Community and Society
Island Coalition Demands Better Management of Marine Resources
A broad coalition of stakeholders from San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye, issued a united call on Monday, June 23rd, urging both local and central government authorities to address what they believe is the ongoing mismanagement of Ambergris Caye’s marine natural resources.
Conservation
We Demands Action, Transparency, and Accountability in the Protection of Ambergris Caye’s Marine Reserves
Ambergris Caye Fishing Guide Association, Belize Flats Fishery Association, San Pedro BTIA, Bonefish & Tarpon Trust Belize, North Ambergris Alliance, San Pedro Tour Operators Association, San Pedro Tourist Guide Association, Green Reef Environmental Educational and Coastal Research Institute, Ambergris Caye Citizens for Sustainable Development (ACCSD) and Mayor Gualberto “Wally” Nuñez express serious concern and frustration over the ongoing mismanagement of Belize’s natural resources — particularly within the Hol Chan Marine Reserve.
Conservation
Stakeholders Condemn Dredging Activity Near Mexico Rocks
Dredging activity observed near the Mexico Rocks recreational zone, located within the Hol Chan Marine Reserve, has sparked outrage and concern among environmentalists and tourism stakeholders. They are alarmed at the potential impacts such activity may have on the sensitive marine ecosystem and are demanding clarity regarding the project's authorization and the environmental safeguards in place. Mexico Rocks is recognized as a vital component of the Belize Barrier Reef System. To bring further attention to the issue, the San Pedro Tour Guide Association called a stakeholder meeting on Thursday, June 19th, to collectively voice their concerns.
Conservation
Can Science and Community Leadership Transform Fisheries? A look at WCS Belize’s conservation model
In the coastal communities of Belize, before dawn breaks, the fishers are already preparing their boats. But these days, alongside their nets and hooks, some carry something new: measuring tools, identification guides, and data collection forms. They take on a new role as fisher scientists, gathering crucial information that will shape the future of Belize's marine resources.
Conservation
“Protected” in Name Only: Belize’s Marine Reserves Under Threat
The turquoise waters around Cayo Rosario sparkle with life and beauty. It is part of Belize’s Hol Chan Marine Reserve, a place many consider sacred ground for biodiversity, fishing, and tourism. So when an overwater development project was approved inside the reserve and commenced construction, it sparked national outrage. How could something so destructive be allowed in one of our most treasured marine protected areas?
Conservation
BFFA and Stakeholders Fight to Save Key Fishing Flats, Including Cayo Rosario
On Monday, May 19th, the Belize Flats Fishery Association (BFFA) held a press conference in Belize City, calling on the Government of Belize to urgently intervene in the ongoing degradation of Belize’s vital mangrove forests, fishing flats, and other marine ecosystems. BFFA members and supporters highlighted their continuing opposition to tourism developments at Cayo Rosario, off the northeast coast of Ambergris Caye, and Sandfly Caye in southern Belize, projects they say pose severe environmental threats.
Conservation
PACT invests BZ$7.75 million in Belize’s National Protected Areas System
The Protected Areas Conservation Trust (PACT) announced the rollout of BZ$7.75 million under its enhanced Conservation Investment Strategy (CIS) 2.0. This substantial investment will be distributed over three years to 15 co-management agencies, supporting strategic conservation initiatives across 28 protected areas in Belize.
Conservation
Belize makes progress in fulfilling conservation commitments outlined in the Blue Bond initiative
Three years after Belize’s landmark “debt-for-nature” swap, the country has made significant strides in conservation through its Blue Bonds initiative. This historic agreement provided funding for marine protection in exchange for debt relief. In late 2021, Belize completed a $360 million debt-for-nature swap, which involved restructuring its external debt and securing $180 million for marine conservation efforts.
