Conservation Highlight
Conservation Highlight – Fragments of Hope returns to access San Pedro’s thriving coral nurseries
“Lisa Carne is no stranger to San Pedro. The coral nurseries are growing with amazing success,” Valentine Rosado writes in Conservation Highlight — San Pedro Sun
Community and Society
Belize’s Shark Conservation efforts highlighted on The Ellen Show
Under the Ministry of the Blue Economy and the collaboration of local and international experts, Belize has been making significant efforts to protect marine species. One milestone that became a reality on June 25, 2021, was the establishment of a protected area of 1,500 square miles around Lighthouse Reef Atoll, Glover’s Reef, and Turneffe Atoll, where shark fishing is no longer allowed. The country’s efforts in shark conservation were discussed by shark expert Dr. Demian Chapman when he was a guest on the popular United States television show, The Ellen Show.
Community and Society
Bonefish and Tarpon Trust highlights the continued challenges affecting Belize’s fishing flats
The pristine Caribbean waters around Ambergris Caye house a series of unique marine habitats supporting livelihoods in fisheries and tourism. One of these sectors, particularly in tourism, is the fly-fishing industry. The survival of this livelihood depends on healthy and intact habitats for marine life such as tarpon, bonefish, and permit, which continue to be threatened by coastal development. A recent short film titled ‘Paradise Under Threat’ by the Bonefish and Tarpon Trust (BTT) highlights some of the challenges to conservation and the best approaches authorities can engage in to save these natural habitats.
Conservation
Forest Department Receives Specialized Equipment Under Sustainable Development Project II
On December 21, 2021, the Ministry of Sustainable Development, Climate Change and Disaster Risk Management, through the Belize Forest Department, received a donation of specialized forest equipment from the Ministry of Tourism and Diaspora Relations under the Sustainable Tourism Project II (STPII).
Conservation
Conservation Highlight – San Pedro Instructors Certify Punta Gorda Youths as PADI Open Water Divers
“Ched Cabral enlists partners and friends to travel to his hometown in hopes of inspiring a new generation of divers and marine professionals.” Valentine Rosado writes in Conservation Highlights — The San Pedro Sun
Conservation
Aces Wildlife Rescue and ECI Development work together on mangrove restoration
As the island develops mangroves are cleared in some regions with little consideration for environmental impact. Aces Wildlife Rescue and ECI Development have joined forces in a mangrove rehabilitation program that has led to planting mangrove propagules (seeds) along specific areas of the beach.
Conservation
GOB and BCCI Convene Private Sector Focus Group Kick-off Meeting
As part of the Green Climate Fund (GCF)-funded Readiness Support for Strengthening Belize Private Sector Access to Climate Finance Project, a kick-off meeting was convened on November 16, 2021 to launch a collaborative process with a Private Sector Focus Group of key Belizean private sector partners. These partners belong to a broad range of organisations, from large corporations with in-depth sectoral expertise, financial institutions and regulators, national institutions promoting private sector engagement and inclusion, and trade associations.
Community and Society
Win a brand-new motorbike at Aces Wildlife Rescue’s first annual Christmas raffle
Aces Wildlife Rescue, the only wildlife rehabilitation organization serving Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker, is hosting a Christmas raffle with a brand new 2022 Honda xr150 motorbike up for winning. The drawing will be held on Christmas eve at 8PM at The Truck Stop. Tickets are BZ$50 and are available at The Truck Stop or ACES by calling 623-7920. All proceeds go to support Aces operations.