Conservation
Belize Launches Projects to Update its Country Programme for Engagement with the Green Climate Fund
Belize through the Ministry of Economic Development and Petroleum as the National Designated Authority to the Green Climate Fund has received support through grant funding from the Green Climate Fund (GCF) to boost the capacities of the country to access international finance for investments in climate change projects. As such, a three-day National Structured Dialogue was convened virtually on October 19, 2020 to update the country’s pipeline of projects.
Community and Society
Southern fishermen, Lowell ‘Japs’ Godfrey and Neville Smith, honored as advocates for the sea
On Wednesday, October 14th, Oceana formally recognized two outstanding Belizeans as the 2020 Ocean Heroes during its first-ever virtual award ceremony. This year’s winners are Placencia fisher turned seaweed farmer, Lowell Godfrey and Punta Gorda fisher and businessman, Neville Smith.
Conservation
Seawall construction at Cayo Rosario halted via stop order
The illegal construction of a seawall at Cayo Rosario has been halted by Hol Chan Marine Reserve (HCMR), who acted on behalf of the Fisheries Department.
Business & Economy
Unauthorized large-scale dredging project remains inactive; charges could follow after detailed probe
After halting an unauthorized dredging project off the west coast of Ambergris Caye, relevant authorities have been investigating the extent of the damage, with possible charges to be laid on developers
Business & Economy
Despite cease & desist order, unauthorized large-scale dredging off Ambergris Caye’s west coast continues
Despite a formal Cessation Order from the Mining Unit addressed to a Steve Parrish, no enforcement has occurred, and the project has significantly expanded.
Conservation
Agreement signed between the Government of Belize, the Coalition for Sustainable Fisheries, and Oceana to Support Gillnet Fishers to Transition to Alternative Means
In a demonstration of its commitment to sustainable fishing, Dr. Hon. Omar Figueroa, Minister of Fisheries, Forestry, the Environment and Sustainable Development, for and on behalf of the Government of Belize, entered into an agreement with the Coalition for Sustainable Fisheries and Oceana. The agreement will see support rendered to gillnet fishers to transition to alternative income-generating opportunities and to support the voluntary surrender of gillnets. With a successful transition programme in place, the planned phase-out will proceed with the aim of banning the use of gillnets in Belize’s marine territory and Exclusive Economic Zone.
Conservation
Offenders fined $55K+ for possession of illegal marine product at Hol Chan Marine Reserve
Arquel Johnson, Geovanni Reyes, Brian Espat, Mark Anthony Espat, Delmar Rodriguez and Kevan Rodriguez were intercepted, apprehended, prosecuted and fined $55,200 in total.
Conservation
MOU signed for Tri-Partite Collaboration for Sustainable Tourism Development in Protected Areas
A 1st of its kind tri-partied Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed to collaborate in the planning, resource mobilization, development & promotion of Sustainable Tourism in Protected Areas.