Thursday, March 28, 2024

Conservation

Population Growth of the ‘Hicatee’ Turtle at Cox Lagoon in the Maya Forest Corridor

Hicatees live in freshwaters such as rivers, creeks, and lagoons, and build their nests on the banks. They are large aquatic animals that eat plants, overhanging vegetation, fruits, and flowers. They uniquely show sexual dimorphism where adult males express visibly express a yellow to orange head coloration.

Consultation engages San Pedro residents in developing National Mangrove Restoration Action Plan

A consultation seeking to know the pulse of San Pedro regarding mangrove restoration engaged a group of islanders on Wednesday, October 25th, at the Sagebrush Church. The session is part of the National Mangrove Restoration Action Plan. This project aims to develop a five-year national action plan to enhance the protection and preservation of these essential coastal trees. The meeting was very interactive, with participants sharing the challenges mangrove ecosystems face in San Pedro and the need for enforcement and penalties against those illegally clearing this vegetation. It was clear that a permit must be obtained from the Belize Forest Department before any mangrove trimming or alteration occurs. All those in attendance noted that almost no one involved in coastal tourism developments follows such requirements per the law.

Founder of Belize Bird Rescue scoops international award

London – 18 October 2023 – A woman who lives in Belize, originally from the UK is one of the first international winners to...

The future of mangroves on Ambergris Caye; what are authorities doing?

The constant development of San Pedro, Ambergris Caye has recently seen the decimation of large areas of mangroves. Most of these cases take place on private properties, clearing the mangroves for development projects. The San Pedro Town Council (SPTC) said they are starting to investigate some of these clearings as a permit is required before altering mangroves. These trees are considered highly important for coastal areas in Belize as they serve not only as a nursing ground for juvenile fish and fight climate change but also as a reliable natural buffer against natural disasters like hurricanes.

Stakeholder Engagement Sessions Fuel Enthusiasm for Ocean Conservation Funding

Submitted by Chalsey Gill Anthony Communications Officer| Belize Fund for a Sustainable Future photos courtesy Belize Fund Press Release - In a strategic stride towards bolstering Belize's marine...

The Blue Economy promotes the sustainability of stone crab claws harvesting in Belize

The stone crab’s claws have become a delicacy in gourmet restaurants with increasing demand in areas such as Ambergris Caye off the northeast coast of Belize. A plate containing 1 1/2lb of cooked stone crab claws sells for up to US$42.50. The value of the overall industry, as per the Belize Fisheries Department (BFD), was around $125,000 for the local market. However, this number is expected to increase as exporting stone crab claws to other markets in the United States and the Caribbean starts.

Closure of Deer Huning Season; Peccary and Game Birds Remain Closed

The Belize Forest Department within the MSDCCDRM hereby reminds the public that as of July 1, 2023, the hunting season for White Tail/Red Brocket Deer (Odocoileus Virginianus) is officially closed along with other Game Specie falling within their respective dates outlined below.

Marine Spatial Plan discussion held in San Pedro

Stakeholders from the tourism and fishing sectors attended a community outreach held on Wednesday, June 14th, at the San Pedro Lions Den to discuss the Marine Spatial Plan (MSP). This initiative under the Belize Sustainable Ocean Plan (BSOP) was hosted by the Coastal Zone Management Authority and Institute (CZMAI), who have been spearheading community meetings across the country and inviting the community to participate in the process that aims to bolster biodiversity protection in Belize's seas.