Forming a strategic biological corridor that stretches from the Maya Mountains to the coastal mangrove forests of Belize's southern coast, the Golden Stream Corridor plays a critical role in protecing the Golden Stream Watershed and reducing negative impacts on Port Honduras Marine Reserve.

The 15,000 acre preserve is owned and managed by Ya'axché. In addition to its role as a biological corridor, it is itself home to an impressive array of biodiversity which includes 17 major ecosystems identified, hundreds of plant species, 19 amphibian, 270 bird, 20 fish, 59 mammal and 54 reptile species identified to date.

Inline with its Integrated Landscape Management approach Ya'axché actively encourages local communities to utilize selected forest resources in a sustainable and permitted manner from the Preserve itself. Local communities also benefit from the protected area from the ecosystem services that it provides, especially by providing clean water, pollination and acting as a source for 'spillover' game species, as well as considerable levels of employment that Ya'axché generates. The Preserve provides a host of other benefits nationally and internationally such as storing carbon and providing habitat as a fish nursery.

The protected area also houses Ya'axché's Field Centre which provide accommodation and office facilities for guests and volunteers.

For more information contact Ya'axché's Protected Areas Manager, Nathaniel Miller.