In 2017, Wolfs Company and the VU University Amsterdam supported capacity building activities in Belize by implementing a comprehensive Natural Resources Valuation (NRV) training program for more than 20 government officials and representatives of Belizean organizations involved in natural resource management.

After an introductory webinar, participants became familiar with key concepts through a series of homework assignments and gained in-depth knowledge to conduct NRV studies during a 1-week intensive course. In the final phase of the program, Wolfs Company guided training participants in the development of a pilot study on the socioeconomic value associated with mangrove ecosystems in the mouth of Belize River.

The pilot study was complemented with a methodological guide for NRV in Belize and the Wider Caribbean. The guide focused on ecosystem services identified as a priority for Belize through the training program. In addition to these products, deliverables of this consultancy included a review of practices and approaches for NRV, a training module with materials for future capacity building activities and a sensitization workshop for stakeholders in Belize.

The NRV training program was funded through a Global Environment Facility (GEF) – United Nations Development Program (UNDP) project, and commissioned by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Forestry, the Environment and Sustainable Development (MAFFESD) of Belize.