Xate Research Results are In For the third time since 2012, FCD’s research team have concluded a research to assess the stock populations of chamaedorea in the Chiquibul Forest. The data collected served to do a comparative analysis for the periods 2012 to 2018. The genus, Chamaedorea (locally referred to as xate) is the largest […]

INTRODUCTION Agricultural encroachment for “milpa” farming (slash and burn agriculture) is the main cause of deforestation within the Chiquibul Forest. Slash and burn agriculture (is a shifting farming system in which cleared fields are cultivated for fewer years than fallow) supports the livelihood of many, usually poor populations in the tropics. This practice is also […]

INTRODUCTION The genus, Chamaedorea (locally referred to as xate) is the largest palm genus in Central America (Henderson et al. 1995) with an estimated 75% of the species being threatened. In Belize, there are 12 reported species, including the three most favored species in the floral industry (Chamaedorea elegans, C. ernesti-augustii and C. oblongata) and […]

Visiting QCC in London The Queens Commonwealth Canopy (QCC) has been heralded as one of those unique endeavors championed by the Queen of England aimed at bringing together the family of Commonwealth nations to protect their forest resources. For Belize, the Chiquibul National Park was accepted as part of the QCC initiative. Since its acceptance, […]

Bald Hills Under Threat The Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve (MPRFR) was first declared a protected area in 1944. By 1977, the reserve was comprised of 127,203 acres. The latest known gazette, SI 43 of 2012 puts the acreage of MPRFR at 106,457.60 acres. The Bald Hills, located on the eastern edge, is characterized by […]