Settlement with “Azteca” reached

Belmopan, 3^rd August, 2009 - The Ministry of Natural Resources and the Environment informs the general public of an agreed settlement with the owners of the luxury yacht Azteca which had damaged the reef when it ran aground near San Pedro in April of this year.

The agreement calls for the payment of US $400,000.00 to be paid in installments of US $100,000.00. The first installment was received on 24th July, 2009 upon the signing of the agreement.

Separate and additional to these funds, the Ministry has secured commitment from the Mexican-based Fundacion Azteca to assist in activities to promote Belize on TV Azteca along with a technical corporation to give assistance relating to the environment and forest conservation.

Fundacion Azteca is an organization that drives both corporate social responsibilities as a social conscience. It was founded in 1997 and was recognized worldwide by the United Nations in 1999 for its programs of excellence in education, health, ecology and sports, in addition to supporting other organizations and enabling people to collaborate and disseminate their projects.