Environment
Belize Participates in 6th United Nations Environment Assembly
The 6th United Nations Environment Assembly was hosted at the United Nations Environment Program Headquarters in Nairobi, Kenya, from February 26 to March 1. Leading Belize’s participation is Dr. Kenrick Williams, Chief Executive Officer of the Ministry of Sustainable Development, Climate Change, and Disaster Risk Management.
Conservation
UK agrees new support for conservation efforts in the Caribbean Sea
£190,000 of UK funding will support Caribbean marine conservation efforts and improve livelihoods. Announcement was made by Minister for the Americas, Caribbean and Overseas Territories, David Rutley whilst attending the CARICOM Heads of Government Meeting in Guyana.
Environment
Coastal Advisory Committee meeting held in San Pedro
The Belize Coastal Zone Management Authority and Institute (CZMAI) has been hosting several Coastal Advisory Committee meetings nationwide to receive updates on recommended actions to ensure sustainable use of coastal resources. This initiative is part of the Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM) Plan 2016, approved by the Cabinet in 2016, becoming the official framework for the sustainable management of coastal resources in Belize. The updates to the ICZM Plan are to be finalized by November 2025.
Conservation
Turneffe Atoll Sustainability Association Blends Tradition with Technology to Save Belize’s Marine Ecosystems
Since 2013 the Turneffe Atoll Sustainability Association (TASA) has received its mandate as the official co-manager of the marine reserve from the Government of Belize through the Belize Fisheries Department. The award-winning nonprofit blends traditional engagement strategies and technology to redefine marine conservation and improve management effectiveness, which IUCN defines as ‘how well-protected areas are managed.’
Community and Society
Hol Chan Marine Reserve installs and replaces buoys at Caye Caulker Marine Reserve
In the name of conservation, the enforcement and compliance team from the Hol Chan Marine Reserve installed four new moorings buoys at the Caye Caulker Marine Reserve on Monday, February 12th. The Hol Chan team also replaced two damaged buoys in the popular marine reserve.
Community and Society
San Pedro Sanitation Department starts clean-up campaign in San Mateo
The San Pedro Town Council (SPTC) has embarked on another large-scale clean-up campaign in the San Mateo subdivision north of San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye. A large amount of rubbish, mainly yard waste, has been removed from key points in the subdivision. The campaign stressed the importance of keeping the island community clean and promoting a healthier, trash-free environment.
Environment
2024 Sargassum season is right around the corner
The eyesore of sargassum mats littering our beaches has not been observed in San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, for months. This has led to clear and clean coastlines with beautiful sandy beaches. However, as Easter approaches, the threat of sargassum looms, and according to reports, there could be heavy seaweed invasion.
Conservation
Belize Flats Fishery Association concludes countrywide membership drive
The Belize Flats Fishery Association (BFFA) ended January with a successful countywide membership drive that started in October 2023. The BFFA recruited 60 members across the country and expects to sign up additional members in the coming weeks. The association aims to be the voice that promotes flats fishing guides and stakeholders to increase professional standards and advocate for better protection of the ecosystems and improved livelihoods.