And while those meetings will be business before pleasure, it doesn't hurt that they will be held in scenic San Pedro. And today, one of Belize's biggest conservation NGO launched their official rebranding. The Hol Chan Marine Reserve is responsible for ensuring that Belize's blue economy and its barrier reef can be sustained for generations to come. But over the past year, they were struggling to fix their financial crises. But now with most of that behind them, they cut the ribbon on their newest marine station. Courtney Menzies was there and has this story:
Hol Chan Marine Reserve has long been synonymous with sustainable tourism and conservation of our greatest natural resource. And today, they've started down a new path with the launch of their new marine station.
And this rebranding, complete with a new logo, was necessary because, unbeknownst to the wider public, the reserve was sinking under the weight of its massive debt.
Ian Pou - Chairman, Hol Chan Marine Reserve
"Upon assuming office as chairman in January of 2021, under a new administration, we encountered an alarming financial status in which the organization was left with. Over $90,000 was owed to Hol Chan in accounts receivables. Moreover, what was even more alarming was the significant number of payables inherited by the new administration. Can you believe that we were left with not a single penny but instead a deficit of an overdraft accumulating of -$150,000. Employees were paid on a 50% salary reduction and to add insult to the injury, they then did not receive a salary for over three months while still fulfilling their required duties. This led to a total of $192,564.98 being owed to staff. We are not where we want to be but we are surely heading the right direction."
But financial woes weren't the only thing the reserve had to deal with the chairman lamented on vehicles and vessels left in disrepair and staff members caught up in illegal activity.
But the Minister of the Blue Economy commended the staff for the way they were able to turn the tides.
Hon. Andre Perez - Minister of The Blue Economy
"Like the phoenix, the Hol Chan that we met just a year ago and three months, has risen out of the ashes of financial risk management and neglect to now being a stellar example of a financially stable and thriving marine protected area. Today, Hol Chan is recognized for its innovative approach to protected area management, including important contribution to tourism, conservation, education, and research. This in essence embodies what is The Blue Economy all about."
And it's the reserve's important work that keeps the largest living reef in the world thriving, as pointed out by the prime minister.
Hon. John Briceno - Prime Minister
"When you think about San Pedro, you think about the Hol Chan Marine Reserve. Anybody that I meet and they tell you they come to San Pedro, they will say, oh I went to Shark Ray Alley and I swan with the sharks, and I tell them we have them well trained, they don't eat white people. And for them it is quite an experience and that is only possible because we as a country and as a people had the foresight to be able to set aside an area here in San Pedro that we can protect hopefully perpetuity for our people for future generations."
According to the chairman, they were able to pay off the money owed to the staff. Additionally, they got the resources needed to repair their vehicles and boats.
