Community Baboon Sanctuary
Women's Conservation Group
“When a woman can do it, a woman can get it done,"
About the Women's Conservation Group
In 1998, the Women’s Conservation Group (WCG) became the managing entity of the Community Baboon Sanctuary. A female representative is elected from each of the seven villages located within the sanctuary. The mission of the WCG is to:
“…conserve the natural resources of the Community Baboon Sanctuary through education, eco-cultural tourism, scientific research, and promotion of cottage industries for the socio-economic benefit of the communities and the ecological integrity of the Belize River Valley area.
What the CBSWCG Does
Manages the Community Baboon Sanctuary
Empowers Women
The Community Baboon Sanctuary Women’s Conservation Group ensures the conservation of 5,000+ hectares of habitat for the endangered black howler monkey. Through sustainable land-use practices and community pledges, the sanctuary has grown the monkey population from 800 in 1985 to over 4000 today.
As the first women-led conservation group of its kind in Belize, CBSWCG empowers women through training, micro-grants, and leadership roles. Members lead conservation initiatives while developing skills in eco-tourism, organic farming, and small business management.
Supports Sustainable Livelihoods
Provides Education and Supports Youth
The Women’s Conservation Group promotes projects that reduce dependency on natural resources, such as:
- Backyard gardening
- Livestock and fish farming
- Handicraft and jam production
- Tour Guiding
These projects ensure families can thrive while protecting the sanctuary.
Every year, the Community Baboon Sanctuary Women’s Conservation Group runs the Fallet A. Young Environmental Summer Camp, educating over 250 children annually about conservation and sustainable practices. The group also provides scholarships for students pursuing natural resource management.
Officer
Jessie Young
Dorla Rhaburn
Carolyn August
Cathleen Thompson
Mildred Ortiz
Rosean Myvett
Joyola Joseph
Bernice Casaola
Loretta Bevans
Role
President
Vice President
Secretary
Treasurer
Assistant Secretary
Assistant Treasurer
Assistant Treasurer
Councilor
Councilor
Community
Bermudian Landing
Flowers Bank
Willow’s Bank
Big Falls/St Paul’s Bank
Scotland Half Moon
Double Head Cabbage
Bermudian Landing
St Paul’s Bank
Isabella Bank
