Conservation
“Protected” in Name Only: Belize’s Marine Reserves Under Threat
The turquoise waters around Cayo Rosario sparkle with life and beauty. It is part of Belize’s Hol Chan Marine Reserve, a place many consider sacred ground for biodiversity, fishing, and tourism. So when an overwater development project was approved inside the reserve and commenced construction, it sparked national outrage. How could something so destructive be allowed in one of our most treasured marine protected areas?
Conservation
BFFA and Stakeholders Fight to Save Key Fishing Flats, Including Cayo Rosario
On Monday, May 19th, the Belize Flats Fishery Association (BFFA) held a press conference in Belize City, calling on the Government of Belize to urgently intervene in the ongoing degradation of Belize’s vital mangrove forests, fishing flats, and other marine ecosystems. BFFA members and supporters highlighted their continuing opposition to tourism developments at Cayo Rosario, off the northeast coast of Ambergris Caye, and Sandfly Caye in southern Belize, projects they say pose severe environmental threats.
Conservation
PACT invests BZ$7.75 million in Belize’s National Protected Areas System
The Protected Areas Conservation Trust (PACT) announced the rollout of BZ$7.75 million under its enhanced Conservation Investment Strategy (CIS) 2.0. This substantial investment will be distributed over three years to 15 co-management agencies, supporting strategic conservation initiatives across 28 protected areas in Belize.
Conservation
Belize makes progress in fulfilling conservation commitments outlined in the Blue Bond initiative
Three years after Belize’s landmark “debt-for-nature” swap, the country has made significant strides in conservation through its Blue Bonds initiative. This historic agreement provided funding for marine protection in exchange for debt relief. In late 2021, Belize completed a $360 million debt-for-nature swap, which involved restructuring its external debt and securing $180 million for marine conservation efforts.
Conservation
Sea turtle nesting season has begun; Sargassum poses potential threat
The Hol Chan Marine Reserve has announced the start of the 2025 sea turtle nesting season in northern Ambergris Caye. Over the years, Hol Chan has been monitoring the island’s northern beaches and observing the challenges that sea turtles face during nesting season, which typically lasts until November. One of the significant challenges this year is the increased influx of Sargassum seaweed, which poses a threat to the nesting period, alongside the rise in human activities.
Conservation
Belize Reef Sharks make a remarkable comeback
The resurgence of Belize's reef sharks, a significant conservation success story, is a result of the dedicated efforts of the MarAlliance team. With a history in shark research and fishing dating back to 1985, they have played a pivotal role in this transformation. Despite the bleak outlook for years, with iconic species like sawfish disappearing and great hammerhead sightings becoming rare, researchers have been documenting a remarkable recovery at key monitoring sites since 2022. Turneffe Atoll, for instance, saw a tenfold increase in Caribbean reef shark numbers since 2014.
Conservation
Champions of mangrove conservation honored at Mangrove Friendly Development Challenge
The Mangrove Friendly Development Challenge, an inspiring competition organized by the World Wildlife Fund, celebrated and awarded innovative projects that promote mangrove conservation in the Cayes. The Turneffe Atoll Sustainability Association (TASA) and El Ben Cabanas from Caye Caulker were among the winners. TASA was recognized in the Conservation and Sustainability Value category, while El Ben Cabanas received an award in the Aesthetics and Creativity category. This recognition highlights TASA's and El Ben Cabanas' commitment to conservation and their successful efforts to emphasize the importance of marine ecosystems, particularly the protection of mangrove forests.
Conservation
PACT and Belize Fund Partner to Strengthen Conservation Financing in Belize
The Protected Areas Conservation Trust (PACT) and the Belize Fund for a Sustainable Future (Belize Fund) have formalized a partnership to enhance conservation financing for Belize’s National Protected Areas System (NPAS). The signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) marks a significant step in ensuring coordinated and effective financing for the country’s protected areas and natural resources.