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Guest Editorial: Leonardo DiCaprio is playing the role of a lifetime

By Alyssa Arceo

It's a crime that Leonardo DiCaprio doesn't have an Oscar yet, because he has done a great job acting like an environmentalist. His acting is so insanely good that you might not know he travels by private jet (in each trip racking up the carbon footprint left by the average American in one year), or spends his vacations on gas-guzzling yachts. You might have listened to his most recent Golden Globes acceptance speech - one where he dedicates his award to indigenous peoples and declares the importance of protecting indigenous lands - and mistakenly thought that's what he actually believes. I thought so too. Until more detailed plans for his development of Blackadore Caye in Belize were revealed. See, his line in the speech that we have to protect native lands for native people seems kind of incongruous with his plan to turn Blackadore Caye into a resort island lined with $15 million villas. Can't afford the villas? Don't worry, maybe you can afford the $3,000+ a night stay in one of the overwater buildings. You can't? Me neither. I wonder how many of the local people DiCaprio wants to save the island for actually can afford a stay in those overwater structures. The same overwater structures that are placed in the newly expanded Conservation Zone V. What kind of environmentalist advocates for more protection, and then disregards that protection because to respect it would make his venture less profitable? Not a real one, that's for sure. Here are a few key issues with the project that I think will convince you Leonardo's greatest role so far has been as an "environmentalist."

1. Legal Issues

In Belize, all land up to 66 feet from the high water mark is considered "Queen's Land," or public land. This means that it is to be kept accessible to the public and free from development. The proposal for the establishment of private beaches on the island and for the construction of private villas clearly violates this provision of the 1837 Crown Lands Ordinance. Even if, as may be the case for Blackadore, the geography is such that a 66-foot reserve cannot be accommodated, the owner is not precluded from a practical application of the law (as is made clear in the 2000 State of the Coast).

In addition, although Mr. DiCaprio owns the island, he does not own the surrounding water and thus his private, overwater structures are again apparent violations of Belizean law. However, even if this weren't true, his overwater structures are cause for environmental concern.

2. Overwater Structures

In the proposal for the development of Blackadore Caye, overwater structures are established as one of the main attractions. They are apparently justified environmentally by the claim that artificial reefs will be built underneath and around the structures. However, with overwater structures come issues of shading. The shade from the overwater structures affects light penetration, which would impede the survival of any artificial reefs given that photosynthesis is essential to the growth of autotrophs.

Finally, the placement of these structures is of serious concern. The ACCSD spent years rallying public support and lobbying public officials in order to expand the Hol Chan Marine Reserve in the interest of protecting more of our environment. As a result, Blackadore Caye is now contained within conservation Zone V (I have attached a map). Conservation Zone V was set up specifically to protect fly-fishing species. The director of Hol Chan, Miguel Alamilla, made the following statement regarding the intrusion into Zone C: "The infringement of over the water structures in a conservation Zone undermines the over three years process that we undertook to establish these as part of a protected area including many meetings and public consultations."

3. Economic Impact/Fly-fishing

Fly fishing is a major part of the Belizean tourism industry, which is more than 16% of the country's GDP. It is in the best economic and environmental interest of the country to make sure developments do not affect fly fishing. However, only one line of the entire 300-page plus Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for the development of Blackadore Caye makes any mention of fly fishing, despite the fact that Blackadore is in a conservation zone designated specifically for the protection of fly fishing species. That line is: "A few fisher-folk and fly-fishing guides utilize the area for several fishing activities, both recreational and commercial." The economic value and social importance of fly fishing is completely ignored in the EIA.

In the EIA, the "crucial question" is established: Does the intended use of the site offer the most advantageous option in social, economic and environmental returns?

I think the obvious answer here is no.

San Pedro Sun

Here's a petition on this matter:

https://www.change.org/p/government...es-protect-the-environment-public-access

Fresh concerns raised over Leonardo DiCaprio's eco-resort

Developers behind the 104-acre sustainable project in Belize promise to consider all concerns ahead of construction in 2017.

The proposed Welcome Center for Leonardo DiCaprio's Blackadore Caye eco-resort. (Photo: Environmental Impact Assessment - Blackadore Caye)

The eco-resort described by Leonardo DiCaprio as "groundbreaking in the environmental movement" is drawing concerns from local residents.

The 104-acre Blackadore Caye off the coast of Belize, purchased by the 41-year-old "Revenant" star in 2005, was announced last April as the future site of a world class sustainable resort.

"With the onset of climate change, there are huge challenges, so we want the structure to not only enhance and improve the environment, but to be a model for the future," DiCaprio told the NY Times. "That includes restoring the island, creating conservation areas where we can hold research conferences, and regenerating the entire ecosystem to bring it back to its original form and beyond."

An overview of the arc-shaped guest villas on Blackadore Caye in Belize. (Photo: Environmental Impact Assessment - Blackadore Caye)

Tentatively titled "Blackadore Caye: A Restorative Island," the resort will feature a variety of guest villas atop an arc-shaped platform on the water, as well as luxury estate homes built with sustainable and local materials. Renewable energy, electric vehicles, and innovative water and waste treatments systems (among many other green highlights) will also be integrated.

While the resort's ambitious sustainability has been widely praised, local residents -- in particular the fishing community -- are concerned that its approval will mean the end of access to critical fishing grounds. Another point of contention: the resort's arc-shaped platform encroaches on a designated section of the Hol Chan Marine Reserve.

A view of the hotel suits on the Outrigger arch. Note the anticipated growth of coral below the structures. (Photo: Environmental Impact Assessment - Blackadore Caye)

"Sixty-six feet of all coastal waters are all considered Queen's land because it belongs to the public," said one concerned resident during a discussion of the project's recently-completed 430 page Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). "You may own land, but from high tide, sixty-six feet on to land is public access. And not only are you blocking that, but you are encroaching on the marine reserve and developing in that water."

Marissa Tellez-Kohlman, vice regional chair of Latin America for the International Union for Conservation of Nature/Species Survival Commission, raised concerns with the Belizean Reporter that the EIA was conducted without input from local marine biologists.

"Why did they hire international marine and terrestrial biologists to perform surveys instead of Belizean scientists?," she said. "Given my expertise, I have been asked to travel to various countries in the world to provide my expertise. Yet, I never go into another country without consulting locals or local scientists."

The Environmental Impact Assessment features a 10-year restoration plant for the island's flora and fauna. (Photo: Environmental Impact Assessment - Blackadore Caye)

In addition to taking all of these concerns into consideration, DiCaprio's developers are also doing what they can to create something that rehabilitates the island environment. Blackadore Caye over the years has experienced significant environmental degradation and erosion. In addition to regrowing lost mangroves and other natural species to improve marine habitat, the architecture of the over-water structures will feature biomimicry in its designs. The developers say this will not only improve marine life, but also conditions for the local fishing community.

"The idea at Blackadore Caye is to push the envelope for what sustainability means - moving the idea beyond environmental awareness into restoration," developer Paul D. Scialla told the Times last year. "We don't want to just do less harm or even have zero impact, but to actually help heal the island, to make it better than before."

Barring any roadblocks, construction on Blackadore Caye is expected to begin next year, with an official launch sometime in 2018.

Mother Nature Network

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The Titanic's Leonardo DiCaprio seeks environmental clearance for Blackadore Caye resort

Hollywood superstar Leonardo DiCaprio-best known for his leading role in the 1997 movie, The Titanic-is seeking environmental clearance from Belizean authorities for a multi-million-dollar resort island development at Blackadore Caye, near San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, which is being dubbed a restorative resort.

The National Environmental Appraisal Committee (NEAC) met last week and decided to go back to the developers for more answers, after concerns were raised at a recent public consultation held on the island of San Pedro by the fishing community over the effects the project could have on their access to traditional fishing grounds.

It has been reported that DiCaprio-who was designated UN Ambassador for Peace with a special focus on climate change in September 2014-bought the 104-acre island 12 years ago for roughly US$2 million, and last April, the New York Times announced his intent to develop an eco-resort on the island, which includes the creation of conservation areas for hosting research conferences.

Dr. Omar Figueroa, Belize Minister of State with responsibility for Fisheries, Forestry, the Environment and Sustainable Development, told Amandala today, when we asked him for his thoughts on the project, that he and his technical team would be meeting this week to discuss the details.

Chief Executive Officer in the ministry, Dr. Colin Young, told our newspaper that he had been briefed by the Chief Environmental Officer, Martin Alegria, who heads the NEAC, on the recent consultation and the subsequent meeting of NEAC.

Fisheries Administrator Beverly Wade, a member of NEAC, told the media last Friday that DiCaprio's project is being viewed as "a totally green project," and it won't be on the national power grid. She added that the developer is looking at how they could improve the ecosystems in the area.

Wade confirmed that NEAC had discussed the EIA at their meeting earlier in the week, and "there are some matters that they are asking the developers to go back and elaborate further on."

She described the project as "a work in progress" and could not say when the project would commence.

Ambergris Today has reported that Billy Leslie, president of the San Pedro Tour Guide Association and member of the Ambergris Caye Citizens for Sustainable Development, raised concerns at the January 14, 2015 public hearing.

"We do not have a problem with you building on the island-it is yours. 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," Leslie is quoted as saying.

There are also concerns about the over-the-water structures which are proposed to be built in an area recently designated as part of the Hol Chan Marine Reserve-something Leslie said took over three years to be established for protection.

The news report also pointed to concerns of the fishermen and tour guides over whether beach access would be eroded to facilitate the development.

In reply, developers representing DiCaprio claimed that their project would, conversely, improve conditions for fishermen, and the development entails enhancing the island which has been deteriorating, partly due to erosion.

Young told Amandala that the response to the project, for the most part, has been positive, but he did acknowledge that there are concerns which have been raised by the fishing community and other stakeholders.

"In terms of concerns about the project, as it relates to fishing and so on, NEAC looked at these concerns that were raised at the consultation and they are writing-in fact this week they wrote to the developers-asking for additional information," Young said.

He added that the developers are being asked to submit the documentation required to address public concerns so that at its next meeting, the NEAC can decide on what the next step should be.

We asked Young when the project would start, whether they would proceed with construction in 2017, as had been reported, or whether they will fast-track the development to commence this year, 2016.

Young said that, from speaking with the Belize Trade and Investment Development Service (BELTRAIDE), he knows the developer is serious about starting as soon as he can.

Young said that whatever requirements the NEAC sees fit for ensuring minimal environmental damage or displacement of any other stakeholder-fishermen included-will be communicated to the developer.

He said that NEAC is scheduled to meet again on February 11, when they will decide whether the concerns have been adequately addressed.

Of note is that after the Blackadore project was considered at the Cabinet level, the Government and the developer signed a memorandum of understanding on December 16, 2015, Young informed us.

One of the specifications in that MoU is the requirement for the developer to seek environmental clearance. Young said that the government is being careful not to circumvent or sidestep any of the necessary licenses or applications which are needed.

Young conceded that they are learning from the recent ruling handed down by the Supreme Court on the Harvest Caye project by Norwegian Cruise Lines, in which the court ruled that there was a breach of environmental regulations.

Young said that, "the Ministry wants to ensure that the process is followed, as per the law, to avoid any kind of challenge from anybody."

While the project has been lauded in some quarters as a "green" development, Young pointed out that people are more interested in the economic impacts, including the impacts on the business of fishing in that area.

Young said that the bottom line is that there should be a win-win situation for the livelihoods of fishermen, as well as for tourism.

Amandala

Seeing where it is located, at least Ambergris Caye provides somewhat of a barrier from full force Tsunamis.

I think we had one that was the demise of the dinosaurs but nothing since.
This project will happen if not already approved it soon will be. Nothing the public can say or do to stop it. If you don't want this kind of development then vote someone else in office next election.

And, who would that be?

The constant barge traffic to build the project and the constant barge traffic to service the island makes it not very environmental at all. It will disrupt the ecology of th entire area in an irreversible manner. WE have a master plan regardless of what any politician may have told you. The area is very pristine and natural. That will be all lost. The island does not need to be "restored" just because it is not pretty enough for rich people to invest in. The only requirement in Belize is to have money. No projects are rejected, The end result is inevitable. You can not maintain these environmental conditions and run barges. The statement by Beverly Wade that it is considered a"totally green project" is laughable but not funny as it shows a complete lack of understanding of what is involved. "it is located off the national power grid" is an ecological negative, hugely so, not a positive. Ms. Wade should know that, its basic. This is another step in the wrong direction. There are projects appropriate for the area that do not leave such a huge footprint in the ecological paradise that has been designated as a reserve. I wont be watching any more DiCaprio movies that's for sure and word will get out. Just rich people trying to get richer at the expense of Belize while flying an ecology flag (upside down).

Suggest that anybody with a good alternative plan should speak up and see if the principals in this project are interested?

Local environmentalists weigh in on Blackadore Caye Project

Dr. Marisa Tellez, IUCN/SSC (International Union for Conservation of Nature/ Species Survival Commission) Crocodile Specialist Group's Vice Regional Chair for Latin America, commented that although she was impressed with the presentation at the EIA consultation, her issues are more about the biological assessment process. "My issue was the lack of assessment. For instance, why did they hire international marine and terrestrial biologists to perform surveys instead of Belizean scientists? Given my expertise, when I travel to other countries around the world to conduct assessments, I would never go into another country without consulting locals or local scientists," she stated. Dr. Tellez's extensive research with Belizean crocodilians over the last several years has also broadened her scope to include all local wildlife in crocodilian habitats.

"My research would be nothing if it were not for local wildlife experts, enthusiasts and naturalists, such as Omar Arceo. I can say that with local help, I have been able to identify signs of the presence of wildlife that outsiders would never have considered. Additionally, there was mention that no crocodiles were spotted in the area which may be true. However, were they just looking for the animal? Perhaps they may have stepped over crocodile tracks or a nest without knowing it was there, their eye may not be trained to identifying such subtle signs. It is possible that the scientists may have missed something important," she stated.

Dr. Rachel Graham, Executive Director of MarAlliance, also shared her professional opinion regarding the mega project. Like other environmentalists, she too has her share of concerns. "I am all for development that aligns with the environment in which they are being developed in. If they say that they are environmentally conscious and respectful of local population then they need to prove that, and this development as it stands is not promoting conservation. Also, I find it unfortunate that they think they will restore the habitat; the habitat is perfectly fine without their efforts. I don't think the development as it is proposed is good for the environment, nor is it good for the dependent community in this area, and I don't see how it is going to benefit us greatly. This is because the development is far too large for such a fragile habitat as Blackadore Caye. That area historically has been known as a nursing ground for a host of shark and ray species, and is a very important fly fishing ground for many of the fishing guides in this area," said Graham.

Dr. Graham also indicated that there is a significant manatee population in the Corozal Wildlife Bay in which Blackadore is located. According to Graham, this level of development is going to mean a significant increase in the amount of boat traffic and it will likely require a lot of dredging. All of these activities are incompatible with the expanded Hol Chan Marine Reserve and fragility of that area.

Click here to read the rest of the article and see more photos in the San Pedro Sun