Community and Society
SPTC looks to renovate central park by using building material made out of Sargassum
The new wave of Sargassum influx at the beginning of this year threatens the tourism industry across Belize. Some stakeholders and the San Pedro Town Council (SPTC) have been conducting clean-ups in San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, but it is not enough. To alleviate the concern, Mayor Gualberto ‘Wally’ Nunez has been discussing the problem with Mexican entrepreneur Omar Vasquez, founder of SargaBlocks, to possibly make building blocks from Sargassum and use them in an upcoming beautification project.
Conservation
Ecomar launches Belize Barrier Reef Watch program
The non-profit organization Ecomar is engaging stakeholders in its Belize Barrier Reef Watch program to raise awareness about the need to protect Belize's marine resources. The project aims to monitor and help protect the barrier reef with the public's assistance.
Environment
Launch of Blue Justice Caribbean Hub blazes new trail in global fight against fisheries crimes
The Blue Justice Caribbean Hub, a regional hub to strengthen cooperation and coordination in the use of innovation and digital technology to fight fisheries crimes, was launched on the occasion of the two-day International Blue Justice Conference 2023, which concluded today in UN City, Copenhagen, Denmark. The establishment of the Blue Justice Caribbean Hub in Jamaica is the latest in a series of advancements by the Caribbean Regional Fisheries Mechanism (CRFM) and its Member States in combating illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing and transnational organized crime in the fishing industry.
Environment
San Pedro joins other countries in observing Earth Hour 2023
To continue advocating for a safer planet and teaching the young generations the importance of being responsible citizens, the San Pedro Town Council (SPTC) hosted the annual Earth Hour on Saturday, March 25th. The Honourable Louis Sylvestre Sporting Complex event involved an educational film, a bonfire, and an Earth Hour-theme competition.
Environment
Belize Authorities respond to the Grounding Incident of Motor Vessel Herca-1
On 26th March 2023, the Belize Port Authority responded to a marine incident involving a 98.25 meters Panamanian-registered general cargo vessel "HERCA-1". The vessel was transiting Belizean waters en route to Port Everglades from their last port call in Puerto Cortes. The vessel is carrying containers and break-bulk cargo.
Environment
Belize Congratulates CCCCC on its Re-accreditation to GCF
The Ministry of Economic Development congratulates the Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre (CCCCC) on its re-accreditation to the Green Clime Fund (GCF), which was approved at the GCF’s 35th Board of Directors Meeting from March 13-16, 2023, in Songdo, Incheon, Republic of Korea.
Environment
San Pedro’s coast smothered by Sargassum; stakeholders ask town authorities to do more
Island residents are growing concerned about the massive influx of Sargassum beaching on the coast of San Pedro, Ambergris Caye. In some areas, thick blankets of the well-known brown seaweed are over a hundred feet from the shore. Some stakeholders see the vast amount of algae as a threat to the tourism industry and are urging the respective authorities to address the issue. The San Pedro Town Council (SPTC) has responded by hiring more people to remove Sargassum from the most affected areas, like the beaches in the downtown area.
Conservation
Reef Week 2023 hosts educational fair in San Pedro
On Friday, March 10th, a group of non-governmental organizations, tourism partners, and members from the business community came together to host a fair celebrating Reef Week 2023. The event is celebrated in different areas of the country each year. This year’s reef fair was held in San Pedro Town, featuring educational booths, games, activities, music, food, and drinks.
