ABSTRACT

The Selva Maya represents the largest expanse of tropical forest in Mesoamerica, encompassing parts of Belize, northern Guatemala, and south-eastern Mexico. Patterns and processes of forest loss in Belize are less comprehensively studied than other regions in the Selva Maya. Hence, this research tracks twenty years of forest loss in relation to Protected Areas (PAs) and transborder activity in the country. Results show that since 2000, Belize lost 11% of its forest cover. In that same period, 39.7% of this loss has seen forest recovery, predominantly in southern portion of the country, and within PAs. Ongoing forest loss in the north has expanded towards central and southern Belize. Forest loss in PAs account for 14.3% of overall loss nationwide, with fires and agricultural expansion playing a prominent role in the encroachment on forestland. A better understanding of forest loss in Belize reinforces distinctions between forest loss in the north and the south of the country and demonstrates the need for enhanced forest protection. This research provides new information to conservation planners to better understand the dynamics and drivers of forest loss and regrowth in the Selva Maya region.

摘要

塞尔瓦玛雅是中美洲最大的热带森林，包括伯利兹、危地马拉北部和墨西哥东南部的部分地区。伯利兹森林丧失的模式和过程的研究不如塞尔瓦玛雅其他地区那么全面。因此，这项研究追踪了与该国保护区 (PA) 和跨境活动相关的 20 年森林损失。结果显示，自 2000 年以来，伯利兹的森林覆盖面积减少了 11%。在同一时期，39.7% 的损失是森林恢复，主要在该国南部和保护区内。北部持续的森林损失已扩大到伯利兹中部和南部。保护区的森林损失占全国总损失的 14.3%，其中火灾和农业扩张在对林地的侵占中发挥了突出作用。更好地了解伯利兹的森林损失，加强了该国北部和南部森林损失之间的区别，并表明需要加强森林保护。这项研究为保护规划者提供了新的信息，以更好地了解塞尔瓦玛雅地区森林丧失和再生的动态和驱动因素。