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.
Community and Society
The Operating Costs of Sargassum Harvesters: Hol Chan to Seek Private Sector Partnership
The ongoing challenge of keeping San Pedro’s downtown beaches free of sargassum seaweed has added a financial burden to the Hol Chan Marine Reserve. Through a loan, Hol Chan acquired two harvester machines designed to collect the seaweed at sea before it reaches the shoreline. However, operating the equipment has resulted in additional expenses totalling thousands of dollars. To sustain the initiative, the organization is now seeking greater collaboration from the private sector.
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.
Conservation
We Demands Action, Transparency, and Accountability in the Protection of Ambergris Caye’s Marine Reserves
Ambergris Caye Fishing Guide Association, Belize Flats Fishery Association, San Pedro BTIA, Bonefish & Tarpon Trust Belize, North Ambergris Alliance, San Pedro Tour Operators Association, San Pedro Tourist Guide Association, Green Reef Environmental Educational and Coastal Research Institute, Ambergris Caye Citizens for Sustainable Development (ACCSD) and Mayor Gualberto “Wally” Nuñez express serious concern and frustration over the ongoing mismanagement of Belize’s natural resources — particularly within the Hol Chan Marine Reserve.
Community and Society
San Pedro Town Council to Kickstart Recycling Operations on the Island
The San Pedro Town Council is set to launch a series of municipal-level recycling operations to address the island’s growing waste management challenges. After months of research and consultations, the Council is moving forward with plans to introduce dedicated recycling initiatives for plastics, metals, and green waste, marking a significant step toward sustainable waste management for the community.
Environment
CARPHA Urges Caribbean to “Beat Plastic Pollution”; Belize Promotes with Local Action
As World Environment Day 2025 was observed on June 5th worldwide, the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) is urging the region’s citizens, governments, and private sector to adopt more sustainable practices in the fight against plastic pollution. With the theme “Beat Plastic Pollution,” CARPHA’s urgent appeal draws attention to the growing environmental and public health risks posed by plastic waste, an issue particularly severe in small island developing states like Belize.
Conservation
Stakeholders Condemn Dredging Activity Near Mexico Rocks
Dredging activity observed near the Mexico Rocks recreational zone, located within the Hol Chan Marine Reserve, has sparked outrage and concern among environmentalists and tourism stakeholders. They are alarmed at the potential impacts such activity may have on the sensitive marine ecosystem and are demanding clarity regarding the project's authorization and the environmental safeguards in place. Mexico Rocks is recognized as a vital component of the Belize Barrier Reef System. To bring further attention to the issue, the San Pedro Tour Guide Association called a stakeholder meeting on Thursday, June 19th, to collectively voice their concerns.
Conservation
Can Science and Community Leadership Transform Fisheries? A look at WCS Belize’s conservation model
In the coastal communities of Belize, before dawn breaks, the fishers are already preparing their boats. But these days, alongside their nets and hooks, some carry something new: measuring tools, identification guides, and data collection forms. They take on a new role as fisher scientists, gathering crucial information that will shape the future of Belize's marine resources.
Conservation
“Protected” in Name Only: Belize’s Marine Reserves Under Threat
The turquoise waters around Cayo Rosario sparkle with life and beauty. It is part of Belize’s Hol Chan Marine Reserve, a place many consider sacred ground for biodiversity, fishing, and tourism. So when an overwater development project was approved inside the reserve and commenced construction, it sparked national outrage. How could something so destructive be allowed in one of our most treasured marine protected areas?
Environment
Sargassum Red Code Reactivated in San Pedro
The influx of sargassum along the beaches of San Pedro Town has increased in recent days, prompting the San Pedro Town Council (SPTC) to reactivate its emergency plan. As a result, sanitation staff are now being supported by additional labor to facilitate the swift and efficient removal of the brown seaweed from the water and downtown beaches.
