PACT was established in 1996 as Belize's national conservation trust fund. It was legally established as a statutory body after several years of consultation and meeting with various NGO's, Government Departments, private sector and international conservation organizations. Revenue is derived from a conservation fee of BZE $7.50 per visitor paid upon departure. Other revenue sources include a 20% commission on recreation related license fees and concession fees in conjunction with public protected areas and 20% commission of cruise ship passenger fees.