Concerns over potential illegal land clearing within Belize’s Vaca Forest Reserve have surfaced, as local farmers from the Cayo District reported suspicious activities to News Five. The farmers expressed alarm over the presence of heavy machinery in the area, suspecting unauthorized deforestation. Friends for Conservation and Development (FCD), a prominent environmental organization, confirmed receiving similar reports. Executive Director Rafael Manzanero stated that the complaints have been forwarded to the Belize Forest Department for investigation. While Manzanero could not confirm if the reports were identical, he emphasized the need for verification to determine whether the clearing occurred on private lands or within the protected reserve. The Forest Department is expected to conduct a site visit to assess the situation. Manzanero clarified that FCD does not directly investigate such claims, as the Forest Department is better equipped to cross-reference maps and pinpoint locations. This incident raises broader questions about the enforcement of environmental protections in Belize, particularly in ecologically sensitive areas like the Vaca Forest Reserve.