Concerns raised over EIA plans for DiCaprio's Blackadore Caye, Belize
According to the EIA report, Blackadore Caye's island ecology has experienced continual use and significant decay from its former pristine state. The island is threatened by climate change, rising sea levels, ocean acidification, and pressures on habitats and by years of deforestation and salt water intrusion. Without a positive development that is ecologically sensitive the island will further degrade and thus the current developer is excited about helping to fully restore and improve Blackadore Caye. In this current state, the caye presents an unparalleled opportunity for the development team to create a truly restorative island concept with the deepest level of sustainability for the resort development, helping to set new standards for Belize and the world. This development will be a demonstration of the powerful collaboration of human development and a truly regenerative natural environment.
The development will be completed in three stages, starting as soon as the EIA consultation process is complete. Developers hope to open the resort by 2018, but at this stage, the EIA is yet to be approved by the Government of Belize. If approved, an estimated 250 person will be employed during the construction phase providing employment to local residents. The EIA indicated that the first phase of development "includes construction of a temporary docking facility for construction access in the central utility zone, the infrastructure at the South End of the island, construction of prototype Estate Homes and construction of the Clubhouse and a temporary road for construction." Phase two is to consist of "the infrastructure at the North End, construction of the Outrigger, construction of the Hotel Suites/Beachside Bungalows." And phase three includes the "construction of the Village Center, as well as final restoration of any disturbed areas." The EIA also indicated that no sea walls or bulkheads are anticipated to be needed for the development of the island, as the primary protection of the shoreline is the development of new mangrove encasements.
At first glance the EIA seems to portray a proper balance between conservation and development, but concerns arose as the island sits within the newly expanded Hol Chan Marine Reserve. However, when speaking with the Manager at the Hol Chan Marine Reserve, Miguel Alamilla, he stated otherwise. "Blackadore Caye is a privately owned island, so it is automatically excluded from the marine reserve. Even if it was a protected area, it's not that they can do what they want to do, but they need to go through the environmental impact assessment which would reveal if the project should be carried on or not," said Alamilla who believes that the development could be environmentally feasible. "The project could be sustainable as long as main components are met, and we are talking about ecological balance and social equilibrium. And, as the project is proposed to be using green energy and other environmental aspects we can say is sustainable," explained Alamilla.
After the EIA presentation, the standing-room-only audience of over 100 people had the opportunity to ask questions. Stakeholders expressed many concerns, one being access to Queens land and the use of it for development. According to law, the first 66ft of land along all waterways is not private property, but public land. According to the EIA there are plans to request an exception to this law from the government of Belize, stating concerns for the safety standards of their guests. Many others voiced the concern of how legal it is to have over the water structures on land that in essence does not belong to them. Developers responded that if they cannot move forward with their over the water feature, the entire project is not financially feasible.
Many local fishing guides were in attendance; several voicing their concerns regarding the developments impact on the popular fishing area, how it would affect the fish populations and if they would still have access to the flats where they take customers to catch-and-release sport fish such as bonefish, tarpon and permit.
Other questions concerning environmentally responsible ways of eradicating insects on the island, removing "problematic" crabs, where their landfill comes from and preservation of possible Maya artifacts on the caye were posed.
At the end of the meeting the general consensus seemed to be the opposition to the over the water structure. "We don't care what you do on the island, just keep the building out of the water," commented President of the Ambergris Caye Tour Association Billy Leslie. Belize Tourism Association representative Mike Huesner commented, "Although this is an impressive project, the over the water structure is a concern. Is there a possibility of reconsideration?"
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Proposed Blackadore Caye Island Restoration concept
Leonardo DiCaprio's Blackadore Caye Does Not Sit Well with Fishermen in Belize
"We do not have a problem with you building on the island, it is yours," commented Billy Leslie, President of the San Pedro Tour Guide Association and member of the Ambergris Caye Citizens for Sustainable Development. "Our concerns are those with problems arising from the over-the-water structures that are being proposed for development in pristine fishing areas surrounding Blackadore Caye."
Billy reiterated the concerns of most of the fishermen and tour guides present at the meeting in that the proposed building over the water are going to be constructed on in an area that has just recently been designated a part of the Hol Chan Marine Reserve, something that he stressed took over three years to be established for protection. Other concerns of the fishermen and guides include the usage of the area for fishing once the resort is operational and the access to the beaches which are considered (Queen's Land or public).
"A major component in adhering to the Living Building Challenge is to not build within 50 ft of wetlands yet this project is building over the water in Zone C of the newly expanded Hol Chan Marine Reserve," commented island resident/tourism stakeholder Rebecca Arceo, also a member of Ambergris Caye Citizens for Sustainable Development. "To me it seems that the Living Building Challenge is nothing more than a marketing tool to be disregarded when it is not profitable for the developer."
Leonardo DiCaprio's developers assured that their intentions are to create better conditions for the fishermen so all of their concerns will be looked at, including those concerns of the environment. Their research shows that Blackadore Caye is eroding and deteriorating and that the development will only help to enhance its current state.
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