THIS MY PERSONAL VIEW - On all this Puerto Azul issue I cannot possible wrap my brain around this whole Puerto Azul resort thing so I need help to understand it. Let me break it down into simple terms so that we all understand how this investment can impact our people. Facts about Lighthouse Atoll It is part of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System (Belize Barrier Reef) that is a UNSECO World Heritage Site. There are only four atolls in the Caribbean and the Atlantic and Belize is home to three and Lighthouse Atoll is one. Lighthouse Atoll is the most unique of all four found in the Caribbean and the Atlantic – home to the world renown and only Blue Hole. Halfmoon caye, one of only four small islands in the atoll is the home of the Booby Bird, one of only two Booby bird Sanctuary in the region. Both small islands sit within the reef system and known as breeding grounds for parrot fish and juvenile endangered Nassau Grouper. Sandbore Caye and Northern Two Caye have been used by traditional fishermen for almost a century to shelter from weather and stock up on fresh water. The area is used by many dive shops including those in San Pedro and Caye Caulker who depend on these tours as a source of livelihood. What the resort will entail The Mega, luxury resort will consist of over 970 acres of luxury amenities for the world’s elite, including shopping centers, restaurants, bars, a golf course and club house, spa, airstrip (one plan has the airstrip of on the reef), marina, churches, business centers, botanical garden and health care center. Puerto Azul is expected to be the most luxurious and expensive tourism destination in Belize, accommodating approximately 1,000 guests and 2,000 employees. All this will be on two cayes, Northern Two Caye and Sandbore Caye. What will this resort do to the area? To accommodate the mega resort, mangrove clearance and massive dredging is absolutely necessary. This will completely change the entire dynamics of the Lighthouse Atoll including the Great Blue Hole. Sediments from dredging will have an effect on the coral reef formation that is already under stress. Natural breading and spawning sites will be destroyed. Fishing grounds will be completely destroyed since it will affect conch and lobster habitat displaying traditional fishermen. Manuel Heredia always makes reference to his fisherman background having grown on the island and having a passion for the sea and reef. Now I cannot possible understand, why is it that he is endorsing something like this. I cannot understand it and so I want to know if it is only me?
Posted on: Thu, 29 May 2014 22:39:48 +0000
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