How to develop a community sanctuary — an experimental approach to the conservation of private lands

Abstract

As human pressure on tropical forests grows, conservation needs new approaches. An experiment in conserving tropical rain forests on private lands on the Belize River is under way in Belize. Over 70 landowners have signed pledges to abide by a management plan devised for the conservation of the black howler monkey Alouatta pigra. The author discusses what was involved in creating the Community Baboon Sanctuary and how this approach could be used in similar projects to benefit both wildlife and local people. © 1990, Fauna and Flora International. All rights reserved.