Corozal Mangrove Park
AWARD

In August of 2009, this project was awarded a $1000 prize by the International
Center for Responsible Tourism in the the WWF's Mangrove-Friendly Shoreline
Challenge! This award was sponsored by the World Wildlife Fund and Brooksmith
Consulting. Craig Timmons, the landscape artist, said "When mangrove is
preserved or replanted the benefits to fish, birds, and other wildlife as well
as shoreline protection is crucial to keep the shores of Belize healthy and
beautiful." For more details about the award, click
here.
The Corozal City Council,
CNCYG,
neighbors, landowners and friends have started to develop this park on the very
North end of Corozal Town right on the bay. The vision for this park combines
recreational use with ecological values and learning. The park still has small
areas of mangrove intact which have naturally provided 3 small but beautiful,
sandy beaches on the bay. We believe this example of mangrove/beach
preservation can visually show the importance of mangrove. When mangrove is
preserved or replanted the benefits to fish, birds and other wildlife as well
as shoreline protection is crucial to keeping the shores of Belize healthy and
beautiful. Mangrove in the area to the North of us is rapidly being destroyed
as the area is being developed.
We also would like to plant the area mainly in native species for educational
purposes and to show the benefits of using plants that exist and prosper
locally.
The steps that have been taken so far are as follows:
- The area has been hand chopped and cleared with caution so as to save native trees and mangrove.
- Large amounts of trash, glass and chopped debris were removed.
- The area that is open and grassy has been mowed with the City mower.
- There have been three 55 gallon trash barrels installed on a temporary basis.
- We have started to protect existing trees with rocks to support them to minimize continued erosion and destruction of trees.
We are still planning the following as soon as possible:
- Place large boulders/rocks to prevent cars from entering and driving on the park.
- Continue to place boulders at the beach around trees that where damaged by the June 1, 2008 storm to protect them from further erosion.
- Bring in loads of black dirt to fill and level areas, instead of bulldozing and leveling the area which would cause more erosion as the rainy season begins.
- Plant native plants for shade, esthetics and education.
- Construct palapas and benches as well as use large pieces of driftwood for sitting and play areas.
- Construct small walls for parking/barriers & install permanent trash barrels.
- Remove old tires in area that is yet undeveloped.
Future Plans
- There is still a small area mentioned in G above that is undeveloped. We would like to continue developing that area for use as a park.
- Build a bathroom in the park using a Septic K self digesting system to minimize septic runoff so close to the Bay.
Belize Mangrove Videos
Locator Map

Mangrove Park is located in north Corozal Town, take the road just
after the cemetery at the Finca Solana sign and got straight to the bay.
Click on the icon to the left for a map.