The Turneffe Land Trust
Perpetually protecting 17,000 Environmentally-Sensitive Acres at Turneffe
In 2020, Turneffe Atoll Trust reached an agreement with the Government of Belize to perpetually protect all remaining National Land at Turneffe Atoll through establishment of the Turneffe Land Trust.
Approximately 17,000 acres at Turneffe Atoll are now mandated to remain in their natural state in perpetuity. The Government and People of Belize remain the legal and beneficial owners of this property and Turneffe Atoll Trust is Trustee to oversee and manage the Turneffe Land Trust.
Over the prior three decades, nearly all of Turneffe’s developable land had been purchased by private investors. The remaining, unsold land is largely swampy, mangrove-covered land not feasible for development. This low-lying land is, however, extremely valuable for Belize if left in its natural state, as demonstrated in several economic analyses funded by Turneffe Atoll Trust - see below.
Turneffe Atoll Storm Mitigation Valuation 2018
The Value of Turneffe Atoll Blue Carbon
The Turneffe Land Trust will ensure that these valuable natural assets are preserved for the people and Government of Belize in perpetuity.