Conservation
Hol Chan Marine Reserve Reef Week 2018 opens with “Swim to the Reef”
Bright and early at 6AM, islanders gathered at Amigos Del Mar Dive Shop dock, dressed in snorkeling gear and ready to swim to the reef and back.
Conservation
Cayo Rosario Developers must comply with Environmental Compliance Plan
Residents of Ambergris Caye are greatly concerned at reports alleging the approval of a tourism development on Cayo Rosario, located off the northern-western coast of Ambergris Caye within the Hol Chan Marine Reserve Zone IV: Cayo Rosario Conservation Zone. The Environmental Impact Assessment was given the green light by the Department of Environment (DOE) in December of 2017, while the National Environmental Appraisal Council (NEAC) is yet to weigh in on the first draft of the project’s Environmental Compliance Plan (ECP) which comes with specific stipulations demanding changes in the construction design.
Conservation
Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System remains in UNESCO Danger List; Land Development to blame
The World Heritage Committee in its 2017 decision to retain the Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System (BBRRS) on the Danger List, stressing the urgency of addressing development issues within the BBRRS.
Conservation
Hol Chan announces activities for Reef Week 2018
For the past 12 years, Hol Chan has been celebrating Belize’s Barrier Reef System through a week of activities, aimed at raising awareness on the importance of protecting and preserving the marine environment.
Conservation
Over 5000 lbs of trash removed from lagoon clean-up
The lagoon clean-up was organized by MJ Leslie of Passionkite Belize, Chris Summers and Christina Manzi of the American Crocodile Education Sanctuary (ACES), alongside fly fishermen, Alexander Gomez. The event saw the participation of students, divers, police officers, tour guides, business owners, fishermen, conservationists, councilors, children, media corps, and other concerned residents.
Conservation
Caye Caulker 3rd Annual Lionfish Derby competition shows a decrease in the invasive species
Caye Caulker’s 3rd Annual Lionfish Derby Competition, held on Saturday, March 24th at the Barrier Reef Sports Bar and Grill, assisted in reducing the population of the invasive species in local waters.
Conservation
GOB takes steps to ban single-use plastic and Styrofoam products
During the sitting of the Cabinet on Tuesday, March 20th, the Government of Belize (GOB) approved a proposal to ban single-use plastic bags, Styrofoam products, and plastic food utensils in the country by April 22, 2019. Many conservationists across the country welcomed this great news as garbage pollution continues to be a main concern in Belize’s terrestrial and marine environment.
Conservation
Phasing Out of Single-use Plastic Bags, Styrofoam and Plastic Food Utensils
A proposal to reduce pollution via phasing out single-use plastic shopping bags, Styrofoam & plastic food utensils by April 22, 2019 was approved by Cabinet on March 20, 2018.