Conservation
Belize Gears Up for Reef Week 2025: “Building Resilience from Ridge to Reef!”
Local non-governmental organizations, tourism partners, and business allies are coming together to celebrate the 14th Annual Reef Week from Saturday, March 15th to Saturday, March 22nd, 2025. Under the theme “Building Resilience from Ridge to Reef!”, this week-long event will highlight the Belize Barrier Reef’s critical role in the national economy, environmental health, and Belizean identity.
Conservation
Preserving mangroves is essential for juvenile fish
Mangrove habitats in Belize are vital for juvenile fish, serving as essential nurseries supporting marine biodiversity and local fisheries. Often called the "nurseries of the sea," these coastal ecosystems provide shelter and food for young fish species, allowing them to thrive before migrating to open waters as adults. The complex root systems of mangroves create an environment that protects these juvenile fish from predators while offering plenty of foraging opportunities.
Conservation
Multimillion-dollar Blue Economy project approved by the World Bank to benefit Ambergris Caye
On Monday, February 3rd, the World Bank’s Board of Executive Directors announced that it had approved a new project called “Blue Cities and Beyond.” This initiative aims to support Belize’s Blue Economy by promoting the sustainable use of ocean and coastal resources for economic development while protecting the environment and improving livelihoods. Valued at US$32.23 million, the project will fund initiatives in San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye, Belize City, and Punta Gorda in southern Belize.
Conservation
Hol Chan’s Compliance and Enforcement Unit tackling illegal fishing in the reserve
Hol Chan Marine Reserve is a vital marine protected area that attracts thousands of visitors yearly, boosting San Pedro’s economy. Established in 1987, the reserve encompasses a large expanse of coral reefs, seagrass beds, and mangrove forests, serving as an essential habitat for diverse marine life. Despite its protected status, the reserve has encountered challenges due to illegal fishing practices threatening its ecological balance. To tackle these issues, the Compliance and Enforcement Unit of Hol Chan Marine Reserve has been conducting joint patrols with the San Pedro Police Formation at random times.
Conservation
Concerns rise among San Pablo residents over large crocodile
On Friday, November 29th, video footage of a crocodile caused alarm among residents living near the Ambergris Stadium in San Pablo, south of San Pedro Town. This incident highlighted the ongoing challenges of human-wildlife interactions in the area, particularly concerning crocodiles that have become habituated to human presence.
Conservation
The hopeful tale of survival for Belize’s queen conch
In Belize, tourists travel thousands of miles to enjoy the country’s seafood, which features a variety of seasonal conch dishes, including conch soup, conch fritters, stewed conch, fried conch, and the most popular dish, conch ceviche (made with tomatoes, onions, cilantro, lime, salt, and pepper). These delicacies have been enjoyed for decades; however, a lingering question remains: how much of the stock is left in the sea?
Conservation
Beyond Data: MarAlliance’s Human-Centered Approach to Marine Conservation
Since the late 90s, before the organization was officially established, the dedicated people behind MarAlliance have been leading efforts to safeguard endangered species and critical habitats through marine research, with local fishers at the forefront. Their focus: understanding and protecting marine megafauna – the ocean’s gentle giants like sharks, rays, and sea turtles. Through monthly monitoring expeditions, these fisher-
Conservation
Belize’s Coral Health remains “Poor”; Immediate intervention needed
The annual Reef Report Card was released in October, indicating that Belize’s overall grade for coral health remains “poor.” The 2024 Mesoamerican Reef Report Card is a Healthy Reefs for Healthy People (HRHP) study in collaboration with over 70 organizations dedicated to conserving the Mesoamerican Reef (MAR) across Mexico, Belize, Guatemala, and Honduras. These organizations collectively form the Healthy Reefs Initiative (HRI).
