Conservation
The Belize Fund Supporting Conservation Efforts in Southern Belize
The Belize Fund for a Sustainable Future (Belize Fund), created in March 2022 following the Blue Bond initiative, organized a media tour on June 26–27, 2025, to highlight its efforts in managing Belize’s marine protected areas (MPAs). The two-day tour took a group of journalists and environmental experts to the southern waters of Belize, visiting locations such as Gladden Spit, Silk Cayes Marine Reserve, and Laughing Bird Caye National Park. The visit concluded with a trip to Punta Gorda Town and the Sapodilla Cayes Marine Reserve.
Conservation
Government Forms Task Force to Strengthen Environmental Enforcement
Belize officially established a National Environmental Enforcement Task Force as of June 24th, signaling a significant shift in the country's attitude toward environmental preservation following years of inconsistent enforcement. The new task force, overseen by the Department of the Environment (DOE), aims to tighten the enforcement of environmental standards nationwide, reacting to rising complaints from environmentalists and communities about uncontrolled development and pollution.
Community and Society
Mayor Nuñez issued “No Objection” Letter to Controversial Dredging Approval Near Mexico Rocks
Mayor Gualberto ‘Wally’ Nuñez was called out by Hol Chan Marine Reserve’s Executive Director, Ian Pou, for having issued a no-objection letter for a dredging project near the Mexico Rocks marine protected area north of San Pedro Town. Pou made the declaration after a letter issued by a coalition of tourism stakeholders calling for his resignation mentioned the Mayor as one of the supporters of the move.
Conservation
CBA lifts stop order on Cayo Rosario over the water structures
The Central Building Authority (CBA) has lifted a stop order previously restricting the construction of over-the-water structures on the small island of Cayo Rosario, located off the northwest coast of San Pedro, Ambergris Caye. With the stop order lifted, the project can now also include the construction of a pier (arrival dock). The original stop order, issued in April, cited the developers' failure to submit the required documentation and obtain the necessary building permits.
Community and Society
Island Coalition Demands Better Management of Marine Resources
A broad coalition of stakeholders from San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye, issued a united call on Monday, June 23rd, urging both local and central government authorities to address what they believe is the ongoing mismanagement of Ambergris Caye’s marine natural resources.
Conservation
We Demands Action, Transparency, and Accountability in the Protection of Ambergris Caye’s Marine Reserves
Ambergris Caye Fishing Guide Association, Belize Flats Fishery Association, San Pedro BTIA, Bonefish & Tarpon Trust Belize, North Ambergris Alliance, San Pedro Tour Operators Association, San Pedro Tourist Guide Association, Green Reef Environmental Educational and Coastal Research Institute, Ambergris Caye Citizens for Sustainable Development (ACCSD) and Mayor Gualberto “Wally” Nuñez express serious concern and frustration over the ongoing mismanagement of Belize’s natural resources — particularly within the Hol Chan Marine Reserve.
Conservation
Stakeholders Condemn Dredging Activity Near Mexico Rocks
Dredging activity observed near the Mexico Rocks recreational zone, located within the Hol Chan Marine Reserve, has sparked outrage and concern among environmentalists and tourism stakeholders. They are alarmed at the potential impacts such activity may have on the sensitive marine ecosystem and are demanding clarity regarding the project's authorization and the environmental safeguards in place. Mexico Rocks is recognized as a vital component of the Belize Barrier Reef System. To bring further attention to the issue, the San Pedro Tour Guide Association called a stakeholder meeting on Thursday, June 19th, to collectively voice their concerns.
Conservation
Can Science and Community Leadership Transform Fisheries? A look at WCS Belize’s conservation model
In the coastal communities of Belize, before dawn breaks, the fishers are already preparing their boats. But these days, alongside their nets and hooks, some carry something new: measuring tools, identification guides, and data collection forms. They take on a new role as fisher scientists, gathering crucial information that will shape the future of Belize's marine resources.