Conservation
Protecting Belize’s Flats Fishing Is Protecting Our Future
Belize is blessed with extensive backreef flats and shallows from Sarteneja to Punta Gorda that provide ideal habitat for bonefish, permit, and tarpon - the fish anglers travel around the world in search of. For decades, tourists have traveled to Belize for the chance to catch the famed “grand slam” of flats fishing.
Community and Society
Team Chingon Wins 5th Reef Adventures Lionfish Tournament
Team Chingon emerged as the champion of the fifth annual Reef Adventures Lionfish Tournament after capturing an impressive 608 lionfish. The team also won the prize for the smallest lionfish. In second place was Team Elite Divers with 532 lionfish, earning the award for the largest specimen. Team Carma placed third with 523 lionfish.
Conservation
Belize Launches Green Belize Initiative to Tackle Climate Change
The Ministry of Sustainable Development, Climate Change, and Solid Waste Management (MSDCC) is advancing its Green Belize initiative to strengthen resilience and inspire change in the face of climate threats and environmental degradation. Supported by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Global Environmental Facility (GEF), the initiative is anchored in a five-year GEF-6 project focused on protecting the Belize River Watershed, a vital resource that sustains nearly half of the country’s population.
Conservation
Belize Forest Department Condemns Illegal Killing of Jaguar in Southern Belize
On September 29th, the Belize Forest Department confirmed the killing of an adult female jaguar in the Malacate area of Independence Village, Stann Creek District. The jaguar, weighing about 110 pounds, was found in an advanced state of decomposition with evidence indicating it had been shot. Inspectors also discovered that one of its canines had been removed, an act of tampering that is illegal. The carcass was subsequently buried. The Forest Department condemned the killing, reminding the public that jaguars are a protected species under Belizean law.
Community and Society
Islanders join National Coastal and Riverways Cleanup
Several groups across the country participated in the National Coastal and Riverways Cleanup on Saturday, September 27th. In San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye, three cleanup efforts were organized, including a sargassum removal along the eastern coast and a road and beach cleanup in northern Ambergris Caye. Together, participants collected large amounts of trash and sargassum.
Environment
Sargassum Crisis Back to Red Phase in San Pedro
The San Pedro Town Council downgraded the Sargassum Response to the yellow phase on September 17th, signaling a reduction in the seaweed influx on the island’s beaches. However, on September 24th, the response was upgraded back to the red phase following another significant increase in sargassum. This comes after months of intensive cleanup efforts triggered by record-breaking blooms earlier in the year, which heavily impacted San Pedro and other coastal communities.
Environment
Belize Introduces Landmark Climate Change Legislation
During a recent sitting of the House of Representatives in Belmopan, several bills were introduced, including the first-ever Climate Change and Carbon Market Initiatives Bill, 2025. The legislation was presented by the Honorable Orlando Habet, Minister of Sustainable Development and Climate Change. According to him, the bill sets a legal and constitutional foundation and establishes structures to protect the country’s land, waters, and people.
Environment
Nationwide Tree Handing-Over Ceremony Celebrates Belize’s 44th Independence
On Wednesday, September 17, celebrating Belize’s 44th Independence anniversary, the Belize Forest Department hosted a Tree Handing-Over Ceremony at its headquarters in Belmopan. The event formed part of the Greening Belize Initiative, which aims to plant one million trees over five years. As part of the milestone, Belize’s nine municipalities, including San Pedro, received 44 plants to symbolize the country’s 44 years of nationhood.
Conservation
WWF’s 2025 Mangrove Friendly Development Challenge comes to San Pedro
On Monday, September 15th, the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) hosted the 2025 Mangrove Friendly Development Challenge meeting at the Sun Breeze Hotel in San Pedro. The event brought together conservation leaders, policymakers, developers, and community stakeholders to highlight the importance of mangroves and encourage innovative, sustainable development across Belize.
Business & Economy
San Pedro Businesses Struggle Amid Record Sargassum Influx
This year has brought record levels of Sargassum to the Caribbean, with unprecedented amounts of the brown algae affecting coastlines across the region, including Belize. On Ambergris Caye, the heavy influx has forced some beachfront businesses in San Pedro Town to shorten operating hours, while others have extended seasonal closures until October, when the seaweed is expected to subside.
Environment
Reports of Siete Canales Lands Being Subdivided; Minister Confirms Parcels to Be Vested in Hol Chan
Concerns have surfaced over reports that lands in the Siete Canales area, including four small islets, are being surveyed and subdivided for private individuals. The claims, widely circulated on social media, raised alarm because the area forms part of the Hol Chan Marine Reserve, a site considered vital to the marine ecosystem.
