Environment

Beyond its incredible and undeniable beauty, Belize’s ocean space is an important asset for our economic development. It contributes to the livelihoods of thousands of Belizeans, but our coastal and marine environments face threats from biodiversity loss, climate change, and pollution—termed the triple planetary crisis. Illegal, unregulated, and unreported fishing, agricultural runoff, and habitat destruction further jeopardize these vital resources.

On Wednesday, August 21st, the Belize Fisheries Department led a consultation session in San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye, on expanding biodiversity protection zones. The area identified on Ambergris Caye is at the Bacalar Chico Marine Reserve, located off the island's northern part. Expanding the protected waters at Bacalar Chico will not affect those currently using the area, including tour guides, tour operators, fishermen, and other relevant stakeholders. The exercise is part of the Government of Belize's commitment to the Blue Bonds campaign that calls for expanding biodiversity protection zones to 25% of the country's sea (ocean) by November 2024. Bacalar Chico is a small part of this percentage that must be achieved by the deadline later this year.

On his social media, islander Kev Rhoden shared images of tiger sharks consuming a dead whale shark near Ambergris Caye on August 17th. While those familiar with this species considered it a huge loss, people were shocked to see not only the whale shark but also large tiger sharks feeding on the animal. Their presence near Ambergris Caye at this time of the year is rare, and while it is still unclear what caused its death, the big fish may have sustained injuries after being hit by a large vessel out at sea.

A new Recycle Organic Program is on the horizon for Belize and for the first time on Ambergris Caye. This initiative aims to divert organic waste from landfills and create nutrient-rich garden compost. Organized in partnership between Recycle Organics and the Belize Solid Waste Management Authority (BSWMA), with Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) support, the program strives to reduce methane gas in Belize's waste sector, with a workshop scheduled to take place on Thursday, August 29th in San Pedro Town. The location and time will soon be announced.

From August 12th through the 14th, experts and government representatives from Benin, Burundi, Fiji, Haiti, Grenada, Madagascar, Nepal, South Sudan, Suriname, and Belize convened in San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye for a global forum on climate change. The forum aimed to share experiences on strengthening the alignment between National Adaptation Plans (NAP) and Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC). The NAP Global Network and the Government of Belize co-organized the event. Experts and government representatives from Switzerland and Canada collaborated to identify concrete actions for the issues affecting countries worldwide.

In Ambergris Caye, the sea turtle season begins in April and lasts through November. Sea turtles hatch year-round, but their peak is during the summer. As of July 31st, the Hol Chan Marine Reserve (HCMR) turtle monitoring team has discovered 31 nests, of which 11 had to be excavated, resulting in eight successfully hatched and three spoiled. 416 hatchlings, including 81 green and 271 loggerhead turtles, returned to the sea.

San Pedro’s Omar Arceo, popularly known as the “Dr. of the Flats,” was busy during this summer break, traveling the country and teaching the youth about sustainable fishing. He joined the campaign in the northern part of the country and then visited several coastal communities across Belize, where he interacted with young children via the annual Fly-Fishing Summer Camp.

The Belize Department of Environment (DOE) has taken a significant step by opening a dedicated office in Ambergris Caye to protect the environment of San Pedro, Caye Caulker, and Caye Chapel. This demonstrates the DOE's commitment to promoting sustainable development and actively participating in initiatives to preserve the island's crucial marine ecosystem.