardians: Youth Leadership and Community Action Strengthen Conservation in Northern Belize
Photos: Sarteneja Alliance for Conservation and Development
Author: Mr. Samuel Barrett
In the coastal village of Sarteneja in Northern Belize, a new generation of conservation leaders is emerging. Through hands-on education, community engagement, and sustainable tourism, the Sarteneja Alliance for Conservation and Development (SACD) is strengthening the protection of the Corozal Bay Wildlife Sanctuary (CBWS) while empowering local youth and communities to become long-term stewards of their natural resources.
Supported through the project “Addressing specific recommendations for the effective management of Corozal Bay Wildlife Sanctuary,” SACD implemented a series of initiatives designed to reinforce protected area governance, engage stakeholders, and improve financial sustainability for conservation efforts.
One of the project’s most inspiring outcomes was the launch of the Junior Mangrove Guardians (JMG), a youth conservation program designed to connect students with the ecosystems and species that define Belize’s northern seascape. Twelve students from Sarteneja joined the inaugural cohort, participating in monthly learning sessions led by conservation organizations, researchers, and government agencies.
Students explored topics such as manatee conservation, shark ecology, mangrove ecosystems, and marine protected areas, learning directly from national conservation experts. Classroom lessons were complemented by experiential field activities that allowed participants to observe wildlife and understand how conservation efforts function in practice.
A Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices (KAP) evaluation conducted before and after the program demonstrated significant improvements across all indicators. Knowledge scores increased from 73% to 83%, attitudes toward conservation rose to nearly 98%, and reported conservation practices increased from 67% to more than 93%. These results highlight the strong potential of youth-focused education programs to build long-term environmental stewardship in coastal communities.
The project also strengthened governance and stakeholder collaboration within CBWS. Regular meetings of the Corozal Bay Advisory Committee (CBAC) and SACD’s Board of Directors helped maintain transparent decision-making and active participation from fishers, community leaders, and conservation partners.
At the same time, SACD expanded its innovative conservation financing approach through Corozal Bay EcoAdventures (CBEA), hosting five international student expeditions and creating employment opportunities for local residents and supporting ongoing conservation work.
These combined efforts contributed to measurable improvements in protected area management. The Management Effectiveness Evaluation (MEE), developed internally, for CBWS increased from 89.3% to 91.8%, reflecting progress in community engagement, management planning, and financial sustainability.
By strengthening governance, empowering youth, and creating sustainable financing mechanisms, SACD is helping ensure that the ecosystems of Corozal Bay Wildlife Sanctuary remain protected for generations to come.
