A $10,000 fine imposed on a property owner for unauthorized mangrove alteration along the Philip Goldson Highway on the mainland underscores the need to obtain permits before clearing or altering mangroves. The Forest Department announced the settlement in early October, as development on Ambergris Caye continues to raise concerns about the loss of these coastal ecosystems.
Large areas of mangroves have been cleared on the island, often on private properties to make way for development. The Forest Department reportedly authorizes some clearing activities. People can report suspected unauthorized clearing to the department’s hotline at 610-1524 or the Department of the Environment’s (DOE) San Pedro office at 226-3073.
Chief Environmental Officer Anthony Mai said the DOE works with the Forest Department when it receives reports of suspected unauthorized mangrove clearing. “If we are aware of mangrove clearance, we check on it,” he said. “However, any mangrove alteration should be reported to the forest department first. If the forest department cannot be reached, then it can be reported to the DOE office, which will then refer it to the forest department.”
Mangroves provide nursery habitats for juvenile fish, store carbon, and help protect shorelines from erosion and storm impacts, including those associated with hurricanes.
On Ambergris Caye, large areas of mangroves have been cleared for infrastructure and development, including around Secret Beach on the island’s northwestern side. Reported activities include lagoon filling and mangrove alteration. The relevant authorities have maintained that the work takes place on private properties and that they monitor the projects.
The Forest Department was contacted for information on how many of these projects had received mangrove alteration permits, but no one was available to comment.
In an October 2nd release concerning the mainland case, the department identified the property owner as businessman Sanju Lal Chulani. According to the release, an inspection of his property on September 17 found that red mangroves had been altered during clearing activities across an area measuring less than a quarter of an acre. The required permit had not been obtained.
The parties reached a settlement agreement on September 30. Under its terms, Chulani agreed to pay $10,000 to fully and finally resolve the matter.
The Forest Department reminded landowners, developers, and contractors that they must obtain authorization before altering mangroves. It emphasized that these ecosystems protect shorelines, provide habitats for wildlife and fisheries, and support healthy coastal and river environments.
Inspections and enforcement are expected to continue countrywide. Members of the public are encouraged to report suspected unauthorized mangrove clearing or damage to the Forest Department.