|
Things have really been happening for Friends of Swallow Caye. We now have two rangers in the sanctuary and have started charging
the BZ$10 entrance fee. A ranger station was constructed near the SE corner of Swallow Caye. The outside has been painted
with manatees on all four sides of the building. Thanks to the ever creative Allie from Caye Caulker.
In 2005 we received major funding from two sources:
United Nations Development Programme - Global Environmental Facility - Small Grants Programme has awarded FOSC a grant
to help us get off the ground. With this money we have already purchased a boat and engine, hired a ranger and paid for the
materials to construct and maintain the ranger station. The grant also includes funding for various educational awareness
and tour guide training workshops.
Protected Areas Conservation Trust, a governmental agency in Belize that promotes sustainable management of protected
areas, has also awarded FOSC a grant. With this we were able to purchase another boat and engine in addition to fuel and other
necessities.
We greatly appreciate their assistance and would like to thank them for their generosity.
The office for Friends of Swallow Caye on Caye Caulker was built in March of 2006. Contributions came from a variety of
sources including generous donations from people who have gone on Chocolate's Manatee Tour. It is located on Front Street
on the beach across from Chocolate's Gift Shop. We are working on getting necessary furnishings and plan to hire a full time
office manager by the end of the year.
As for the website, in the future we will use our own photos and come up with a better design. We wanted to get something
up so people will have access to information. So please be patient with us as we take time to get more organized. And if anyone
has experience in website design and is willing to help please let us know.
We will also be adding a page that has the names of all the donors that have helped us over the years. We really appreciate
your help and generosity!
Thanks! Friends of Swallow Caye
|
