Tuesday, March 19, 2024

Environment

National Workshop on Oil Pollution Preparedness, Response, & Cooperation

The Department of the Environment (DOE) within the Ministry of Sustainable Development, Climate Change, and Disaster Risk Management and the Belize Port Authority (BPA), with the support of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), the United Nations Regional Coordinating Unit for the Caribbean Environment Program, and the Regional Activity Center/Regional Marine Pollution Emergency, Information, and Training Center—Wider Caribbean Region, facilitated a four-day training/workshop on “Oil Pollution Preparedness, Response, and Cooperation” in Belize from March 12 to 15, at the Biltmore Plaza Hotel, Belize City.

The San Pedro Town Council prepares for upcoming sargassum season

The sargassum season is approaching, and the threat to Belize's beaches is looming with Easter nearing. However, the San Pedro Town Council (SPTC) has said they are preparing for this seaweed invasion that can cause sargassum mats to litter our beaches. Reports suggest that monitoring efforts have noticed a sargassum patch in the Caribbean Sea drifting in an eastern motion. This mass will hit the beaches of several island nations, the Mexican coast of Quintana Roo, and eventually the Belizean coastline.

WCS invites media to interview experts attending the Global Shark Conservation Conference

The Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) sponsored a media trip to Middle Caye at Glover’s Reef Marine Reserve on February 28th, where experts were available for interviews while on a field trip to Glover’s Reef Research Station. The specialists were among fifty-plus marine conservationists who attended the Belize Shark Conference in Placencia from February 26th to March 1st. At the conference, regional, international, and local authorities discussed shark research, conservation, and counter-wildlife trafficking.

The 13th annual Reef Week is set to begin!

Belize's Barrier Reef Reserve System (BBRRS) plays a significant role in the country's economy and identity. Every year, conservation partners team up to highlight the reef's importance and celebrate its existence in Belize. The 13th Annual Reef Week 2024 will be celebrated from March 9th to 16th under the theme "Unite in the Coral Reef Fight: Learn, Teach, and Do What's Right!" The public is invited to participate in a week-long series of activities celebrating the Belize Barrier Reef while learning and having fun.

Belize Participates in 6th United Nations Environment Assembly

The 6th United Nations Environment Assembly was hosted at the United Nations Environment Program Headquarters in Nairobi, Kenya, from February 26 to March 1. Leading Belize’s participation is Dr. Kenrick Williams, Chief Executive Officer of the Ministry of Sustainable Development, Climate Change, and Disaster Risk Management.

UK agrees new support for conservation efforts in the Caribbean Sea

£190,000 of UK funding will support Caribbean marine conservation efforts and improve livelihoods. Announcement was made by Minister for the Americas, Caribbean and Overseas Territories, David Rutley whilst attending the CARICOM Heads of Government Meeting in Guyana.

Coastal Advisory Committee meeting held in San Pedro

The Belize Coastal Zone Management Authority and Institute (CZMAI) has been hosting several Coastal Advisory Committee meetings nationwide to receive updates on recommended actions to ensure sustainable use of coastal resources. This initiative is part of the Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM) Plan 2016, approved by the Cabinet in 2016, becoming the official framework for the sustainable management of coastal resources in Belize. The updates to the ICZM Plan are to be finalized by November 2025.

Turneffe Atoll Sustainability Association Blends Tradition with Technology to Save Belize’s Marine Ecosystems

Since 2013 the Turneffe Atoll Sustainability Association (TASA) has received its mandate as the official co-manager of the marine reserve from the Government of Belize through the Belize Fisheries Department. The award-winning nonprofit blends traditional engagement strategies and technology to redefine marine conservation and improve management effectiveness, which IUCN defines as ‘how well-protected areas are managed.’

Hol Chan Marine Reserve installs and replaces buoys at Caye Caulker Marine Reserve

In the name of conservation, the enforcement and compliance team from the Hol Chan Marine Reserve installed four new moorings buoys at the Caye Caulker Marine Reserve on Monday, February 12th. The Hol Chan team also replaced two damaged buoys in the popular marine reserve.

San Pedro Sanitation Department starts clean-up campaign in San Mateo

The San Pedro Town Council (SPTC) has embarked on another large-scale clean-up campaign in the San Mateo subdivision north of San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye. A large amount of rubbish, mainly yard waste, has been removed from key points in the subdivision. The campaign stressed the importance of keeping the island community clean and promoting a healthier, trash-free environment.

2024 Sargassum season is right around the corner

The eyesore of sargassum mats littering our beaches has not been observed in San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, for months. This has led to clear and clean coastlines with beautiful sandy beaches. However, as Easter approaches, the threat of sargassum looms, and according to reports, there could be heavy seaweed invasion.