Functions of the Trust

(1) The general functions of the Trust shall be to contribute to the sustainable management and development of Belize’s natural and cultural assets for the benefit of Belizeans and the global community, both now and for future generations. (2) In particular, but without limiting the general functions described in sub-section (1), the specific functions of the Trust shall be– (a) to facilitate the development of five-year strategic plans for the National Protected Areas System and facilitate their implementation; (b) to review management plans for each protected area to ensure consistency with the National Protected Areas System Plan and priorities set for the National Protected Areas System; (c) to promote coordination of, and collaboration within, the National Protected Areas System; Protected Areas Conservation Trust[CAP. 218 17 (d) to monitor and report on the National Protected Areas System by– (i) establishing a system for monitoring and evaluation to determine if the National Protected Areas System is meeting its objectives; (ii) reviewing and approving reports to be conducted at least every five years on the performance of the National Protected Areas System including the financial scorecard and management effectiveness of the National Protected Areas System; (e) to ensure the financial sustainability of the National Protected Areas System by– (i) setting strategic priorities for the development, mobilization and allocation of financial resources for the National Protected Areas System; (ii) allocating financial resources across the National Protected Areas System based on the criteria established for the system; (iii) developing and approving standards, guidelines and procedures to ensure efficient use of financial resources within the National Protected Areas System; (iv) serving as the lead entity for moving the Areas System towards financial sustainability; and 18 (v) coordinating the implementation of all strategies aimed at making the National Protected Areas System financially sustainable; (f) conducting periodic areas management capacity assessment, prioritizing capacity needs for managing the system and ensuring that the right resources and partnerships are developed to create this capacity; (g) promoting public understanding, appreciation and awareness of the National Protected Areas System through the implementation of a communication strategy for the National Protected Areas System; (h) funding included under the Schedule, in such a manner that funds are allocated first to primary activities then to secondary activities as described in the (i) serving as the national implementing entity for multilateral and international funding sources related to the sustainable management of natural resources, climate change and other environment related issues, in collaboration with other relevant agencies as necessary; (j) accessing regional and international funds in regard to natural resources, biodiversity and other related matters; (k) performing such other functions that are necessary or expedient to enable it to carry out its functions under this Act. Protected Areas Conservation Trust[CAP. 218 19 (3) Sub-section (2)(g) shall not apply to the National Institute of Culture and History or the Institute of Archaeology or any archaeological reserves declared under section 59 of the National Institute of Culture and History Act. CAP. 331. (4) In sub-section (2)(i), the reference to the Trust as a national implementing entity for certain funding sources is a reference to its being duly accredited by those funding sources to receive funding to carry out projects and programmes approved by the respective funding sources.