Business & Economy
Public Consultation on Turtle Island and Private Island Project Held in San Pedro
A public consultation on a proposed mixed-use real estate development southwest of San Pedro Town was held on November 27th at the Angel Nuñez Auditorium. The area, identified as Turtle Island–Private Island, lies near established tourism and residential zones such as Cayo Espanto and Brahma Blue. The presentations focused on the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for Castle Capital Development Ltd., the company behind the proposed project. While conservation aspects were highlighted, the small group of stakeholders and tour guide students in attendance left with more questions than answers, expressing uncertainty about the project’s long-term environmental impacts.
Environment
Government Enforces Tough Penalties for Improper Wastewater Disposal
On November 20, 2025, the Ministry of Sustainable Development, Climate Change, and Solid Waste Management, in collaboration with the Department of the Environment (DOE) and the Ministry of Health and Wellness, issued a strong reminder to the public about the dangers and legal consequences of improper wastewater disposal. The nationwide notice highlights that untreated wastewater, including sewage, greywater, industrial effluent, and other liquid waste, poses serious risks to public health and the environment.
Environment
COP30 Highlights Ongoing Global Challenges in Climate Policy
The 30th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP30) wrapped up on November 17th in Belém, Brazil, after two weeks of negotiations involving more than 55,000 participants and 194 nations. The summit brought together world leaders, scientists, activists, and vulnerable countries, including Belize, to address climate finance, deforestation, and adaptation amid intensifying global climate threats.
Environment
Belize Halts Short-Term Tree Cutting Permits to Protect National Lands
Starting December 1, 2025, the Government of Belize will impose a five-year moratorium on issuing Short-term Forest Licenses and Petty Permits for tree cutting on national lands. The Ministry of Sustainable Development, Climate Change and Solid Waste Management, along with the Belize Forest Department, announced the measure following Cabinet’s approval, citing growing risks of forest depletion across the country.
Environment
Area Representative weighs in on Silver Palm development in northern Ambergris Caye
A significant new development in northern Ambergris Caye, dubbed Silver Palm, has raised concerns among environmentalists, residents, and local authorities. The proposed community project, planned on a 237-acre island northwest of Ambergris Caye, has come under scrutiny after moving forward without an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and despite reported objections from the Belize Fisheries Department and the Ministry of Blue Economy. Area Representative and Minister of Blue Economy, Honorable Andre Perez, said island residents were not consulted and argued that such a project is not suitable for this environmentally sensitive area.
Conservation
Stakeholders Unite to Strengthen Belize’s Fisheries Enforcement Efforts
On November 11th, a validation workshop was held in Belize City for the National Fisheries Enforcement and Conservation Monitoring Strategy and Action Plan. The session emphasized the importance of developing an effective national strategy to protect Belize’s marine resources, bringing together key stakeholders, including representatives from the Belize Coast Guard, the Ministry of Blue Economy and Marine Conservation, and the Belize Fisheries Department.
Environment
San Pedro Mayor highlights island challenges at high-level event in Brazil
In the lead-up to the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP30) taking place in Belém, Brazil, a series of high-level gatherings brought together mayors and local leaders from around the world. From November 3rd to 6th, San Pedro Town Mayor Gualberto “Wally” Nuñez, along with Belize City Mayor Bernard Wagner, Placencia Chairman Warren Garbutt, and other team members, participated in the Global Platform for Sustainable Cities (GPSC) forum held in Rio de Janeiro.
Environment
Government acquires cutting-edge equipment for better Sargassum monitoring
The Sargassum season this year was one of the worst on record, with areas such as San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, and Caye Caulker severely affected by massive amounts of the brown seaweed washing onto shorelines. Although the influx has significantly reduced for now, the next season is expected to begin early in 2026. To better prepare for the recurring phenomenon, the National Sargassum Task Force has acquired new monitoring and management equipment. On November 7th, the task force received a drone, a laptop, and a sophisticated Sargassum forecasting tool, donated through the SICA Azul Project, an initiative promoting clean communities, in collaboration with the Republic of China (Taiwan).
Environment
Regional Webinar Equips Caribbean Journalists for COP30
On November 5, 2025, Caribbean journalists from across the region, including The San Pedro Sun, joined a special webinar titled “Reporting on COP30 for Caribbean Journalists.” The virtual event was hosted by the Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre (CCCCC) and the CARICOM Secretariat. It aimed to help regional media better prepare to cover the upcoming COP30 climate conference in Belém, Brazil, from November 10–21. The session brought together journalists, climate experts, and regional leaders to discuss climate challenges and the media’s role in reporting on key COP30 issues.
Conservation
Dredging Policies Are Failing Belize’s Marine Reserves
Belize’s marine reserves were created to safeguard our most valuable ecosystems that sustain our blue economy. Our reefs, mangroves, and seagrass beds are supposed to be protected spaces, ensuring that fishing, tourism, and coastal protection remain strong for generations. But these irreplaceable habitats are being destroyed by dredging.
Environment
San Pedro’s Shoreline Under Pressure from Development and Climate Change
Coastal erosion continues to pose a growing threat to San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, as gradual land loss affects fragile ecosystems, private properties, and public infrastructure. Over the past decade, monitoring efforts have documented slow but consistent changes along the island’s nearly 20-mile shoreline, with some areas showing more pronounced erosion than others. The data comes from the Sustainable Strategic Plan for Ambergris Caye report, which used satellite imagery and field studies to track sediment movement and coastal shifts.
