Community Baboon Sanctuary Logo-- A illustration of a black howler monkey surrounded by leaves. Next to the monkey are the words Community Baboon Sanctuary. Under it are the words "voluntary community based conservation."

Our Community

At the Community Baboon Sanctuary (CBS), the local community is the true foundation of everything we achieve. While our sanctuary is known for protecting the baboons, or black howler monkeys, our community is equally important. 

The Community Baboon Sanctuary wouldn’t exist without the united efforts of seven Belize River Valley villages: Flowers Bank, Scotland Half-Moon, Isabella Bank, St. Paul’s Bank, Willows Bank, Double Head Cabbage, and Bermudian Landing. Together, these villages form the backbone of CBS, with each community bringing its own strengths, traditions, and dedication to the sanctuary’s mission.

These villages, spread across over 3,000 hectares, are home to the dedicated landowners who voluntarily pledged their land to create a safe haven for the black howler monkeys and other wildlife. From hosting cultural events to guiding visitors through local trails, each village has a role in sustaining CBS. Bermudian Landing, the central hub of the community baboon sanctuary, serves as the gathering place for CBS events and the home of the CBS Women’s Conservation Group headquarters.

Community Based Conservation

The CBS exists today thanks to a community-led approach that started in 1985 with the vision of local landowners. These committed landowners signed pledges to protect the howler monkeys’ habitats on their lands. Since then, the Community Baboon Sanctuary has grown into a globally recognized model for community-based conservation, with over 170 landowners actively participating to safeguard over 5,000 hectares of habitat.

Our community’s shared dedication is a foundation of CBS, not only creating a sanctuary for wildlife but also fostering an environment where both people and nature can flourish together.

Women Leading the Way

The Community Baboon Sanctuary Women’s Conservation Group (CBSWCG) is the guiding force of our sanctuary. Founded in 1998, CBSWCG is managed by local women from each of our seven villages. They lead community projects, oversee conservation initiatives, and ensure the sanctuary’s sustainable management. This group also champions gender equality by creating income-generating programs for women and teaching life skills. Through their efforts, CBSWCG demonstrates the strength and impact of women-led conservation.

Learn More About The CBSWCG

How You Can Support Our Community

You can be part of our journey! When you visit Community Baboon Sanctuary, you’re directly supporting our community programs, conservation efforts, and the resilience of the Belize River Valley. Consider donating to our projects, purchasing local crafts, or joining a guided tour led by one of our trained local guides. Every contribution helps strengthen our community and our sanctuary, ensuring that CBS remains a place where both people and nature flourish.

A photo of a class for children being held at the Community Baboon Sanctuary in Belize. The children are learning about native species of belize on a slideshow.

Empowering Through Education and Opportunity

The Community Baboon Sanctuary in Belize supports the community by investing in education, training, and sustainable livelihoods that benefit all. Through programs like:

  • Youth Summer Camps – Each year, our environmental summer camps teach children about conservation, local wildlife, and sustainable practices through interactive activities and expert presentations.
  • Scholarship Opportunities – The Community Baboon Sanctuary has awarded over 40 scholarships to students from our member villages, helping them pursue studies in natural resource management and other fields.
  • Job Training – We equip community members with skills to thrive in fields like farming, ecotourism, small business management, and more. 

These programs empower our youth and community members, making conservation not just a goal but a shared way of life.

Supporting Resilience and Recovery

Living in the Belize River Valley comes with challenges, including vulnerability to natural disasters. After Hurricane Lisa, CBS launched recovery initiatives to support affected families, offering micro-grants to reestablish food security and rebuild damaged properties. CBS remains committed to resilience-building, helping the community prepare for and adapt to changing conditions while reinforcing their commitment to conservation.