A Village Within A Wetland A Case Study Of The Causeway Which Brought Development To Crooked Tree

Abstract

This case study explores the environmental, social, and economic impacts of the 1983 causeway constructed across the Crooked Tree Lagoon in Belize. Before the causeway, the village of Crooked Tree functioned as an isolated wetland community whose livelihood, transportation, and cultural practices were closely tied to the natural lagoon system. The construction of the causeway—built without prior hydrological or environmental assessment—altered the lagoon’s natural water flow, effectively creating a permanent reservoir on the northern side. Through interviews with villagers, water-quality tests, and vegetation assessments, the study documents significant ecological changes, including widespread mortality of logwood stands, altered hydrology, increased nutrient and ammonia levels, reduced dissolved oxygen, and shifts in fish and bird populations. Socially, the causeway enhanced transportation, access to markets, tourism development, employment opportunities, and overall convenience for villagers. At the same time, it introduced concerns related to resource depletion, inequity between lagoon sides, and increased presence of outsiders. The eventual installation of two bridges in 1992 partially restored water flow but triggered further ecological adjustments, including temporary fish die-offs. Findings highlight the interconnected relationship between development, wetland ecology, and community livelihood, underscoring the need for comprehensive environmental assessment prior to infrastructure projects in sensitive ecosystems. Recommendations include continued monitoring, establishing baseline ecological data, and ensuring future development projects incorporate hydrological and ecological planning.