DOE Rejects Road Through Northeastern Biological Corridor

The Department of the Environment (DOE) has denied environmental clearance for a proposed two-point-two-mile road through the Northeastern Biological Corridor.  The road, proposed by Honey Hub Limited, would have connected the Honey Camp area to the Neuland community road across portions of the Orange Walk and Corozal districts.  The National Environmental Appraisal Committee reviewed the project’s Environmental Impact Assessment on July 30 and recommended that clearance not be granted.  According to the Department, the assessment did not sufficiently justify clearing approximately thirteen acres of forest within the protected corridor. Officials determined that the project could fragment wildlife habitat, restrict the movement of animals and increase the likelihood of wildlife being killed or injured.  The committee also found insufficient information about the availability of suitable material for constructing the road. It warned that sourcing additional fill could lead to further land clearing, disturbance and damage to natural habitats.  The proposed road would have shortened travel by approximately five miles. However, the assessment did not adequately demonstrate that this benefit would outweigh the potential environmental and socioeconomic effects, including the impact on Santa Martha residents who depend on the existing road network.  The DOE has encouraged Honey Hub Limited to explore an alternative route outside the Northeastern Biological Corridor.  Our newsroom has been unable to verify who owns or directs Honey Hub Limited, when it was incorporated and the nature of its wider commercial operations.