Conservation
Belize’s Reefs Suffer as Climate Change Intensifies
The issue of climate change continues to affect ecosystems worldwide, and in Belize, it has been threatening the Belize Barrier Reef. Rising water temperatures have caused severe bleaching across the reef system near San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, and at sites in southern Belize, including Laughing Bird Caye, resulting in significant coral loss. Due to the severity of coral bleaching, environmental groups such as Fragments of Hope (FOH) are intensifying efforts to monitor coral resilience alongside their ongoing out-planting programs.
Conservation
UNESCO World Heritage Site Unveiled at Bacalar Chico in Historic Ceremony
On July 7th, conservationists, government officials, and community members gathered under the Caribbean sun, amidst the hum of mosquitoes, to witness a historic moment: the unveiling of the UNESCO World Heritage Site signage at Bacalar Chico, a jewel in Belize’s Barrier Reef Reserve System.
Conservation
Belize Fund Launches New Grant Cycle to Boost Blue Economy and Coastal Conservation
On July 2nd, the Belize Fund for a Sustainable Future hosted an orientation session at the House of Culture in San Pedro, marking the official launch of its fourth Call for Proposals. The event, held at 6PM, attracted a diverse audience of local stakeholders, conservation groups, and community leaders eager to learn about new funding opportunities aimed at safeguarding Belize’s marine and coastal resources.
Conservation
The Belize Fund Supporting Conservation Efforts in Southern Belize
The Belize Fund for a Sustainable Future (Belize Fund), created in March 2022 following the Blue Bond initiative, organized a media tour on June 26–27, 2025, to highlight its efforts in managing Belize’s marine protected areas (MPAs). The two-day tour took a group of journalists and environmental experts to the southern waters of Belize, visiting locations such as Gladden Spit, Silk Cayes Marine Reserve, and Laughing Bird Caye National Park. The visit concluded with a trip to Punta Gorda Town and the Sapodilla Cayes Marine Reserve.
Conservation
Government Forms Task Force to Strengthen Environmental Enforcement
Belize officially established a National Environmental Enforcement Task Force as of June 24th, signaling a significant shift in the country's attitude toward environmental preservation following years of inconsistent enforcement. The new task force, overseen by the Department of the Environment (DOE), aims to tighten the enforcement of environmental standards nationwide, reacting to rising complaints from environmentalists and communities about uncontrolled development and pollution.
Community and Society
Mayor Nuñez issued “No Objection” Letter to Controversial Dredging Approval Near Mexico Rocks
Mayor Gualberto ‘Wally’ Nuñez was called out by Hol Chan Marine Reserve’s Executive Director, Ian Pou, for having issued a no-objection letter for a dredging project near the Mexico Rocks marine protected area north of San Pedro Town. Pou made the declaration after a letter issued by a coalition of tourism stakeholders calling for his resignation mentioned the Mayor as one of the supporters of the move.
Conservation
CBA lifts stop order on Cayo Rosario over the water structures
The Central Building Authority (CBA) has lifted a stop order previously restricting the construction of over-the-water structures on the small island of Cayo Rosario, located off the northwest coast of San Pedro, Ambergris Caye. With the stop order lifted, the project can now also include the construction of a pier (arrival dock). The original stop order, issued in April, cited the developers' failure to submit the required documentation and obtain the necessary building permits.
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.
