Empowering Women Through Sustainable Tourism
Location: Bermudian Landing, Belize
Project partner: Community Baboon Sanctuary Women’s Conservation Group (CBSWCG)
Project Update – May 2026
The Creole Folklore Nature Trail is progressing steadily, bringing the Community Baboon Sanctuary’s plans for an immersive cultural and nature experience to life.
Several of the folklore characters have now been drawn and prepared for installation. The project team has also cleared all the trails and purchased sand to fill low-lying sections, helping to improve the accessibility and visitor experience along the route. Installation of the folklore characters is expected to be completed by mid-June 2026.
The team is also obtaining quotes for QR codes and three-minute audio stories, which will allow visitors to discover the stories behind the characters and learn more about Creole folklore as they explore the trail.
The Project
The Community Baboon Sanctuary (CBS) is a pioneering, community-led conservation area protecting Belize’s endangered black howler monkey, locally known as the “baboon”.
Since 1998, the CBS Women’s Conservation Group, made up of elected female leaders from eight villages, has played a leading role in protecting local biodiversity while creating economic opportunities through sustainable tourism.
With support from the LATA Foundation, the group is developing a Creole Folklore Nature Trail within the Sanctuary. The trail will bring Belizean Creole folklore to life through locally designed characters, interpretive materials and stories shared by community members.
The project combines culture, conservation and community-led tourism, giving visitors the opportunity to experience Belizean heritage alongside the Sanctuary’s wildlife.
What the project is supporting
- Creation and installation of folklore characters designed by local artisans
- Trail improvements and maintenance
- Interpretive materials and QR codes
- Short audio stories bringing Creole folklore to life
- Training and opportunities for local guides and cultural performers
- Visitor management and engagement
Our aims
The project aims to:
- Preserve and celebrate Creole folklore and cultural heritage
- Create sustainable income opportunities for local people
- Increase awareness of the links between culture and conservation
- Enhance the visitor experience at the Community Baboon Sanctuary
- Strengthen community-led tourism and ensure local people benefit from tourism
Why we are supporting this project
This women-led initiative brings together conservation, culture and sustainable tourism. By creating new opportunities for local artisans, guides and storytellers, the trail will help keep Creole traditions alive while generating additional income for the communities that have protected the Sanctuary for decades.
The project offers visitors a new way to connect with both Belize’s cultural heritage and its unique wildlife, helping to strengthen the Sanctuary as a community-led ecotourism destination.