Community and Society
Islanders join National Coastal and Riverways Cleanup
Several groups across the country participated in the National Coastal and Riverways Cleanup on Saturday, September 27th. In San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye, three cleanup efforts were organized, including a sargassum removal along the eastern coast and a road and beach cleanup in northern Ambergris Caye. Together, participants collected large amounts of trash and sargassum.
Conservation
WWF’s 2025 Mangrove Friendly Development Challenge comes to San Pedro
On Monday, September 15th, the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) hosted the 2025 Mangrove Friendly Development Challenge meeting at the Sun Breeze Hotel in San Pedro. The event brought together conservation leaders, policymakers, developers, and community stakeholders to highlight the importance of mangroves and encourage innovative, sustainable development across Belize.
Conservation
Belize Advances Climate Action Through Inclusive Climate Week 2025
Belize Climate Week 2025, observed from August 25 to 29, brought together national stakeholders, youth, and local communities to raise awareness and promote action on climate change. Organized by the National Climate Change Office (NCCO) under the theme “Adapting Today, Sustaining Tomorrow: Resilient Roots, Greener Future,” the week featured panel discussions, interactive booths, and workshops focused on Belize’s climate strategies and inclusive engagement.
Conservation
Belize’s Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) Need Real Protection, Not Just Promises: Overhauling MPA Oversight
Belize’s coral reefs are one of our greatest blessings. They give us food, jobs, and protection from storms. They draw thousands of visitors each year and support the way of life in many coastal communities. But right now, the places that are supposed to protect our reefs and the sea around them, our Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), aren’t doing their job to the extent many think they are.
Conservation
GOB Achieves the Delivery of Milestone 4 Under the Belize Blue Bonds Program
. In November 2024, the Government of Belize, through its Blue Bond and Finance Permanence Unit, submitted the required documentation to the Belize Blue Investment Company Limited (BIC) to complete Milestone 4, one of the key conservation targets under the Conservation Funding Agreement (CFA) of the Belize Blue Bonds Program.
Conservation
Delicate Balance at Risk: Belize Reef Battles Record Sargassum Levels
A severe environmental crisis is unfolding along the northern coastline of Ambergris Caye. An unprecedented influx of sargassum seaweed is impacting the Belize Barrier Reef, particularly the Bacalar Chico Marine Reserve and National Park. The decomposing seaweed along the shoreline and near the reef is causing massive marine mortality and disrupting the ecosystem. Conservation groups and marine scientists are urgently documenting the damage and calling on the government to declare the sargassum event a national disaster.
Community and Society
Workshop Highlights Legal Tools for Sustainable Development
On Friday, August 15th, a Community Workshop on Sustainable Development and Environmental Protection was held at the Sunbreeze Hotel conference room, signaling a renewed commitment to safeguarding Ambergris Caye’s future. Organized by Senator Hon. Gabriel Zetina and supported by Senator Janelle Chanona, the workshop aimed to equip stakeholders with the necessary legal and policy tools to navigate Belize’s evolving governance framework for land use, development, and environmental compliance.
Conservation
The Challenges of Protecting the Sapodilla Cayes Marine Reserve
The Sapodilla Cayes Marine Reserve, located in southern Belize, is a chain of 14 islands off the coast of the Toledo District, currently co-managed by the Toledo Institute for Development and Environment (TIDE). TIDE conducts routine patrols alongside the Belize Coast Guard (BCG) to protect the area from illegal fishing and other illicit activities. However, enforcement efforts are met with significant challenges, including transboundary issues stemming from the reserve’s proximity to Guatemala and Honduras.
Conservation
Understanding Human Involvement in Sea Turtle Hatchling Rescues
The sea turtle nesting season is underway, and the eastern beaches of San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, are a favored nesting site for these magnificent marine creatures. While most nests are typically reported along the remote northern beaches of the island, a recent discovery brought sea turtle activity much closer to town. On the night of July 23rd, residents north of downtown San Pedro spotted baby sea turtles emerging from a nest and alerted authorities.
Conservation
Belize Launches 24/7 Hotline to Combat Forest-Related Crimes
On July 16, 2025, the Belize Forest Department launched a new 24-hour hotline (+501-610-1524) to report environmental crimes and forest-related concerns. The initiative offers the public a direct and immediate way to report activities threatening Belize’s forest resources, including illegal logging, wildlife trafficking, and other environmental violations. Developed in collaboration with Belize Bird Rescue, the hotline aims to strengthen community involvement in forest protection and conservation efforts.
Conservation
Rare Sea Turtle Nest Discovered Near Downtown San Pedro
On Wednesday night, July 23rd, residents just north of San Pedro Town reported the sighting of baby sea turtles on the beach. Approximately 139 hatchlings had emerged but appeared disoriented. The ACES Wildlife Rescue team was first contacted and, in turn, reached out to the Hol Chan Marine Reserve, which oversees a sea turtle conservation program. Under Hol Chan’s guidance, the hatchlings were rescued. They are now in the care of the Reserve and will be safely released into the sea in the coming days.
