Conservation
Belize’s Hidden Climate Treasure: Why Mangrove & Seagrass “Blue Carbon” Matters More Than Ever
Walk along any stretch of Belize’s coast, and you’ll see them: roots like stilts, leaves shining in the sun, small fish darting in and out. Mangroves are the backbone of our marine environment—and Belize has lots of them.
Community and Society
ACCSD Calls for Transparency and Community Engagement on Hol Chan and Other Development Issues
A public meeting was held on December 16th at the San Pedro Lions Den to discuss concerns surrounding unsustainable developments and the management and protection of the Hol Chan Marine Reserve. The meeting, which brought together tour guides, tourism stakeholders, and other partners from the tourism sector, was organized by the Ambergris Caye Citizens for Sustainable Development (ACCSD). During the gathering, members expressed concern that certain decisions by island authorities are threatening both the marine environment and the livelihoods of those who depend on it. The group announced plans to engage local authorities at a follow-up meeting scheduled for next month.
Community and Society
For the love of the sea: Elito Arceo recognized as an Ocean Hero
Islander and long-time marine advocate Jose “Elito” Arceo has been honored for his dedication to the sea and his decades-long fight to protect Belize’s marine resources. The proud San Pedrano, along with fellow Belizean ocean defender Dennis Garbutt, received Oceana Belize’s Ocean Hero Award on December 4th. The recognition highlights the urgent need to safeguard Belize’s marine environment, and both honorees hope their work inspires the next generation of conservation advocates.
Conservation
WTO Funding Strengthens Belize’s Push for Sustainable Fisheries
Belize has received a US$300,000 grant from the World Trade Organization (WTO) Fish Fund to support the Building Legal Understanding and Enforcement Capacity for Fisheries Subsidies Reform in Belize (BLUE-CAP) Project. The grant, announced on November 27, will help work led by the Directorate General for Foreign Trade, the Ministry of Blue Economy and Marine Conservation, the Fisheries Department, and the High Seas Fisheries Unit, in partnership with the Caribbean Regional Fisheries Mechanism (CRFM). Approved during the WTO Fish Fund steering committee meeting held on November 18–19, 2025, the project is part of a first-round disbursement of US$2.9 million awarded to 26 developing countries.
Conservation
Oceana Announces Belize’s 2025 Ocean Hero Awards Recipients: Dennis Garbutt and Jose “Elito” Arceo celebrated for advocacy and action
On December 4th, 2025, Oceana formally recognized two more Belizeans as Ocean Heroes. They are Jose “Elito” Arceo of San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, and Dennis Garbutt from Punta Gorda Town. The awardees were honored during the 15th Ocean Hero Awards ceremony, broadcast on The National Channel.
Conservation
PACT receives GCF Approval to Develop Major Climate Resilience Project for Belize’s National Protected Areas System
The Protected Areas Conservation Trust (PACT) is pleased to announce that the Green Climate Fund (GCF) has approved a Project Preparation Facility (PPF) Service to support the development of the full proposal for the climate project, "Strengthening the Belize National Protected Areas System (BNPAS) to Provide Resilience and Reduce Vulnerability of Communities Against Climate Change."
Conservation
Stakeholders Unite to Strengthen Belize’s Fisheries Enforcement Efforts
On November 11th, a validation workshop was held in Belize City for the National Fisheries Enforcement and Conservation Monitoring Strategy and Action Plan. The session emphasized the importance of developing an effective national strategy to protect Belize’s marine resources, bringing together key stakeholders, including representatives from the Belize Coast Guard, the Ministry of Blue Economy and Marine Conservation, and the Belize Fisheries Department.
Community and Society
San Pedro Launches Living Shorelines Project to Protect Its Beaches
On Tuesday, November 11, 2025, island residents, community members, and environmental supporters gathered at El Fogón for an information session about Living Shorelines, a new initiative focused on protecting San Pedro’s coast using natural methods. The event featured presentations by Lindsey Precht, Deputy Resilience Officer from Miami Beach; Gerardo Castañeda, Environmental Coordinator at Moon Palace Cancún; and Valentine Rosado, Project Lead for San Pedro’s Living Shorelines Program. The session introduced how nature-based solutions, like restoring dunes, mangroves, and coastal vegetation, can help strengthen the island’s beaches, protect homes and businesses, and preserve the environment for future generations.
Conservation
Dredging Policies Are Failing Belize’s Marine Reserves
Belize’s marine reserves were created to safeguard our most valuable ecosystems that sustain our blue economy. Our reefs, mangroves, and seagrass beds are supposed to be protected spaces, ensuring that fishing, tourism, and coastal protection remain strong for generations. But these irreplaceable habitats are being destroyed by dredging.
Conservation
Public Input Sought on Belize’s Marine Conservation Plans
The National Consultations for Increasing High Protection for Biodiversity in Belize hosted its San Pedro community session on October 29th at the Sunbreeze Hotel, marking the second phase of the Resilient Bold Belize (RBB) Initiative. The consultation was led by the Belize Sustainable Ocean Plan team and supported by the Ministry of Blue Economy and Marine Conservation, the Office of the Prime Minister’s Blue Bond and Finance Permanence Unit, the Belize Fisheries Department, the Coastal Zone Management Authority and Institute (CZMAI), and the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF).
Conservation
Jamal Galves receives International Wildlife Award
On Thursday, October 16th, Jamal Galves, affectionately known in Belize as the Manatee Man, received the Wildlife Rescue Award from the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW). The Belizean marine rescuer was honored with the prestigious recognition at the Animal Action Awards ceremony held at the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) in London, England.
