Golden Stream Corridor Preserve

Golden Stream Corridor Preserve is a critical link in the Mesoamerican Biological Corridor

An important block of land of just under 10,000 acres, initially purchased in 1998 to avoid its conversion to citrus and shrimp farming. It was then established into a private protected area and in 2004, it was then expanded to 15,441 acres. The Golden Stream Corridor Preserve protects the last remaining forested link between the globally biodiverse Maya Mountains and the coastal lowland forests which connects to Guatemala and the Mesoamerican Biological Corridor.

Jaguar (Panthera onca) strolling by our camera trap deployed within Golden Stream Corridor Preserve. | Map: Panthera/Ya’axché

This corridor is critical to the survival of many species including the endangered Baird’s Tapir (Tapirus bairdii), jaguar (Panthera onca) and the Yucatan Black Howler Monkey (Alouatta pigra). It also protects important archaeological sites containing remains of ancient human civilizations and Pleistocene mammals. The Golden Stream River provides support to buffering communities and wildlife.

Golden Stream River

Directly adjacent to the preserve lies the villages of Golden Stream, Tambran and Medina Bank. In order to recognize traditional use of forest resources by these villages, Ya’axché has developed a sustainable extraction program in the preserve for selected traditional building materials. With a permit from Ya’axché, community members can sustainably harvest cohune palm leaves, collect sticks and vines for their homes.

Golden Stream Corridor Preserve is also home to EcoTourism Belize (ETB), the Ya’axché nursery and Ya’axché’s Field Station. EcoTourism Belize nature trails is one of the main attractions for guests.

The area of this is limited to the edges of the corridor to maintain ecological function but represents Ya’axché’s commitment to implement and integrated management approach which recognizes the need for multiple use of forest.

QUICK FACTS ABOUT GOLDEN STREAM CORRIDOR PRESERVE

Size of Protected Area
15,441 Acres

Globally Endangered Species
4 Plant, 2 Bird, 7 Mammal, 2 Reptile

Species found in Protected Area
19 Amphibian, 270 Bird, 20 Fish, 59 Mammal, 54 Reptile

Ecosystems found in Protected Area
17 Ecosystems

DON’Ts in Protected Area
Fishing, Hunting, Logging

DOs in Protected Area

EcoTour via EcoTourism Belize, Sustainable Extraction of Non-Timber Forest Products

Threats to Protected Area
Wildfire, Hunting, Agricultural expansion, Illegal logging,

Downloads

PDF: Golden Stream Corridor Preserve poster