CATIE supports sediment and salinity monitoring in the Monkey River Watershed in Belize

• Actions supported by CATIE will generate reliable information for sustainable management of the watershed and its adaptation to climate variability.

From November 17 to December 5, a strategic hydrological monitoring campaign is being carried out in the Monkey River watershed (GMRW), one of the most important ecological and productive areas in southern Belize.

As part of this effort, CATIE—through Ney Ríos and Christian Birkel, specialists from the Watersheds, Water Security, and Soils Unit (UCSHS)—provides specialized technical assistance to the National Hydrological Service (NHS) to strengthen the measurement of sediments, flows, and salinity at key points on the Bladen, Swasey, and Monkey Rivers.

“This monitoring is important, as changes in land use, erosion, climate variability, and saline intrusion pose increasing risks to water, ecosystems, and communities,” explained Ríos.

This campaign will enable the determination of sediment dynamics (total suspended solids - TSS, bedload , turbidity) across the high-medium-low gradient of the basin. In addition, it will be possible to measure freshwater–saltwater interaction and identify possible areas of marine intrusion, relate sediments and salinity to flow conditions, and strengthen local capacities through the use of specialized equipment such as YSI EXO, ADCP, and sediment sampling.

During fieldwork, access points are verified, sites are georeferenced, drone flights are conducted, and technical planning progresses for the installation of equipment that will support a future permanent monitoring network.

The collaboration with the NHS was made possible thanks to the efforts of CATIE's National Office in Belize. In this way, CATIE and the Watersheds, Water Security, and Soils Unit reaffirm their commitment to generating reliable information for sustainable water management, climate adaptation, and ecosystem protection in Belize.