by Brian Major
Last updated: 2:00 PM ET, Tue November 8, 2016
Belize government authorities have approved an environmental impact assessment report on Blackadore Caye, a 104-acre private island off the coast off Ambergis Caye owned by film star Leonardo DiCaprio. With the approval, the Blackadore Caye Development Group will launch construction of a 36-bungalow eco-resort next year, said officials at the firm.
Blackadore Caye, which local news reports say has been planned since 2005, will feature 36 resort bungalows and 36 estate homes, said Blackadore officials. In addition to building a resort, the developers will "seek to demonstrate how to stabilize a quickly eroding landscape through ecological shoreline protection."
The project will "restore and reinforce Blackadore Caye" through mangrove replanting, replacement of invasive species with native species, enhancement of the island's soil and habitat and "creating additional armature for reef and fish breeding."
The developers have reserved more than half of Blackadore Cay to establish a protected wildlife preserve and the island's power systems will utilize renewable energy. Water will be supplied through rainwater collection and onsite water treatment, the developers said.
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The award-winning actor is partnering in the development with Paul Scialla, founder of real estate and technology company Delos. Company officials also said an earlier plan for over-the-water bungalows was scrapped due to concerns raised by environmentalists.
"DiCaprio and his team have spent the last six months gathering feedback from local stakeholders and citizens on the original project design," said Blackadore officials in a statement.
"The final design reflects the input of the surrounding community on every aspect of the project, including even the removal of overwater structures which garnered great design acclaim but caused concern for just a few local environmentalists."
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