Environment

Starting August 1st, the Hol Chan Marine Reserve (HCMR) will implement a new entrance fee of US$15 for all 15 zones. Initially, there were discussions of a US$20 fee, but this was met with resistance from tour guides and operators. While some accept the new fee, a US$5 increase from the previous cost of US$10, others are worried about its impact on their businesses. The HCMR management has not provided additional comments on the fee increase.

The co-management plan for the Bacalar Chico National, located in northern Ambergris Caye, was further discussed at a two-day consultation on July 26th and 27th in San Pedro Town. Hosted by the Sarteneja Alliance For Conservation and Development (SACD), the sessions heard feedback from representatives of the business community, fly fishing tour guides, local marine biologists, local conservation agencies, island residents, and the Belize Coast Guard toward the completion of the management strategy. SACD plans to have a permanent presence in the area by mid-August.

Improper and illegal garbage disposal in San Pedro Town has been a big problem, and authorities on the island, like The San Pedro Town Council (SPTC), continue to do everything they can to address the issue. One reported situation they want to point out is the ongoing practice of disposing of garbage on the beach. This includes yard and other types of debris, like household items left on the beaches. The SPTC said they would closely monitor this and remind island residents that such actions are illegal and that they are liable for an offense.

The Hol Chan Marine Reserve (HCMR) has expanded over the years and now includes marine areas within the popular Secret Beach northwest of Ambergris Caye. Regulations restrict water structures in marine reserves. However, at Secret Beach, an agreement was made between HCMR and the stakeholders where they suggested a fee to keep the water structures. This agreement limits the amount of structures in the water and requires the use of environmentally friendly materials for building. A fee of $100 per structure per month was agreed upon. Some businesses have complied with this fee, while others have not. Hol Chan has indicated that this non-compliance is causing issues, as some establishments have fallen behind on payments, resulting in high arrears.

An official ceremony occurred on Friday, June 21st, to inaugurate the Department of the Environment (DOE) office in San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye. The office space will also accommodate the Belize Forest Department and will not only serve Ambergris Caye but Caye Caulker and Caye Chapel. The event was held at the Boca del Rio Beach Park and consisted of a brief ceremony attended by officials and guests. Area Representative and Minister of the Blue Economy and Disaster Risk Management, the Honourable Andre Perez, Minister of Sustainable Development, the Honourable Orlando Habet, Chief Environmental Officer Anthony Mai, and Councilor Jose Castellanos were present to officiate this significant milestone for the island.

The San Pedro Town Council (SPTC) is undertaking a natural-based beach nourishment plan to improve the coastal shores of Ambergris Caye. The project started on January 11, 2023, between Fido's Courtyard and the beachside that leads to the central park and an area in Boca del Rio. The initiative, led by Mayor Gualberto "Wally" Nuñez and marine scientists, aims to address coastal erosion caused by strong waves and the rise of local sea levels. The project will be completed in three weeks, with subsequent phases focusing on establishing green infrastructure and monitoring the beach's health.

The proposed tourism project on Cayo Rosario, a small island nestled within the Hol Chan Marine Reserve off the northwest coast of San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, continues to be controversial. This location is crucial, as it places the project in direct conflict with the reserve's conservation efforts. A united front of environmentalists, tourism stakeholders, and fly-fishing guides has vehemently opposed the project, which threatens the guides' livelihoods. Despite this widespread opposition, the project has managed to secure the required permits and has been granted Environmental Clearance by the Department of the Environment (DOE).

On Wednesday, June 5th, the Bonefish and Tarpon Trust (BTT) wrapped up a series of presentations at several San Pedro Town and Caye Caulker primary schools. The science-based organization, committed to conserving flats, fisheries, and habitats, conducted educational sessions with students from Infant Two and Standard One classes. The sessions focused on protecting fisheries habitats and the life cycle of tarpon, a protected fish species in Belize.