We’re excited to share FCD Tracks Issue #55—our June 2025 newsletter! In this edition, dive into the latest milestones in research, community outreach, and conservation across Belize’s western Maya Mountains. From prehistoric fossil studies and new ranger outposts, to school field trips and fire‑safety training, Issue #55 highlights the breadth of our work to safeguard both natural and […]

We’re excited to share the latest edition of the Friends for Conservation and Development (FCD) Newsletter! This issue highlights the strides being made in environmental education, conservation, and community collaboration across the western Chiquibul-Maya Mountains. From the Belize River outreach program and illegal wildlife trade interventions, to cave mapping expeditions and wildfire management—this edition reflects […]

FCD Tracks – Issue #53 (December 2024) This issue celebrates the 25th Anniversary of Friends for Conservation and Development (FCD) and highlights key achievements and ongoing efforts in conservation and community engagement. Key topics include: 25th Anniversary Highlights: A reflection on FCD’s journey from its youth-led origins to becoming a leading conservation organization in Belize. […]

Discover the findings of the 2023 Water Quality Assessment Report for the Chiquibul Ecosystem and Bald Hills, conducted by Friends for Conservation and Development (FCD). This detailed study evaluates the health of aquatic systems across key sub-basins, comparing results from 2021 to 2023. Key Highlights: This report underscores the importance of preserving water quality in […]

Explore the comprehensive insights from the 2024 Scarlet Macaw Conservation Report by Friends for Conservation and Development (FCD). This research paper highlights critical efforts and findings from the 2024 nesting season in Belize’s Chiquibul Forest. Key details include: This report showcases the ongoing commitment to safeguarding the Scarlet Macaw, a vital and iconic species in […]

Dive into the latest updates from Friends for Conservation and Development in Issue #52 of the FCD Tracks E-Bulletin! Highlights include: Download the newsletter to see how FCD continues to champion the ecological and cultural integrity of Belize’s western Chiquibul-Maya Mountains. 🌿🐦

Friends for Conservation and Development (FCD) is a non-profit conservation organization inCentral Belize which implements and advances participatory conservation and sustainable use ofnatural and cultural resources of the Western Chiquibul-Maya Mountains. It envisions thecreation and maintenance of healthy terrestrial ecosystems that are sustainably managed forBelize and the region. FCD principal office is located in Succotz, […]

Exploring Conservation Efforts in the Chiquibul-Maya Mountains: A Newsletter Recap Discover the latest updates on conservation efforts in the Chiquibul-Maya Mountains landscape with our recent newsletter recap. Here’s a snapshot of what we’ve been up to: 2023 Patrol Report: Our rangers have been tirelessly patrolling the area, covering extensive distances on foot and by vehicle […]

MESSAGE FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR It is dark as the group of students from the University of South Wales depart from Las Cuevas Research Station (LCRS) with Rafael Mesh, Caretaker of LCRS. The aim is to reach the tower lookout, just in time to observe sunrise over the Chiquibul-Maya Mountains.The early hike takes out the […]

Mappy GIS Day! Today is the 2023 World GIS Day celebrated under the theme; “Celebrating the GIS Professional.” At FCD geographic information systems (GIS) forms a significant part of the Biodiversity Research, Monitoring and Inventory Framework. Data collected through many of our GIs platforms allows us to access and use current, historical, and time-series information […]