Community and Society
Oceana promotes sustainable fishing with pilot project under the Fish Right, Eat Right initiative
On Friday, October 22nd, Oceana Belize rolled out a pilot project under the ‘Fish Right, Eat Right’ initiative, connecting restaurants with responsible fisher-folks. The campaign involves an app that allows restaurants and even customers to know what type of fish they are consuming and where it was caught. The main purpose of the initiative is to curb illegal fishing and promote best practices in fisheries by providing marketing incentives throughout the supply chain via the promotion of responsible seafood consumption.
Conservation
Minister of Sustainable Development Participates in 15th Meeting of the Conference of the Parties
Hon. Orlando Habet, Minister of Sustainable Development, Climate Change and Disaster Risk Management, is leading a delegation from various ministries and non-governmental organizations, participating virtually, at the 15th Conference of the Parties to the Convention of Biological Diversity from October 11 to 15, 2021.
Conservation
Belize to Benefit from Global Fund for Coral Reefs Investment Window
The Green Climate Fund (GCF) during its 30th board meeting approved US$125 million towards “Global Fund for Coral Reefs Investment Window” to be implemented by Pegasus Capital Advisors, the accredited entity in Belize and other countries. The initial GCF investment also seeks to attract an additional US$375 million of public and private capital.
Conservation
Hon. Andre Perez shares Belize’s commitment to combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing
Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) fishing and transnational organized crime in the fisheries sector has in the past affected the reputation of many Caribbean countries, including Belize. To combat this issue, Caribbean ministers responsible for fisheries and blue economic growth are holding meetings to address the issue during this year's Caribbean Week of Agriculture, celebrated virtually under the theme 'Transforming our Food Systems.' Belize was represented by the Honourable Andre Perez, Minister of the Blue Economy and Civil Aviation, and shared the country's commitment to strengthen regional cooperation in the fight against IUU fishing.
Conservation
Healthy 2021 turtle nesting season; nesting areas still threatened by human activity
The current turtle nesting season continues to look good as members of the Hol Chan Marine Reserve are reporting hatchlings in the several nests discovered in northern Ambergris Caye. 44 nests have been found so far, a much lower nest count from previous seasons. Around this time of year, nests amounted to the 90s previously.
Community and Society
Oceana Belize honors San Pedro’s Jennie Staines with Ocean Hero award
Well-known islander and Chef Jennie Staines was selected as one of Oceana’s Ocean Heroes at their annual award ceremony on Wednesday, September 29th, held virtually due to the pandemic. The second recipient of the prestigious award went to Kevin Andrewin. Oceana recognized both Staines and Andrewin for their invaluable contributions to marine conservation in Belize.
Conservation
Jaguar spotted swimming off Ambergris Caye north coast
Fly-fishing tour guide Michael Peralta and his guests witnessed a rare sighting on the northwest coast of Ambergris Caye on Tuesday, September 14th while on their way to the fishing flats. They suddenly spotted something swimming in the water and to their surprise, it was far from a marine creature, but a full-grown jaguar.
Conservation
GOB works with a coalition of NGO’s in commitment to conserve key areas of the Maya Forest in Belize
The Government of Belize, Re:wild and The Nature Conservancy (TNC) have agreed to co-operate in the implementation of a strategy and mutual undertaking of the parties for the benefit of the Government and People of Belize, to protect and conserve their natural ecosystems and its services, as well as its biodiversity in perpetuity while seeking to support sustainable human development.