Environment
Illegal dumping reported at Bacalar Chico National Park
The illegal disposal of garbage at Bacalar Chico National Park north of San Pedro Town appears to continue unabated after concerned residents shared images of a large dump site. The eyesore is said to be near the beach, which is an active sea turtle nesting site. According to concerned residents visiting these areas, this unfortunate behavior occurs almost weekly and goes undetected due to the alleged absence of enforcement at this important national park.
Environment
Experts share information on natural-based solutions for Belize’s coastlines
At a workshop held in Belize City, a five-year project called Coastline and People was presented. The project focuses on using nature-based solutions to fight climate change and other threats to the Belizean coastline. The University of South Florida (USF) spearheaded the project in partnership with the non-governmental organization Fragments of Hope and the World Wildlife Fund (WWF).
Environment
Belize Participates in the Seventh Global Environment Facility Assembly
Belize made its mark at the Seventh Global Environment Facility (GEF) Assembly being held in Vancouver, Canada, from August 22 to 25, with the official launch of the new Global Biodiversity Framework Fund (GBFF) on August 24.
Environment
Belize Forest Department Symposium
The Forest Department, which was founded in 1923, is celebrating 100 years since its creation under the theme: “From roots to canopy: a centennial journey.” To honor this milestone, the Department has planned a series of activities, each designed to highlight its journey over the past century. As part of its centennial celebration, the Department convened a symposium on August 16, 2023 to bring together partners from all sectors, experts, and students to acknowledge and present the work that the Department and its partners have been doing.
Community and Society
DFC staff undergoing Important Environmental and Social Management System Training
The Development Finance Corporation (DFC) has implemented an Environmental and Social Management System (ESMS) in its loan operations to ensure the integration of best international environmental and social practices (including those related to gender and climate) in DFC’s screening and overall management of financed operations. As part of implementing the ESMS at the Corporation, a training was held on, August 8th, 2023, to enhance the knowledge of staff in the Northern Branch, on the Environmental Protection Act (EPA) and the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Regulations.
Community and Society
Northern Ambergris Caye sees an increase in turtle nesting activity
The Hol Chan Marine Reserve’s sea turtle monitoring program provided an update on the current turtle nesting season on Ambergris Caye on Thursday, August 3rd. According to the Hol Chan team, they have discovered 46 turtle nests, of which 25 have already successfully hatched. As they continue monitoring and recording the nesting season, they asked islanders visiting the northern beaches to be very cautious and, if possible, to avoid driving on the beach as these are the nesting grounds of the sea turtles.
Business & Economy
The Blue Economy promotes the sustainability of stone crab claws harvesting in Belize
The stone crab’s claws have become a delicacy in gourmet restaurants with increasing demand in areas such as Ambergris Caye off the northeast coast of Belize. A plate containing 1 1/2lb of cooked stone crab claws sells for up to US$42.50. The value of the overall industry, as per the Belize Fisheries Department (BFD), was around $125,000 for the local market. However, this number is expected to increase as exporting stone crab claws to other markets in the United States and the Caribbean starts.
Environment
The National Climate Change Office, with Support from the Commonwealth Secretariat, Hosts the “Belize Climate Finance Write Shop Series”
The National Climate Change Office within the Ministry of Sustainable Development, Climate Change and Disaster Risk Management in collaboration with the Commonwealth Secretariat through the Commonwealth Climate Finance Access Hub hosted the “Belize Climate Finance Write Shop Series”.
