Conservation
Belize Nature Conservation Foundation awards BZ$100,000 to Strengthen Environmental Literacy and Enforcement
The Belize Nature Conservation Foundation (BNCF) awarded BZ$100,000.00 in grants to support conservation efforts in Belize’s terrestrial protected areas. The Community Baboon Sanctuary Women’s Conservation Group (CBS) and Friends for Conservation and Development (FCD) will each receive BZ$50,000 to enhance protection, management, and community engagement initiatives. The milestone was marked with an award ceremony hosted at the Community Baboon Sanctuary Headquarters in Bermudian Landing on March 19.
Conservation
Minister of Sustainable Development Addresses Ambergris Caye’s Development Concerns
Ongoing concerns on Ambergris Caye about large-scale coastal developments deemed unsustainable have prompted a response from the Minister of Sustainable Development, the Honorable Orlando Habet. He noted the need for proper planning to determine the level of development suitable for areas like Ambergris Caye and other coastal communities across the country.
Conservation
SACD Recognized for Conservation Work at Bacalar Chico
The Sarteneja Alliance for Conservation and Development (SACD) won second place in the Conservation and Sustainability category of WWF’s 2025 Mangrove Friendly Development Challenge. The awards ceremony took place on March 14, 2026, at the Grand Resort Hotel in Belize City, honoring property owners, resorts, and community groups working to protect mangroves during development.
Conservation
ACES Wildlife Rescue Continues to Provide Critical Care for Injured Wildlife
ACES Wildlife Rescue in San Pedro has been responding to injured and displaced native animals across the Northern Cayes through a dedicated rehabilitation and release program that has served Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker since 2010. Operating as a non-profit permitted by the Belize Forest Department, the organization provides 24-hour emergency response and long-term care for wildlife affected by human activity and habitat loss.
Conservation
Captive Parrot Permit Applications to Close March 31st
In Belize, it is illegal to keep wildlife in captivity. The Belize Forest Department continues to enforce this law and reminds current parrot owners that the registration application period for their birds will close on March 31st. After this date, the opportunity to legalize parrots already in captivity will end. For full registration information, visit the Belize Bird Rescue licensing section (https://shorturl.at/zklXB) or contact the Forest Department at 610-1524.
Conservation
Stakeholders review climate adaptation priorities for San Pedro and Caye Caulker
The National Climate Change Office conducted the second round of validation consultations for Belize's Multi-Sectoral National Adaptation Plan (MNAP) on March 5th at El Fogon Restaurant in San Pedro Town. Project Manager Jasmine Tzul, Adaptation Officer Jose Marin, and National Consultant Joshua Romero led the event, which also featured an online presentation by Sascha Mahawelatanne Goonese, lead consultant from Metroeconomica in Spain. About 30 participants from various local sectors gathered to review initial adaptation priorities and offer feedback.
Conservation
Authorities Issue Warning After Multiple Manatees Killed by Boat Strikes
The Belize Fisheries Department issued an urgent warning on March 3, 2026, to all vessel operators after several recent manatee strandings across the country. In February, eight manatees were reported stranded in areas including Corozal, Belize City, Placencia, Gales Point, and Hopkins. Authorities confirmed that three of these cases—one adult male and two adult females, found on February 11th, 14th, and 16th—resulted from boat strikes.
Conservation
Belize Fisheries Department Urges Heightened Caution Following Multiple Manatee Strandings in February
The Belize Fisheries Department is issuing a serious and urgent reminder to all vessel operators following multiple manatee strandings recorded across the country during the month of February 2026. The Belize Marine Mammal Stranding Network documented eight manatee strandings in Corozal, Belize City, Placencia, Gales Point, and Hopkins. Of particular concern are three confirmed cases in which injuries consistent with vessel strikes were identified.
Conservation
Barge Activity Near Mexico Rocks Raises Environmental Concerns
Barge activity near the Mexico Rocks protected area in northern Ambergris Caye has once again drawn public concern, months after a controversial dredging project in the area came under heavy scrutiny. The dredging initiative, approved in June 2025, was intended to facilitate the passage of barges transporting construction materials and other goods. At the time, tourism stakeholders and environmental advocates questioned the decision, arguing that the area is environmentally sensitive and that such activity could jeopardize coral formations within the nearby marine reserve.
Conservation
SEA Strengthens Enforcement and Conservation in Southern Marine Reserves
The Southern Environmental Association (SEA), a Belizean conservation organization, is strengthening marine protection in southern Belize through new technology and community-led initiatives. Under the leadership of Executive Director Elizabeth Avila Muschamp, SEA co-manages the Gladden Spit and Silk Cayes Marine Reserve and Laughing Bird Caye National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Recent funding of BZ$750,000 from the Belize Fund for a Sustainable Future has supported upgrades, including solar-powered ranger stations, long-range surveillance cameras, an underwater drone, mangrove restoration efforts, and expanded community watchdog groups.
Conservation
Stakeholders Review Proposed Management Plan for Bacalar Chico National Park
On Wednesday, February 4th, the Sarteneja Alliance for Conservation and Development (SACD) hosted a final socialization session with stakeholders in San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye, regarding its management plan for Bacalar Chico National Park. The session brought together island stakeholders from the private and tourism sectors. Attendees were updated on recent findings in the park and proposed conservation measures, while also providing feedback and recommendations.
