Community and Society
New services to advance Belize’s tourism product under a new brand launched at Turneffe Atoll Marine Reserve
On a cloudy, cool day, on Friday, March 25th, the Turneffe Atoll Sustainable Association (TASA) hosted an official ceremony at Calabash Caye within the Turneffe Atoll Reserve to launch five new eco-tourism options under the brand Bluerise. The recreation areas include the Witconcrete ship, Calabash nature and underwater trails, a mooring network, and the Bluerise online portal to pay access fees. This initiative supported by the private sector and the government aims to offer more tourism products within this marine reserve to tourism stakeholders and visitors.
Community and Society
Earth Hour 2022: an educational space for the family
Earth Hour is Saturday, March 26 from 8:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. In Belize, WWF (World Wildlife Fund) has built a website that citizens may visit during the hour where they can learn about different environmental education tools and write a pledge to be carried out during the year.
Community and Society
Islander Jose “Elito” Arceo recognized with James A. Waight Conservation Award
On Wednesday, February 16th, well-known San Pedrano Jose 'Elito' Arceo was recognized with the prestigious James A. Waight Conservation Award. The 36th edition of the event hosted by the Belize Audubon Society highlights outstanding Belizeans and their passionate efforts for conservation.
Conservation
Conservation Fund gets a name, the Belize Fund for a Sustainable Future
The conservation fund for marine conservation secured via the historic Blue Bond program has finally been named. The official name 'Belize Fund for a Sustainable Future' was announced on Monday, February 14th virtually through the Blue Economy and Civil Aviation Ministry. The public had the opportunity to choose and vote for a name via an online poll. Out of three options to choose from, the name with the most votes became the fund's official name.
Conservation
DOE details amendment to plastic pollution regulations
Through the Department of the Environment (DOE) within the Ministry of Sustainable Development, Climate Change, and Disaster Risk Management, the government continues its efforts to fully implement the regulations that will see the end of pollution from plastics in Belize. On Monday, February 14th, the DOE informed the public about the amendment to the Environmental Protection (Pollution from Plastics) Regulations providing details on these changes, including a new phase-out process on single-use plastic products and strict deadlines.
Conservation
Hol Chan Marine Reserve to spearhead emergency response brigade training
From the 17th to the 20th of May, the Hol Chan Marine Reserve will train advanced-level divers to create an emergency response brigade. The brigade will assess damages to the barrier reef following any major natural disaster. The Rapid Response and Emergency Reef Restoration Course training collaborates with the Fisheries Department, the Turneffe Atoll Sustainability Association, The Nature Conservancy, and the Mesoamerican Reef Fund. The deadline for the application is February 11th, and the training is free of cost.
Conservation
BTB and APAMO sign MOU for greater cooperation in the sustainable development of protected areas
The MOU was signed at the BTB headquarters in Belize City on Wednesday, February 2nd by the Hon. Anthony Mahler, Minister of Tourism & Diaspora Relations and Mr. Jose Perez, Executive Director of APAMO. As part of the MOU, the BTB will develop a pilot project alongside APAMO to further develop areas of Sustainable Certification/Accreditation and growth.
Conservation
Participate in the naming of the new Conservation Fund and win a trip to Ambergris Caye
Following the historic Blue Bond debt conversion program procured in November 2021, a conservation fund was created for marine conservation. To mark this momentous program, the Ministry of the Blue Economy and Civil Aviation, in collaboration with The Nature Conservancy (TNC), invites Belizeans to name the new conservation fund. Participants could win a four-person trip to San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye, hotel stay, and a guided tour of the Hol Chan Marine Reserve.