Conservation
Eco Mar launches Sustainable Eco Ambassador Program in San Pedro
Eco Mar, a long-standing marine conservation organization, visited San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye, from April 22nd to 24th, to promote its newly launched Eco Ambassador Program. Executive Director Linda Searle and Outreach Coordinator Bianca Chan met with local businesses during the visit, highlighting the certification initiative designed for tourism operators and coastal enterprises committed to sustainability.
Conservation
San Pedro Stakeholders Weigh In on Marine Protected Areas Expansion
Fishermen and tour guides gathered on April 24th in San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye, for a consultation on the proposed expansion of biodiversity protection zones in Belize. Presentations focused on areas along the country’s Caribbean coast that could be designated for protection, supporting Belize’s goal of safeguarding 30% of its marine space by 2030. Currently, approximately 25% of the country’s sea space is designated as marine protected areas.
Conservation
Fragments of Hope assesses coral nurseries at Hol Chan Marine Reserve
The northern team of Fragments of Hope, a Placencia-based conservation organization, joined staff from the Hol Chan Marine Reserve on Wednesday, April 22nd, to assess the progress of coral nurseries within the reserve. The full-day activity proved productive, with the development of the nurseries described as very positive.
Conservation
Belize’s 2030 Restoration Goals Confront Development Challenges
The Belize Forest Department’s National Landscape Restoration Strategy 2022–2030 is guiding a nationwide push to restore 130,000 hectares of degraded forests, farms, and watersheds by 2030, in line with the country’s Bonn Challenge pledge. The strategy, launched after a multi-year assessment and stakeholder consultations, sets concrete targets and timelines for reforestation, watershed protection, and regenerative agriculture, even as expanding coastal construction on islands like San Pedro continues to remove, and in some cases eradicate, mangrove and green areas.
Conservation
Blind Crocodile Rescued in San Pedro; ACES Plans 19-Mile Charity Run
A blind female American crocodile rescued north of San Pedro Town is now under the care of the ACES Wildlife Rescue after being found disoriented near a roadside. The rescue followed reports of a crocodile near a roadside ramp, where ACES staff captured the animal. Upon examination, the crocodile was found to be completely blind, with one eye damaged from an old injury and the other recently ruptured. Now under permanent care at ACES, she requires a specially managed habitat.
Community and Society
Hol Chan to Be Part of First-Ever Beyond Blue Dive Summit
The Hol Chan Marine Reserve in San Pedro is set to participate in the first-ever Beyond Blue Dive Summit, scheduled for April 23rd and 24th at Grand Caribe. This inaugural event for Belize will feature dives at Hol Chan and Turneffe Atoll, along with evening mixers focused on marine conservation and the reserve's history.
Conservation
Crocodile Killing in San Pedro Highlights Rising Wildlife Violations
On March 31st, a video circulated showing a local business owner in San Pedro who killed a juvenile American crocodile. The animal was small and posed no threat. Under Belize’s wildlife protection laws, it is illegal to harm or kill protected species without permission, and such actions can lead to penalties. The incident prompted urgent calls for action from ACES Wildlife Rescue.
Conservation
Earth Hour observed in San Pedro
Every year, communities worldwide promote a healthier planet by teaching younger generations the importance of responsible citizenship. One such effort is Earth Hour, an annual event that encourages people to pause their activities and turn off non-essential lights and electrical appliances for one hour.