Environment
Belize Introduces Landmark Climate Change Legislation
During a recent sitting of the House of Representatives in Belmopan, several bills were introduced, including the first-ever Climate Change and Carbon Market Initiatives Bill, 2025. The legislation was presented by the Honorable Orlando Habet, Minister of Sustainable Development and Climate Change. According to him, the bill sets a legal and constitutional foundation and establishes structures to protect the country’s land, waters, and people.
Environment
Nationwide Tree Handing-Over Ceremony Celebrates Belize’s 44th Independence
On Wednesday, September 17, celebrating Belize’s 44th Independence anniversary, the Belize Forest Department hosted a Tree Handing-Over Ceremony at its headquarters in Belmopan. The event formed part of the Greening Belize Initiative, which aims to plant one million trees over five years. As part of the milestone, Belize’s nine municipalities, including San Pedro, received 44 plants to symbolize the country’s 44 years of nationhood.
Conservation
WWF’s 2025 Mangrove Friendly Development Challenge comes to San Pedro
On Monday, September 15th, the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) hosted the 2025 Mangrove Friendly Development Challenge meeting at the Sun Breeze Hotel in San Pedro. The event brought together conservation leaders, policymakers, developers, and community stakeholders to highlight the importance of mangroves and encourage innovative, sustainable development across Belize.
Business & Economy
San Pedro Businesses Struggle Amid Record Sargassum Influx
This year has brought record levels of Sargassum to the Caribbean, with unprecedented amounts of the brown algae affecting coastlines across the region, including Belize. On Ambergris Caye, the heavy influx has forced some beachfront businesses in San Pedro Town to shorten operating hours, while others have extended seasonal closures until October, when the seaweed is expected to subside.
Environment
Reports of Siete Canales Lands Being Subdivided; Minister Confirms Parcels to Be Vested in Hol Chan
Concerns have surfaced over reports that lands in the Siete Canales area, including four small islets, are being surveyed and subdivided for private individuals. The claims, widely circulated on social media, raised alarm because the area forms part of the Hol Chan Marine Reserve, a site considered vital to the marine ecosystem.
Environment
Grants to Combat Sargassum Made Available by the Belize Fund for a Sustainable Future
A quarter million dollars in grant funding has been allocated to the Belize Tourism Industry Association (BTIA) and the Belize Hotel Association (BHA) under the Belize Fund for a Sustainable Future to help combat the ongoing Sargassum influx. The funds will support coastal communities struggling with the seaweed and assist established beachfront businesses with clean-up efforts.
Conservation
Belize Advances Climate Action Through Inclusive Climate Week 2025
Belize Climate Week 2025, observed from August 25 to 29, brought together national stakeholders, youth, and local communities to raise awareness and promote action on climate change. Organized by the National Climate Change Office (NCCO) under the theme “Adapting Today, Sustaining Tomorrow: Resilient Roots, Greener Future,” the week featured panel discussions, interactive booths, and workshops focused on Belize’s climate strategies and inclusive engagement.
Environment
Escalating Sargassum Crisis Affecting Both Economy and Environment
Belize’s coastal communities, particularly San Pedro, are facing an overwhelming influx of sargassum seaweed, which threatens marine ecosystems and the tourism industry. Since early this year, beaches have been covered in thick mats of decaying seaweed. At the same time, nutrient-rich runoff from decomposing sargassum has led to a worrying increase in marine life mortality.
