PACT celebrates 3 decades; recognizes 3 female conservation leaders

BELMOPAN, Thurs. July 2, 2026

   Instead of commemorating three decades of conservation with speeches and long, “boring” ceremonies, the Protected Areas Conservation Trust (PACT) instead decided to celebrate its 30th anniversary by shining a spotlight on the women whose dedication has helped protect Belize’s natural heritage. As part of the milestone, PACT partnered with local artisans to create a series of handcrafted products inspired by the lives and work of three prominent female conservation leaders. The initiative not only celebrates their contributions, but also gives back to the causes they champion, with half of the proceeds from product sales supporting their ongoing conservation efforts.

   PACT Executive Director Abil Castañeda described the initiative as an innovative collaboration between Belize’s conservation and creative sectors. “Today we had an event where we commemorated an interesting and unique merger. It was a merger between our cultural artisans here in Belize and three of our women conservation leaders in the country,” Castañeda said. He explained that artisans were challenged to transform the women’s personal conservation journeys into meaningful products that tell their stories. “We took their lives, their careers and professions in conservation, and asked some of our brightest minds in creative arts to develop products that commemorate that dedication they’ve shown over decades,” he said. “It is a wonderful marriage, and we hope not only for the 30th anniversary of PACT, but that we continue to have these unique platforms to bring these two worlds together.”

   The women recognized during the initiative are Christina Garcia, Executive Director of the Ya’axché Conservation Trust; Maria Garcia, Chairperson of the Itzamna Society at Elijio Panti National Park; and Jessie Young, President of the Community Baboon Sanctuary Women’s Conservation Group.

   For Young, the recognition represents a lifetime devoted to conservation, a passion she says began in childhood. “I was involved in conservation from a very tender age of seven,” Young recalled. “I used to go across the road from my house under a huge oak tree and enjoy creatures, animals and birds. I didn’t know what it was, but I knew I fell in love with nature.” That lifelong passion eventually led her to help establish the Community Baboon Sanctuary, the world’s first conservation model built around private landowners voluntarily preserving habitat for black howler monkeys. Today, the sanctuary has become one of Belize’s most recognized community-based conservation successes. According to Young, the black howler monkey population has grown dramatically over the past four decades. “Because of the good job that the landowners have done, monkeys have grown from 800 in 1985 to over 6,000 today,” she said.

   Young acknowledged that managing a community-based conservation organization presents many challenges, but credited the commitment of local residents and the continued support of PACT for the sanctuary’s success. “We know our people, we know the needs, and we believe as women we have the strength that it takes to manage anything,” she said. “We really want to thank PACT, because they have been very instrumental from the birth of the Community Baboon Sanctuary Women’s Conservation Group. Even up to today they are still supporting us.”

   Founded in 1996, PACT provides financial support to projects that strengthen the management of Belize’s protected areas and natural resources. Three decades later, the organization says its anniversary is not only an opportunity to reflect on past achievements, but also to recognize the individuals and communities whose commitment continues to safeguard Belize’s rich biodiversity for future generations.