Hope for the Hicatee

Belize Foundation for Research and Environmental Education Announces Approved Hicatee Conservation and Action Plan

Hope for the Hicatee

August 24, 2026

Punta Gorda, Belize —The Fisheries Department within the Ministry of Blue Economy and Marine Conservation has approved and endorsed a conservation and action plan for the Central American River Turtle (Dermatemys mawii) locally known in Belize as the Hicatee.

The Dermatemys Conservation and Action Plan is the official guiding document to advance the conservation, long-term survival, and sustainable use of this critically endangered and culturally significant freshwater species.

The plan identifies 58 strategic actions for law enforcement, laws and regulations, community outreach and education, captive management, reintroductions, research, conservation in situ, and habitat restoration and conservation.

Local nonprofit Belize Foundation for Research and Environmental Education (BFREE) spearheaded the creation of the plan in close collaboration with the Belize Fisheries Department, with support from the Turtle Survival Alliance and Zoo New England. The initiative began in 2020 with the facilitation of multiple workshops and strategic planning sessions, both online and in person, and continuing over the past several years.

Jacob Marlin, the Director of Hicatee Conservation & Research Center and Executive Director of BFREE, said:

“Of the 360 known species of turtle, the Hicatee is considered one of the most threatened species of turtles in the world. Belize is the last hope for the species long term survival. It is to everyone’s benefit, that populations of Hicatee recover from over exploitation, and thrive in freshwater systems throughout this country and the entirety of its range, contributing to our national pride, our shared cultural heritage, and for future generations to come.”

“The approval of this plan is more than a milestone, it’s a commitment to action. The Central American River Turtle has deep cultural importance to Belizean communities, while decades of unsustainable harvest have placed tremendous pressure on wild populations. Now we have a shared roadmap to turn strategic priorities into meaningful progress for the species. Turtle Survival Alliance is proud to support Belize and our partners as we take that next step together,” said Marc Dupuis-Desormeaux, President and CEO of Turtle Survival Alliance.

The official announcement of the Plan is taking place during a special session at Climate Week. Join Belize Fisheries, BFREE, and other partners in Punta Gorda at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, August 24.

“This action plan represents a comprehensive and collaborative effort to ensure the long-term survival and sustainable use of D.mawii, an ecologically and culturally significant species that is now critically endangered,” said Beverly Wade, Chief Executive Officer of the Ministry of Blue Economy & Marine Conservation.

“We commend the Belize Foundation for Research and Environmental Education (BFREE), the Turtle Survival Alliance, and all stakeholders, particularly the traditional fishing communities, for their unwavering commitment to the conservation of this iconic species.”

Thanks to the inputs from dozens of local and international stakeholders representing scientists, conservation organizations, universities, government agencies, civil society and local fisherfolk, this plan is now ready to be implemented.

The plan will be available in print and online on the BFREE and Turtle Survival Alliance’s websites in September. Work is underway for an international workshop to be held in Belize to advance and actualize this plan.

BFREE wishes to thank the Ministry of Blue Economy and Marine Conservation for being a tremendous partner in this effort as well as the countess individuals who have selflessly participated in the plan creation, as well as Turtle Survivor Alliance Canada for funding the printing and distribution of the plan.

“It is imperative to clarify that conservation organizations alone will not save the Hicatee in Belize. We can provide an action plan framework to inspire people to take action, but the people of Belize ultimately determine if Hicatee will persist in sufficient numbers to ensure their long-term survival.”

Rick Hudson, President Emeritus, Turtle Survival Alliance

“The Hicatee is the last surviving member in an ancient group of turtles that goes back to the age of the dinosaurs. It is under threat of extinction due to overharvesting for human consumption. This is an extinction we can and must prevent.”

Jacob Marlin, Director, Hicatee Conservation & Research Center and Executive Director, BFREE