The CZM Authority is an autonomous public statutory body charged with the responsibility of implementing and monitoring policies that govern the use and development of the coastal zone in Belize., , The CZM Institute carries out the technical functions of coastal management in coordination with the various agencies involved. Its main functions are to conduct marine research, maintain a data centre, provide information as required by the Authority, organize training courses, support other agencies involved in Coastal Zone Management (CZM), maintain coastal monitoring programmes, and assist with preparation of a national CZM plan.