TEN YEARS OF ACHIEVEMENT AT EL PILAR: FIRST FEATURE: Management 1992-2002

Appendix I: Draft Management Plan

Signatures Across the Landscape
The El Pilar Program has attracted an international, multidisciplinary team with the momentum to evolve a unique plan. This plan incorporates local community understanding, a government conservation and development agenda, and international environmental concerns through an integrated research program that informs a model development plan centered around the history and prehistory of El Pilar.

This management plan for El Pilar is the result of a long process and involves the participation of many individuals. The idea springs from the BRASS/El Pilar Program, but has been brought to frution from participants in the first Mesa Redonda (1997) and the Mesa Redonda II. These key events set the stage for creating an innovative plan promoting a model interdisciplinary research and community development project that will serve as a model for conservation in the Maya forest.

The Past Informs the Future
The core of the El Pilar vision comes from archaeological research on the evolution of the ancient Maya landscape. The essence of this program acknowledges that clues to sustaining the complex habitats of today's Maya forest environment are embedded in Maya prehistory. Ancient Maya settlement and local community patterns provide material evidence for the evolution of sustainable economies in one of the planet's last frontiers: the tropics.

The goals of the multidisciplinary research and development program are to demonstrate the critical relevance of basic research to promotion of conservation and development around the world today. The outcome will influence the application of a reserve management plan that will conserve environmental diversity and preserve the irreplaceable cultural heritage of both the ancient and contemporary populations in the region.

The Forest as a Garden
The ecological structure of the Maya forest is a relic of the dynamic relationship in which humans have played an integral part. This relationship extends back more than four millennia to the agricultural pioneers of the Maya forest region and the ancestors of the ancient Maya civilization - the heritage of contemporary farmers. The large contiguous stands of forest are a testimony to the efficacy of ancient Maya practices. While the Classic Maya collapse affected the human populations, plants and animals survived only to be threatened with extinction today. Therein lies the ecological lesson that must be perceived to build a sound basis for conservation in the future.

Traditional agricultural systems in the tropics world-wide are as complex as the environment within which they developed. Mimicking the forest structure, a poly-cultivation system evolved to minimize instability, prevent degradation and integrate both intensive and extensive labor techniques that maximize production. Heterogeneous and bio-diverse, the forest gardens constituted the strength of the Maya community in the past, as they do today, by relying on the traditional knowledge of local farming households.

Combining research designs of agronomists with those of traditional farmers from the area, this forest garden can form a model of ancient Maya land use that will provide an ongoing source of innovation for the community. Such a design that uses ancient Maya settlement patterns and agricultural knowledge can foster resource conservation that aligns with, rather than opposes, the natural regenerative processes of the tropical forest.

Community Links
To accomplish the goal of improving living standards and self-sufficiency of the regional communities, the immediate and short-term needs of families must be incorporated into the long-term agenda of sustainability. No reserve exists within a vacuum and to thrive the local population must assume an active role in conservation or the cultural aims may not be achieved. A cooperative association has been established with Amigos de El Pilar. Their goal is to develop community enterprises in tourism and agriculture that increase villagers' economic stake in the reserve. Through education and participation, the links between the community and the reserve will strengthen local investments in conservation and develop administrative responsibility. The leadership role the villagers are assuming and the self-determination they are gaining in the process is the foundation upon which the future success of the El Pilar model depends.

Discovering El Pilar
The El Pilar Program has set the stage for ecotourism where the visitor can explore and discover the beautiful Maya architecture beneath the luxuriant forest canopy. The program has promoted education and training workshops, given lectures and tours, and encouraged participation in the archaeological research. Further, the program has hosted events, such as the Fiesta El Pilar, that has elevated the visibility of El Pilar on the global front, to provide a springboard for tourism development.

Taking the Challenge
Park management is fundamental to the long-term research and development plan as well as to the reserve's future. Informed designs are based on cultural and ecological research. Further, identification of stakeholders, incorporation of public interests, articulation of the mission, and a clear set of objectives for the sustainable management of the reserve is essential. Finally, the extent of conservation goals, issues of access and education, and the long-term funding needs must be developed.

The El Pilar vision must include the concerns and desires for both resource conservation and economic development. Short-term strategies for community involvement and long-term concerns for conservation of the ancient architecture and the environment are vital. Educational and interpretive strategy for the park and surrounding landscape are also important. These facets are all dependent upon the results of integrated, collaborative, and multidisciplinary research program and are crucial to establishing the reserve on a lasting base.

The management plan also takes into account the location of El Pilar between Cayo, Belize, and El PetŽn, Guatemala. This unusual setting impacts every aspect of research activities at El Pilar. The research projects and resource management designs for El Pilar must consider the contiguous sections of Belize and Guatemala as a whole, as resources shared between two countries. The natural environment, cultural resources, adjacent contemporary peoples, and access for tourism all figure prominently in the master research and development plan as well the ultimate product: The El Pilar Archaeological Reserve for Maya Flora and Fauna. The reward will be an understanding of the ancient and contemporary dimensions of the Maya forest

II Management Considerations/Considerati—ns de manejo
A. Vision Statement

El Pilar Maya Landscape: Gateway Between Two Nations
El Pilar Archaeological Reserve represents an innovative example of cultural resource conservation in relationship to the natural environment and to contemporary peoples.

As the largest Maya archaeological site in the Belize River area, El Pilar is unique in its presentation of ancient daily life through household structures and forest gardens, located in the shadows of monumental Maya architecture.

This shared resource serves as a symbol of cooperation between Belize and Guatemala, and as a model of collaboration between the reserve and local communities and between the cultural and natural resource researchers and conservators.

Involvement in reserve planning and management links the communities to their cultural heritage, encourages their social and economic development.

Documentation and evaluation of this holistic approach to resource conservation will allow El Pilar to serve as a model for other important sites of world heritage.

Paisaje El Pilar: Puerta Entre Dos Naciones
El parque arqueol—gico El Pilar representa una nueva estrategia de concervaci—n del patrimonio cultural y natural y su relaci—n con la poblaci—n.

El sitio arqueol—gico más grande en el area del Rio Belice, El Pilar es único en su presentaci—n de la antigua vida cotidiana a travŽs de estructuras domesticas y la huerta agro-forestal, bajo la sombra de la arquitectura Maya monumental.

Este patrimonio compartido sirve como simbolo de cooperaci—n entre Belice y Guatemala y como ejemplo de colaboraci—n entre el parque y las comunidades locales y los investigadores y conservadores del patrimonio cultural y natural.

El involucramiento de la comunidad en el planeamiento y manejo del reserva lo relacionará con su herencia cultural y estimulará el desarrollo socio-econ—mico actual.

La documentaci—n y evaluaci—n de este acercamiento a la conservaci—n del patrimonio permitirá que El Pilar sirva como modelo para otros sitios de importancia del herencia mundial.

B. Goals

1. Overall Reserve Goals

(a) To preserve in perpetuity the EP reserve to maintain cultural and natural setting
(b) To conserve and maintain the integrity of the EP reserve in a manner that benefits local communities through tourism and education
(c) To promote sustainable models for using the Maya forest at the EP reserve
(d) To provide visitor access, research and education opportunities for national and international visitors in a manner compatible with the cultural/natural environment

2. El Pilar International Management Goals:

(a) To develop the reserve in a regional context
(b) To establish a Technical Advisory Team (TAT)
(c) To promote joint cooperation between TATs
(d) Periodic monitoring of joint efforts
(e) Foster Inter-agency management possibilities within and between countries

C. Significant Management Issues

1. Administration

(a) Cross-border issues
(b) Lands resolutions
(c) Extraction activities
(d) Boundary management
(e) Site maintenance
(f) Regulation enforcement

2. Infrastructure

(a) External access roads
(b) Park administrative buildings (caretaker's house,etc)
(c) Visitor center
(d) Internal concessions

3. Management Guidelines

(a) Community participation

(i) institutional capacity building
(ii) Consolidation of adjacent areas into reserve (Chorro site, Yaloch, Manantial, wetlands)

(b) Presentation of Maya landscape past, present and future
(c) Carrying capacity for visitors at reserve
(d) Adoption and evaluation of integrated cultural and natural resource management plan process

4. Funding

(a) Funding mechanisms

(i) develop finance program
(ii) seed monies
(iii) departmental commitments
(iv) others - innovative

(b) National sources (e.g. PACT in Belize, ID sources in Guatemala)
(c) External sources

(i) donor from private sector (e.g. Ford, Getty, MacArthur, local and regional foundations)
(ii) international agencies (e.g. USAID, EU, GTZ, UK, UNESCO, UNDP/GEF, WB, IDB)

(d) Government revenues generated through visitation

D. Communication Plan for El Pilar Archaeological Reserve for Maya Flora & Fauna (EPAR)

1. Definitions

(a) "Communication" is:

(i) Public/community relations
(ii) Site identity materials (e.g. design elements, consistency of information content, etc.)
(iii) Interaction with news media (especially with respect to responsiveness to inquiries)
(iv) Interaction with professional communities

(b) "Public Relations" is communicating your story as you want it to be communicated

2. Objectives To develop, implement, evaluate and maintain an effective communication plan which will

(a) Achieve a uniform identity in all communications products to market the EP reserve as a unique eco-tourist destination and research
(b) Maintenance of positive relations with educational outreach, government, media, the tourist industry, local communities and external organizations
(c) Ensure continuity of public/community relations

3. Activities

(a) Short Term

(i) Design a communications plan

° determine overall message desired to be sent
° identify key audiences locally, regionally and internationally

- local communities and schools
- government administrators
- tourism officials
- visitors to site
- interested scientists and academia
- news media

° identify supplemental audience(s)
° tailor messages to the needs, interests and knowledge-level of audience(s)
° determine methods to be used to communicate messages

- brochures
- posters
- signs
- corporate identity materials (logos, etc.)
- newsletter
- video
- world-wide web
- fact sheets
- open houses
- events (fiestas, fundraisers, Mesa Redonda)
- publications library
- internet list-serves
- reports and research summaries (perhaps an annual report of site activities, aimed at the interested public)
- media and trade tours
- speakers' bureau
- press releases, newspaper articles

° identify key internal communicators/spokespeople for specific topics and external community leaders, government officials, tourism professionals, etc. through whom messages and information may be disseminated or reinforced
° develop an action plan for crises and conflict management
- accommodate news media in times of adverse events (natural disasters, thefts, cultural resources, international tensions, crime, funding emergencies)
- determine spokespersons (the EP reserve administration, EP Program, tourism industry)
° determine methods of receiving or eliciting information from targeted audiences (evaluation methods, surveys, informal elicitation of comment)
° evaluate feedback and determine how that information will be analyzed and incorporated (or responded to)
° amend communication plan as appropriate/necessary

(ii) Implement the communications plan

(b) Medium Term

(i) Maintain the communications plan
(ii) Further evaluate the communications plan
(iii) Determine further/future potential audiences
(iv) Amend plan as appropriate/necessary

(c) Long Term

(i) Maintain the communications plan
(ii) Further evaluate the communications plan
(iii) Determine further/future potential markets
(iv) Amend plan as appropriate/necessary

III Management program
A. Resource Management and Protection, Maintenance and Sustainability (re-evaluation based on updated research)

1. Benchmark indicators for monitoring

(a) Identify key features for monitoring
(b) Design plan for information loop

2. Conflict management strategy

(a) Determine communication needs
(b) Design action plan for crises

3. Cultural aspects with nature

(a) Objectives To celebrate the past, for the present, to build a future To connect the history of El Pilar to the community To present a unique view of ancient Maya daily life
(b) Activities

(i) Short Term

° establish inventory of all archaeological remains
° develop feature house and forest garden at Tzunu'un

(ii) Medium Term

° to develop the El Pilar chronology from prehistoric, into the historic, and to the present
° excavate houses in other environmental zones
° develop feature houses in other environmental zones
° initiate maintenance regime for cultural resources (prehistoric, historic)

(iii) Long Term

° complete feature house sites in key environmental zones
° complete feature house sites in key human use zones
° promote the model of culture with nature and the entwined relationship of humans and the environmental
° establish maintenance strategy for managing the houses and forest garden in key environmental zone

4. Natural aspects with culture

(a) Objectives

° To enforce the recuperation and regeneration of the renewable natural resources
° To establish actual situation of natural resources
° To determine management and sustainable use models of flora and fauna according to contemporary/comparative knowledge of the Maya forest

(b) Activities

(i) Short Term

° establish a monitoring program

- examine the dynamics of the natural resources at EP
- initiate studies to establish standards to manage uses of natural resources at EP

(ii) Medium Term

° establish a program for the management of human uses of wildlife at EP
° establish different forest gardens along interpretative trails which incorporate wildlife management at EP
° establish a program for habitat recuperation/restoration at EP
° Strengthen /extend the biological corridors with mutual reliance with EP

(iii) Long Term

° promote a standard monitoring program for EP
° maintain data control standards for EP
° promote a sustainable wildlife management program in conjunction with the forest garden
° periodic evaluations of habitat program and corridor connections

5. Integrate Culture and Nature

(a) Objectives

° To recognize the irreplaceable quality of cultural resources
°To acknowledge the nexus of nature and culture
° To determine management and sustainable use models that accentuate the interrelationships of culture and nature in the Maya forest past, present, and future

(b) Activities

(i) Short Term

° establish a monitoring program that set values for irreplaceable cultural resources and the conservation of natural resources

- examine the dynamics at the nexus of culture and nature at EP
- initiate studies to establish standards to manage uses of integrated resources at EP

(ii) Medium Term

° establish a program for the implementing the forest and a garden at EP
° establish different interpretative trails which incorporate interrelationships at EP
° establish a program for educating communities about human environmental impacts at EP
° Strengthen links to biological corridors ~ human gaps within the around EP

(iii) Long Term

° promote a standard monitoring program for EP
° maintain data control standards for EP
° promote a sustainable integrative management program
° periodic evaluations of activities

B. Human Use Program

1. Education

(a) Objectives

(i) School Programs and Curriculum Development

° take local children on field trips to EP (implement rules and regulations for educational visits: carrying capacity, student teacher ration -25:1Ñand permit monitoring strategy)
° create a teaching program between children and BRASS/ EP researchers (mentoring possibilities)
° develop school curriculum to increase knowledge and awareness of cultural and natural resources
° increase knowledge and awareness of values within the community (important objects or areas to protect, maintain agricultural character, protect the river)

(ii) Building Capacity of Local Community

° courses/workshops for guides (archaeology, natural resources, environment and contemporary culture)
° workshop for small enterprise initiation and management (restaurants, arts and handicrafts, guest houses)
° workshop for developing livelihood alternatives using forest garden concepts for the reserve (extraction of corozo, allspice, fruits, etc.) and the promotion of innovative and traditional subsistence activities outside the reserve
° workshop on grant writing/fundraising
° evaluate and prioritize land use areas/zones (control access along main road, consider commercial and civic zones, determine housing densities, promote historic, environmental, and public areas, establish waste management policy)

(iii) Inform area residents of proposed management plan for El Pilar

° organize committee meetings
° design informational posters about the EP reserve

2. Community Participation in El Pilar
Belize/AdEP

Guatemala - Counterpart AdEP

(a) Objectives

(i) To promote participation of government and non-governmental organizations in the EP reserve
(ii) To create a symbol of cooperation between the EP reserve and local communities
(iii) To document and evaluate methods of community participation

(b) Activities

(i) Short Term

° expand community-based organization participation in Belize and Guatemala
° forge communication channels between community and the EP reserve
° develop methods for community conflict management through education and alternatives
° Documentation of the process of community participation
° begin to collect interpretative material from the community (traditional stories, poems, dances, photographs)

(ii) Medium Term

° establish memorandum of agreement for interaction between the EP reserve and communities
° local participation in TAT and other pertinent groups
° assemble community interpretative material for exhibition

(iii) Long Term

° continue to strengthen community based organization (CBO) membership
° participate in conflict management
° maintain communication between NGOs/CBOs and communities
° document education strategies in cultural/natural resources
° publish community interpretative material

(3) Interpretation

(a) Objectives

(i) to develop interpretive materials to orient visitors to the cultural and natural qualities of the reserve and the local communities
(ii) to underscore the importance of the reserve's resources and their protection
(iii) to emphasize the need to support the reserve goals to conserve cultural/natural resources

(b) Activities

(i) Short Term

° design a brochure/website
° build a visitors' center at the EP reserve
° organize target features for local tours
° maintain and upgrade self-interpretative trail system
° design and maintain appropriate signage for features at the EP reserve

(ii) Medium Term

° create interpretative scenes of visitors' center
° incorporate demonstration forest garden models inside and outside the reserve

(iii) Long Term

° maintain trail system
° create interpretative scenes of visitors' center
° promote integrative livelihood models at El Pilar

4. Tourism

(a) Objectives

(i) To conserve cultural and environmental integrity of the local area
(ii) To develop positive and negative impacts tourism
(iii) To promote eco-archaeology tourism for the community
(iv) To encourage sustainable business activities through maintaining the community character
(iv) To give priority to local community in the granting of concessions in the reserve

(b) Activities

(i) Short Term

° promote craft, food and beverage sales in the community
° form committee to address rules for tourism impacts within the community and within the reserve
° formulate a community committee to address concession policy in the EP reserve

(ii) Medium Term

° contact travel wholesalers and travel writers
° develop guest rooms, excursions (horses, canoes, hiking, forest garden walks), and concessions at the EP reserve
° design field trips and exchange programs to other community-based tourism sites to evaluate the pros and cons

(iii) Long Term

° maintain tourism infrastructure between communities and reserve
° promote established community tourism sites

5. Community Development

(a) Objectives

(i) to encourage comprehensive planning of growth related to the reserve (goods, services, waste management, preservation)
(ii) to support the economic activities of community in nearby communities to improve the quality of life and achieve a sustainable use of cultural and natural resources
(iii) to give priority to local community, wherever possible, in the creation of permanent/temporary jobs related to the EP reserve
(iv) to plan economic development in manner consistent with the cultural and environmental qualities at El Pilar

(b) Activities

(i) Short Term

° promote seminars/workshops by the EP reserve staff in the local communities on sustainable development
° identify economic resources and opportunities at ElPilar to help local community groups

(ii) Medium Term

° collaboration of the EP reserve administration to develop proposals for community development
° Encourage education on sustainable uses of renewable resources
° Develop livelihood models at El Pilar for the conservation of Maya forest resources
° Promote the EPAR model as a conservation strategy for the Maya forest

(iii) Long Term

° EP reserve administration ensures profits from concessions in the reserve include the community
° EP reserve administration encourages the development of artistry from natural resources found at the EP reserve (e.g. Corozo)
° Realize the EPAR model as a conservation strategy for the Maya forest

C. Research and Monitoring Program

1. General Objectives: Research, Education, Protection

(a) To focus on nexus of culture and nature

(i) promote sustainable extraction strategies for plants/animals (e.g. Corozo)
(ii) education of community to participation in long term management of El Pilar
(iii) encourage dissemination and publication of preliminary results

(b) To promote solicited science and independent science that creatively considers culture and nature

(i) standardized data collection methods to facilitate comparisons
(ii) UTM grid location of data sites
(iii) comparable recording techniques
(iv) maintain highest standards of scientific research

(c) To develop a comprehensive Geographic Information System (GIS) (include all scientific data within the reserve boundaries)
(d) To organize a research committee made up of research scientists working in the area

(i) to establish peer review process to evaluate research
(ii) to develop "handbook" for systematic and vicarious information gathered within the reserve and to encourage dissemination to the community
(iii) to promote centralized database of information (all information available, preliminary field reports of research/observations)
(iv) to track and coordinate access to preliminary reports and other grey literature
(v) to promote and facilitate research and permit process at El Pilar
(vi) to facilitate scientific enterprise and communications between scientists and between the committee and governments
(vii) to promote periodic scientific roundtables
(viii) to attract more research projects

2. General Activities:

(a) Short Term

(i) develop teachers packages (audio/visual kits) for schools
(ii) contribute illustrative information to the Be Pukte and other community repositories
(iii) incorporate new data into the trail guide for the EP reserve
(iv) document the EP reserve research and development process
(v) issues to address

° permit-processing
° areas of investigation
° research advisory committee

(b) Medium Term

(i) Visitor Center and associated educational presentations on research programs
(ii) Promotion of the forest-as-a-Garden model for El Pilar

(c) Long Term

(i) Promote model for interdisciplinary research
(ii) Realize the conceptual integration of culture and nature

3. Cultural Resources Objectives

(a) To adhere to the conservation principles: the Athens Charter 1931, the Venice Charter 1964, and the Burra Charter 1966
(b) To understand the prehistory, history, and contemporary development of El Pilar (archaeological, survey, excavation, archives, library)
(c) To promote a coherent archaeological conservation program for all of El Pilar
(d) To develop a conservation monitoring program to maintain El Pilar
(e) To adopt the theme of Travel Through Time and View Everyday Life -past, present, future

4. Cultural Resources Activities

(a) Short Term

(i) inventory of cultural remains to establish a research and monitoring baseline
(ii) investigate the construction sequence of Nohol and Xaman Pilar using the tunneling method focused at Copal (EP7) and the Hemena (EP20)
(iii) continue development of the Forest Garden to show aspects of everyday life
(iv) complete the excavation, exposition, and consolidation at 1) Tzunu'un, 2) EP7 stairs of Copal, 3) EP25 of Plaza Lec
(v) initiate monitoring system for consolidation program and institute improvements
(vi) develop cultural conservation program

(b) Medium Term

(i) include Pilar Poniente in trail system
(ii) complete the excavation, exposition, and consolidation at key locations of

° Copal
° Gumbolimbo
° Ixim
° Subin

(iii) expand the Forest Garden developments at El Pilar to include the mosaic of land use areas, particularly in the western Guatemala section of the reserve where a swamp zones are reported
(iv) continue to monitor conservation strategies for revisions and improvements

(c) Long Term

(i) analyze, publish results of research and conservation programs
(ii) promote conservation program
(iii) establish the varied aspects of the model mosaic of ancient Maya life ways in the different identified natural life zone systems within the reserve

5. Natural Resources Objectives

(a) To understand the natural history of El Pilar
(b) To promote an appreciation of the human interface with the natural environment at El Pilar, past and present
(c) To focus on the dynamics of the forest through research on succession, edge effects, and examination of equilibrium
(d) To determine indicator species for monitoring program
(e) To demonstrate the necessity of wildlife corridors in the viability of small reserves like El Pilar and document the contribution of small reserves like El Pilar to the maintenance of bio-diversity and refuges for plants and animals

6. Natural Resources Activities

(a) Short Term

(i) inventory of species and communities of plants and animals for baseline
(ii) establish permanent monitoring plots and transects for research and monitoring programs
(iii) determine baseline soils, species, light for milpas and other stages of forest within the reserve
(iv) determine protocol for monitoring within the reserve boundaries
(v) establish air photography base and ground proofing

(b) Medium Term

(i) periodic monitoring of permanent plots and transects (as needed, at least every 5 yrs)
(ii) measure dynamics of forest

(c) Long Term

(i) analyze, publish results of research and conservation programs
(ii) promote conservation program
(iii) continue periodic monitoring of permanent plots and transects (as needed, at least every 5 yrs)
(iv) continue to measure dynamics of forest

7. Integrated monitoring and management concerns

(i) maintain natural environment in public areas
(ii) manage natural environment on monuments
(iii) determine impact standards on natural and cultural resources in public areas
(iv) incorporate community monitors to increase local investment
(v) incorporate tourism trails into resource monitoring agenda
(vi) promote an integrated management strategy between management entities (Archaeology, Forestry, Lands etc.)
(vii) propagate model for the regional conservation of cultural and natural resources

D. Zoning, Land Use, Access

1. Objectives: The El Pilar Archaeological Reserve for Maya Flora and Fauna (EPAR)

To protect the cultural and natural resources present in the Reserve and determine proper usage. All extractive processes (looting, hunting, timber , etc.) should be prohibited within the Reserve boundaries to facilitate and monitor the recuperation in the Reserve while gathering scientific info on succession and reforestation. A one kilometer zone surrounding the entirety of the Reserve should be created for the purposes of limited and sustainable extraction and education.

(a) To create a comprehensive plan for research, education, protection of resources at the EP reserve

(i) based on available research data
(ii) consider impact on culture & nature

(b) To develop environment to benefit visitors and community

(i) facilities
(ii) concessions
(iii) trails
(iv) roads

(c) To manage relationship inside/outside the EP reserve

(i) promote a conservation zone of influence around the EP reserve
(ii) develop camping facilities outside the EP reserve
(iii) manage road access (close to through traffic in phase, monitor rerouted roads)
(iv) encourage alternative agricultural practices based of the forest garden model

(d) to create zones which protect the cultural and natural resources of the Reserve while involving and considering the local communities and their needs.

2. Activities

(a) Culture/Nature Zone

(i) research - inform management/capacity in the EP reserve
(ii) protection - establish a continuum of access based on recuperation and succession, research projects, and interpretation exhibits (from tourist trails to forbidden zones)
(iii) interpretation - use research data for interpretative trails and information
(iv) extraction - develop data base to serve a model of sustainable extractive uses and education that would include a buffer zone of influence around the reserve

(b) Development Zone

(i) concessions - involve community participation
(ii) infrastructure - develop funding priorities

° construct facilities related to the reserve (Caretakers base, visitors centers for exhibits, control points to inhibit through traffic, research base to assist in field work)
° develop roads in reserve to facilitate access and monitoring with control access points developed in 2 phases
° expand trail system for interpretive exhibits on culture and nature (demonstrate diversity of culture and nature, minimize impact on resources, unified and well- designed system including all aspects of the EP reserve) (iv) maintenance of park developments

(c) Zone of Influence surrounding the EP reserve (Belize - SDA; Guatemala - ZUM)

(i) access

° improve roads to reserve to allow community access beyond reserve and control within reserve with diversions around culture core developed over 2 phases that includes improving visual approaches
° insure access around reserve and monitoring of boundaries along roads
° trails from communities to reserve for hiking, observation, and horseback

(ii) communities

° promote camping facilities in zone of influence for visitors
° create 40 meter forested buffer along access road to limit views of agriculture/pasture zones

(d) Resources or areas of special interest (Culture/Nature)

(i) identify within the EP reserve for research, protection, education
(ii) recognize outside the EP reserve for research, protection, education

IV. Administration - Formal/International Relations

A. General

1. Objectives

(a) To establish an administrative/management presence at the EP reserve

(i) to establish an administrative framework for implementation of the Management Plan in Belize and Guatemala
(ii) to establish a coordination mechanism between Belize and Guatemala to implement the Management Plan

2. Options for Management Entity

3. Delegation of Authority

4. Non-Delegable Authority

5. Duration

6. Procedure for Plan Approval

7. Technical Advisory Team
Description of TAT:

Knowledge of the resources of the EP reserve
Commitment to resource management and conservation
Liaison between management and community

8. Management Entity

9. International Coordination (2 levels)

10. Responsibilities of Joint Technical Advisory Team

(a) Review Progress of the Management and Operating Plan
(b) Develop and implement common standards for management (e.g. research, administration, tourism, community, etc.)

11. General Administration Issues for the EPAR

(a) Create annual operation plan
(b) Create annual budget
(c) Register visitors and maintain visitor data
(d) Request/acquire necessary material/equipment
(e) Produce list of training needs and implement training program
(f) Manage reserve accounts
(g) Plan/regulate personnel requirements
(h) Explore legal/financial opportunities for long term sustainability of reserve

11. Issues of Concern

(a) Resolution of outstanding land issues within the reserve (Belize /Guatemala)
(b) Develop education programs for Belize/Guatemala in management of resources at the EP reserve
(c) Utilization of the Reserve as a contiguous park
(d) Identify funding sources and alternative combinations

(i) external sources
(ii) internal sources

12. Laws and International Agreements/Conventions Affecting the EPAR

BELIZE
(i) Ancient Monuments and Antiquities Act
(ii) National Parks System Act
(iii) Lands Utilization Act
(iv) Special Development Areas
(v) CCAD Agreement
(vi) CCAB/AP
(vii) CITES
(viii) Convenio Centroamericano de Biodiversidad y Proteccion de Areas Silvestres Prioritarias en America central
(ix) Alianza Centroamericana para el Desarollo Sosotenible (ALIDES)
(x) UNESCO: World Heritage Site Convention
(xi) Environmental Protection Act, 1992.
(xii) Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations, 1995

B. International Coordination

1. Objectives To develop appropriate mechanisms to coordinate, manage, research and other activities at El Pilar between Belize and Guatemala
2. Activities

(a) Short Term

(i) informal technical exchange as basis for TAT - plan Mesa Redonda III and other exchanges
(ii) secure a Carta de Intenci—n for general cooperation between the relevant government agencies CONAP - Department of Forestry Department of Archaeology - IDAEH

(b) Medium Term

(i) pursuant the Carta de Intenci—n, establish a joint Technical Advisory Team under the jurisdiction of each management entity (ii) develop and implement joint management strategy

(c) Long Term

(i) formal agreement for cultural exchange (UNESCO, Embassies)
(ii) prepare appropriate delegation agreement and, if necessary, statutory instrument
(xiii) promote standing joint Technical Advisory Team for cooperative management at EP

3. International Relations

(a) BELIZE

(i) The Government, via the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, is the only governmental entity that may sign agreements at the national or political level.
(ii) The Department of Archaeology, Ministry of Tourism, through the Commissioner of Archaeology is the entity that may sign agreements between institutions with regional or international objectives
(iii) Protected areas alone may sign letters of understanding with other protected areas at the international level

(b) GUATEMALA (see Laguna del Tigre example pp 66)

C. Financial

1. Objectives To develop a sustainable funding basis for the EP reserve (Belize/Guatemala)
2. Activities

(a) Short Term

(i) develop the EP reserve as a eco-tourist destination for immediate community benefits in marketing

(b) Medium Term

(i) accounts for direct economic development, social benefits and environmental conservation

° longer stays in Cayo
° concessions in the EP reserve
° visitor receipts at the EP reserve
° access to community facilities (Be Pukte, stores, restaurants, etc.)
° conservation at the EP reserve
° education in cultural/natural resources

(c) Long Term

(i) evaluate economic and conservation benefits at the local, regional and global levels

D. Facilities Maintenance

1. Objectives To develop and maintain physical infrastructure within the reserve
2. Activities

(a) Short Term

(i) develop and implement a regular maintenance program for basic trails, informal facilities, improve restrooms

(b) Medium Term

(i) develop and maintain visitor way stations along trails and basic visitor center

(c) Long Term

(i) develop and maintain appropriate developed tourist facilities, bathrooms, visitors' centers with appropriate materials

E. Conflict Management and Enforcement

1. Objective To be able to manage conflicts within the reserve administration between the reserve and the communities and between the two nations
2. Activity Create a protocol for conflict resolution

F. Community Participation
Formally part of administrative structure for short, medium and long term activities

G. Co-Management issues
Joint Belize/Guatemala or Government/NGO

V. Implementation Schedule

A. Objectives

1. To follow a schedule and sequence for implementing a management plan
2. To stage and prioritize plan for maximum management flexibility
3. To jointly implement the development, monitoring and communication channels for the EP reserve in Belize and Guatemala
4. To develop the EP reserve within the regional context of the Mundo Maya

(a) EPAR cultural destination in the context of nature in Belize
(b) EPAR natural destination in the context of culture in Guatemala
(c) Educate visitors in protecting the monuments and conserving the environment

B. Activities

1. Short Term

(a) Establish schedule

(i) Short Term: years 1 to 2; urgent requisites
(ii) Medium Term: years 3-4; necessary requisites
(iii) Long Term: years 5+; feasible activities

(b) Implement schedule for protection, resource management, education, tourism, interpretation, community participation, research, monitoring, administration, maintenance
(c) Maintain trails in culture destination
(d) Evaluate trail system for nature destination

2. Medium Term

(a) Maintain schedule
(a) Establish trail for nature destination
(b) Maintain trail system to culture/nature areas

3. Long Term

(a) Re-evaluate schedule
(a) Evaluate trail systems
(b) Maintain trail systems to culture/nature areas

C. Monitoring Issues

Objectives: To jointly establish periodic monitoring strategies

Activities

Short Term

° Coordinate the Joint TAT
° Establish joint efforts (boundary maintenance, cross-border visitation, international research)

Medium Term

° Establish a periodic schedule of joint monitoring efforts
° Promote cooperative TAT meetings Long Term
° Continue to coordinate joint TAT meetings
° Enforce periodic joint monitoring tasks

VI. BUDGET

1. Protection/enforcement (patrols, guards, signs, caretakers' base)

2. Resource management (access zones, extraction zones)

3. Education (school visits, curriculum development, rules and regulations)

4. Tourism (information dissemination, visitors' center, visitor way stations)

5. Interpretation (trails, signage, exhibits)

6. Community participation (labor, AdEP, concessions, projects)

7. Research (inventory, protocol, documentation, dissemination)

8. Monitoring (wildlife transects, review of monuments, assessment of conservation)

9. Administration (annual operating plan/budget, visitor data, materials & equipment, training, accounts, personnel)

10. Maintenance (develop program, solid waste management program, equipment inventory)

VII. Protected area technical evlauation commmittee ~ El Pilar

John Morris ~ Department of Archaeology, Chair
Anselmo Caste–ada ~ Mesoamerican Biological Corridors
Eugene Ariola ~ Coastal Zone Management
Egenio Ah~ Belize Audubon
Elias Awe ~ Help for Progress
Joseph Palacio ~ University of West Indies
Rafeal Manzanero~ RARE International
Natalie Rosado~ Department of Forestry
Evaristo Avella~ Friends of Conservation and Development

~Table of Contents~

Executive Summary | Under the Canopy | Towards Formal Protection | An Expanding Network | Parallel Paths in the Maya Forest | Creating El Pilar | The El Pilar Experience and Tourism Potential | Investments at El Pilar | What Lies Ahead: Resilience with Challenges | Acknowledgments

~ Appendices~

Appendix I: Draft El Pilar Management Plan | Appendix II: CoCEP Members | Appendix III: Ten Years Asset Building of El Pilar | Appendix IV: Collaborative Team Organization | Appendix V: Timelines of El Pilar | Appendix VI: A History of the Reserve Development | Appendix VII: Acronyms | Appendix VIII: Statutory Instrument for El Pilar | Bibliography