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.
Conservation
Cultivation of Narcotics and Deforestation reported in the Chiquibul National Park
The Friends for Conservation and Development (FCD), the guardians of the Chiquibul National Rainforest Reserve in western Belize, have reported the cultivation of narcotics, including Marijuana and coca plants, in the national park. The finding is worrisome as the activity is reported deeper in Belizean territory. Another problem is deforestation, which threatens the national park.
Community and Society
Area Representative weighs in on issue with seawalls
The announcement of an 800-foot seawall project for the luxurious beach resort Alaia south of San Pedro Town surprised many and raised concerns within the conservation community. While some believe it could severely alter the coastline and the beach, the Area Representative Honourable Andre Perez, said there are justifiable reasons for it.
Environment
Alaia Belize Resort unveils major beachfront upgrade
Press Release - San Pedro Town, Belize- January 23, 2024 – Alaia Belize is thrilled to announce a transformative enhancement to our renowned luxury...
Community and Society
Beach nourishment at Boca del Rio showing positive results
In October 2022, the San Pedro Town Council (SPTC) embarked on a project to save the downtown beaches. To address the issue, the SPTC began a restoration project with a demonstration site in Boca del Rio in front of the severely eroded beach at the San Pedro High School. The project employs nature-based solutions and the guidance of local scientists. A little over a year after its implementation, the local authorities report good results and a steady beach recovery.
Environment
Belize Reef Systems experiences “worst” coral bleaching event
In the past months, the Belize reef system has been experiencing adverse effects of coral bleaching. According to the Fisheries Department, bleaching is not uncommon and, over the past decades, has been caused mainly by a rise in seawater temperatures in combination with chronic local stressors and practices. Several organizations across the country have been working together to support the ability of coral ecosystems to become more tolerant, resistant, and resilient to their external stressors. The current bleaching is arguably one of the worst bleaching events Belize's reef systems have experienced in the last decade.
Environment
GOB shares the achievements of the Blue Bonds
On January 7th, the Blue Bond and Finance for Permanence Unit (BBDPU) hosted a panel discussion on the two years into implementing the Belize Blue Bonds. The live-streamed event saw members of the Government and other key figures sharing information on the achievements made since the launch of "Belize Blue Bonds: Blue Finance for Nature and People" and future plans.
Environment
Recent Coral Bleaching Event
The Fisheries Department informs the public of the recent bleaching events impacting Belize’s reefs. These events are not uncommon and over the past decades have been caused mainly by a rise in seawater temperatures in combination with chronic local stressors and practices. This trend in occurrence and severity of mass coral bleaching events has been continuous. As such, a “prescription” for a “cure” is unavailable, hence, there is the need to rely on approaches that support the ability of coral ecosystems to become more tolerant, resistant, and resilient to their external stressors.
