Tuesday, March 19, 2024

Conservation

WCS invites media to interview experts attending the Global Shark Conservation Conference

The Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) sponsored a media trip to Middle Caye at Glover’s Reef Marine Reserve on February 28th, where experts were available for interviews while on a field trip to Glover’s Reef Research Station. The specialists were among fifty-plus marine conservationists who attended the Belize Shark Conference in Placencia from February 26th to March 1st. At the conference, regional, international, and local authorities discussed shark research, conservation, and counter-wildlife trafficking.

WCS invites media to interview experts attending the Global Shark Conservation Conference

The Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) sponsored a media trip to Middle Caye at Glover's Reef Marine Reserve on February 28th, where experts were available for interviews while on a field trip to Glover's Reef Research Station. The specialists were among fifty-plus marine conservationists who attended the Belize Shark Conference in Placencia from February 26th to March 1st. At the conference, regional, international, and local authorities discussed shark research, conservation, and counter-wildlife trafficking.

The 13th annual Reef Week is set to begin!

Belize's Barrier Reef Reserve System (BBRRS) plays a significant role in the country's economy and identity. Every year, conservation partners team up to highlight the reef's importance and celebrate its existence in Belize. The 13th Annual Reef Week 2024 will be celebrated from March 9th to 16th under the theme "Unite in the Coral Reef Fight: Learn, Teach, and Do What's Right!" The public is invited to participate in a week-long series of activities celebrating the Belize Barrier Reef while learning and having fun.

UK agrees new support for conservation efforts in the Caribbean Sea

£190,000 of UK funding will support Caribbean marine conservation efforts and improve livelihoods. Announcement was made by Minister for the Americas, Caribbean and Overseas Territories, David Rutley whilst attending the CARICOM Heads of Government Meeting in Guyana.

Turneffe Atoll Sustainability Association Blends Tradition with Technology to Save Belize’s Marine Ecosystems

Since 2013 the Turneffe Atoll Sustainability Association (TASA) has received its mandate as the official co-manager of the marine reserve from the Government of Belize through the Belize Fisheries Department. The award-winning nonprofit blends traditional engagement strategies and technology to redefine marine conservation and improve management effectiveness, which IUCN defines as ‘how well-protected areas are managed.’

Belize Flats Fishery Association concludes countrywide membership drive

The Belize Flats Fishery Association (BFFA) ended January with a successful countywide membership drive that started in October 2023. The BFFA recruited 60 members across the country and expects to sign up additional members in the coming weeks. The association aims to be the voice that promotes flats fishing guides and stakeholders to increase professional standards and advocate for better protection of the ecosystems and improved livelihoods.

Cultivation of Narcotics and Deforestation reported in the Chiquibul National Park

The Friends for Conservation and Development (FCD), the guardians of the Chiquibul National Rainforest Reserve in western Belize, have reported the cultivation of narcotics, including Marijuana and coca plants, in the national park. The finding is worrisome as the activity is reported deeper in Belizean territory. Another problem is deforestation, which threatens the national park.

ACES rescues giant boa constrictor on Ambergris Caye

Over the last few years, ACES Wildlife Rescue has evolved from solely working with problematic and injured crocodiles to aiding all forms of wildlife in need. They have seen their share of creatures here on Ambergris Caye, from iguanas and bats to turtles, land and sea birds, and even opossums and ant eaters! One common call is when a boa constrictor harmlessly surfaces where he’s not welcome. ACES volunteers Ben and Rae Sept were in for a surprise when they answered a call to help relocate the largest boa the organization has ever seen.

Offshore oil exploration in Belize now requires a national referendum

The Referendum (Amendment) Bill 2023 is now law, compelling the government to hold a mandatory referendum before oil exploration in Belizean waters. The Bill went through the stages of approval in the House of Representatives and the Senate. It was then assented to by Governor General Dame Froyla Tzalam on November 9th, and two days later, it was published in the government’s Gazette.

Management plan for Bacalar Chico still in the works; illegal hunting continues

Concerned residents and conservationists in San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, continue to report illegal activities, such as hunting, at the terrestrial portion of the Bacalar Chico National Park in the island’s northern part. According to reports, the wildlife at this park (deer, peccaries, etc.) is under constant threat, particularly on weekends. There are reportedly no park rangers to safeguard the surrounding natural habitats, and thus, there is reported abuse of the protected area. With the Sarteneja Alliance for Conservation and Development (SACD) taking control of the co-management of Bacalar Chico in March of this year, changes were expected to occur. The SACD has indicated that changes are coming as they continue developing a management plan for the site and begin having a partial presence by December of this year.

Amendment approved to include offshore oil exploration referendum

After the Government of Belize and Oceana Belize agreed on the referendum on the moratorium on offshore oil exploration, a Bill was introduced in the House of Representatives to amend the Referendum Act and make a referendum mandatory. The Bill was debated in the Senate and approved on October 26th, officiating the amendment for a mandatory referendum before any oil exploration in Belizean waters.