Environment
San Pedro Tests Redesigned Beach Drain Near High School
The San Pedro Town Council has completed its first redesigned beach drain near San Pedro High School, testing a system to improve stormwater drainage and support efforts to restore the town’s eroding shoreline. The trial is part of the council’s ongoing beach restoration program, and the council will assess its performance before installing similar drains elsewhere.
Environment
Sargassum begins to clear from San Pedro’s beaches
Sargassum is beginning to clear from San Pedro’s beaches after 38 weeks of cleanup efforts. The San Pedro Town Council said recent weather has helped, and sand has naturally returned to some areas. Meanwhile, the Government of Belize is seeking $20 million in financing to help address the ongoing problem.
Conservation
Mangrove Alteration Requires Prior Authorization, Forest Department Warns
Large areas of mangroves have been cleared on the island, often on private properties to make way for development. The Forest Department reportedly authorizes some clearing activities. People can report suspected unauthorized clearing to the department’s hotline at 610-1524 or the Department of the Environment’s (DOE) San Pedro office at 226-3073.
Environment
Government Seeks World Bank Funding and IDB Support to Address Sargassum
The Government of Belize is seeking an initial US$10 million from the World Bank to address the sargassum problem, which has significantly affected coastal communities and the tourism sector. Discussions are also underway with the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) on potential support for sargassum management and opportunities to use the seaweed for electricity generation and other commercial purposes.
Community and Society
ACES Urges Caution as Flooding Increases Crocodile Movement
ACES Wildlife Rescue responded to two separate incidents in San Pedro on Wednesday, October 14th. In one, the team relocated a crocodile sheltering beneath a house. In the other, it recovered the body of a three-foot crocodile that appeared to have been run over by a vehicle. According to ACES, recent rainfall and flooding have increased crocodile movement around the island.
Community and Society
Team Chingon Retains Lionfish Tournament Title with 835-Fish Catch
Team Chingon defended its championship at the sixth annual Reef Adventures Lionfish Fishing Tournament, catching 835 lionfish and helping remove 1,737 invasive fish from Belizean waters. The team also earned the prize for the largest lionfish caught during the competition.
Community and Society
Hol Chan Continues Fisheries Enforcement and Marine Conservation Efforts
Hol Chan Marine Reserve continues to work closely with the Belize Fisheries Department to enforce fishing regulations around Ambergris Caye. Alongside patrols, inspections, and public education, the reserve conducts conch population surveys and maintains mooring buoys to protect marine habitats.
Conservation
Belize launches nine-month Climate Ready Campaign
The Ministry of Sustainable Development, Climate Change and Solid Waste Management launched the Belize Climate Ready Campaign on September 23rd. The nine-month national public education initiative is being led by the Climate Change Department (CCD) in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP Belize), with support from EUROCLIMA. Government representatives, development partners, and other stakeholders attended the launch to learn about the campaign’s objectives and planned activities.
Community and Society
MarFund Leads Post-Storm Reef Response Workshop in San Pedro
The Mesoamerican Reef Fund (MarFund) hosted a post-storm reef response workshop in San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye, on August 24th, which included a site visit to the Hol Chan Marine Reserve. The one-day session provided participants with a firsthand look at post-storm response and conservation efforts being implemented at the reserve.
Community and Society
Community Efforts Intensify as Sargassum Influx Eases in San Pedro
Several San Pedro residents continue to take the initiative to keep the downtown beaches free of Sargassum. Over the past few weeks, residents have reported a slight decrease in the influx of seaweed. As such, those leading beach clean-ups are encouraging beachfront businesses to help remove it. They believe this is an opportune time to join forces, as less Sargassum is washing ashore.
Conservation
Crocodile Encounters in San Pedro and Caye Caulker Prompt Safety Advisory
Recent crocodile encounters in San Pedro and Caye Caulker have prompted wildlife organizations and authorities to raise public awareness, urging residents, businesses, and visitors to avoid feeding or interacting with crocodiles and to report any concerning activity to trained personnel.