Our Actions at Bocas del Polochic

In order to make its management easy the Refuge has been divided in four zones:  a primitive zone, a recovery zone, a sustainable use zone, and an extensive use zone.  Each of these zones has special regulations and some activities are allowed according to the particular characteristics of the environment.  All the activities that are made in the Refuge are ruled by a Management Plan approved by the Consejo Nacional de Áreas Protegidas (National Council of Protected Areas), CONAP (for its initials in Spanish).

Defensores de la Naturalezahas an office at El Estor, Izabal for the management of this wildlife Refuge.  This is the base of operations for a work team that is in charge of the management of resources, administration and monitoring of the area.  The area has the Scientific Station Selempim, which facilities can accommodate researchers and tourists that are interested in visiting the region.

The Ecotourism in Bocas del Polochic.  Since its beginning as a protected area, Bocas del Polochic has stand out as an area with a lot of potential for the ecotourism. Because of its great variety and its large concentration of birds this area is considered a favorite area for birdwatchers.  The aquatic ecosystems offer the tourists a lot of options in conventional boats or in the traditional “cayucos” (small boat similar to the canoe) of the local inhabitants.  In this sense, Defensores de la Naturaleza has encouraged and prepared the local inhabitants to give services as tourist guides, to supply food and to manufacture handicrafts.  Up to date, there are two places where ecotourism services are given:  the Selempim station, managed by Defensores de la Naturaleza, and the guest house Chapín Abajo, managed by the community of the same name.  Both places offer comfortable facilities to the visitors and a unique experience with the environment.