Empowering Women Through Sustainable Tourism
Location – Bermudian Landing, Belize
The Community Baboon Sanctuary (CBS) is a groundbreaking, community-led conservation area protecting the endangered black howler monkey, locally known as the ‘baboon’. Since 1998, the CBS Women’s Conservation Group (CBSWCG), made up of elected female leaders from eight villages, has led efforts to protect biodiversity while creating economic opportunities through sustainable tourism.
The Project – With LATA Foundation support, CBSWCG will deliver three practical training workshops to equip local women and young people with tourism and hospitality skills. The goal is to develop certified homestays, food services, and authentic, community-led visitor experiences.
Workshops Supported
- Tour Guiding & Community Tourism: Training 20 locals in guiding, homestay hosting, and visitor engagement.
- Homestay Hospitality: One-day Belize Tourism Board aligned workshop for 10 participants.
- Catering & Food Preparation: Food safety and catering training for 20 local women.
Project Aims
- Upskill women and young people for roles within tourism.
- Increase certified homestays in the region.
- Diversify income sources for local families.
- Link conservation with community-led tourism.
Expected Outcomes
30% rise in homestay household income.
50 individuals trained across tourism, hospitality, and food services.
14 Belize Tourism Board certified homestays established.
10% increase in sanctuary visitation within one year.
Why we are supporting this project – The Community Baboon Sanctuary is a powerful model of conservation and community collaboration. With the howler monkey population growing from 800 to 4,000 since its founding, the sanctuary shows real success. By supporting women’s empowerment through tourism, this project aligns perfectly with the LATA Foundation’s mission of sustainable, community-led development.
For more information, please visit https://howlermonkeybelize.org/