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.
Conservation
Five of seven Scarlet Macaws survive after being confiscated from Guatemalan poachers
FCD rangers were mounting cameras to monitor the poaching of endangered Scarlet Macaws inside the Chiquibul when they encountered 2 armed Guatemalan poachers.
Conservation
Incident in the Caracol Area of the Chiquibul National Forest
On Sunday, June 7, 2020, at about 6:00 p.m., Friends for Conservation and Development (FCD) Forest Rangers were conducting a routine exercise mounting cameras to monitor the poaching of endangered scarlet macaws 1.2 kilometres east of the border, in area of Caracol, in the Chiquibul National Park. During this exercise they had an encounter with two poachers which resulted in an FCD Ranger firing his weapon in self-defense, causing a non-lethal injury to one individual who was captured and detained for illegal entry and poaching of protected wildlife. The other person who was his companion fled.
Conservation
Recycle San Pedro Belize relocates to DFC Area
Now located in the DFC Area, the Recycle San Pedro Belize team is excited to work on making products, taking advantage of their larger space.
Conservation
SIDS DOCK and GRID-Arendal announce strategic partnership for sustainable use and management of marine resources in small islands and low-lying developing countries
SIDS DOCK, the Small Island Developing States (SIDS) Sustainable Energy and Climate Resilience Organization, has signed an agreement with GRID-Arendal to collaborate on the promotion of nature-based solutions and technologies for the sustainable use and management of marine resources to support the economic and livelihoods systems of the populations of small islands and low-lying developing countries. The signing ceremony took place on Thursday, 14 May 2020, by means of a virtual conference between representatives in New York City and Norway, as a way to contain the spread of the Coronavirus (COVID-19).
Business & Economy
Hol Chan Channel to remain closed till June 16th due to Stony Coral Tissue Loss Disease
All corals observed with Stony Coral Tissue Loss Disease, specifically at the Hol Chan channel, were administered antibiotics through a CoreRx base. A month will be required before HCMR can be certain that the treatment has worked, or if additional treatment will be needed.