Environment
Belmopan leads Caribbean with endorsement of Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty
The Belizean capital of Belmopan has signed a motion calling for a Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty, a global mechanism that aims to explicitly address the source of 86% of CO2 emissions that cause climate change: fossil fuels. The support was made official by a statement from the mayor with council approval.
Environment
Government of Belize Initiates the Development of a Groundwater Monitoring System for Aquifers
The Belize National Climate Change Office within the Ministry of Sustainable Development, Climate Change, and Disaster Risk Management along with the National Hydrological Service within the Ministry of Natural Resources, Petroleum and Mining have joined efforts to develop a groundwater monitoring system for the management of aquifers in Belize. This system will serve as a tool to track the impacts of climate change in the water sector. It will also be useful for the National Hydrological Service and other government agencies and non-state partners to identify risks in water supply for diverse groundwater users in Belize.
Environment
Ministry of Sustainable Development Hosts Stakeholder Consultation in Placencia
The Ministry of Sustainable Development, Climate Change and Disaster Risk Management held a stakeholder consultation with the Placencia Village Council, the Placencia Tour Guide Association, and the Southern Environmental Association (SEA) on strengthening cooperation for improved management of the Laughing Bird Caye National Park.
Community and Society
Enormous crocodile caught in Caye Caulker; safely removed and relocated
An adult crocodile, measuring nine feet in length, was captured on Wednesday, August 31st, near a guest house in Caye Caulker Village. The wild animal was safely removed from the area with the assistance of the Fisheries Department. The crocodile was later transported to Ambergris Caye, where ACES Wildlife Rescue assisted with relocating the crocodile.
Environment
Sustainable Fisheries, Technology and Value Chain Consultations for Belize
The Government of Belize, through the Ministry of Ministry of Blue Economy and Civil Aviation (MBECA) in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) Representative for Jamaica, The Bahamas, Belize, and Belize's National Designated Authority to the Green Climate Fund (GCF), has organized three Sustainable Fisheries, Technology and Value Chain Consultations for the coastal zone and fisheries sector of Belize.
Community and Society
Stone Crab season goes into effect in July 2023; only licensed fishers allowed to fish
On August 16th, the Belize Fisheries Department and the Ministry of the Blue Economy announced new legislation to implement the country's first-ever season for the Florida Stone Crab. The closed season was set from July 1st to September 30th, mandating that no stone crab fishing was supposed to occur. Several fishers protested that they were not aware of this new law. On Thursday, August 25, the Fisheries Department issued an update that the closing season would not go into effect until 2023.
Environment
Unexpected influx of Sargassum invades San Pedro beaches
On Wednesday, August 24th, residents on Ambergris Caye were surprised to see the beaches full of Sargassum. The previous day the shoreline appeared free of the brown algae; just hours later, the beaches were choked with the brown seaweed, with more expected in the coming days.
Environment
Belize Fisheries Department protects sea cucumber breeding season
The Belize Fisheries Department, in its mission to provide the country and the people of Belize with the best possible management of aquatic and fisheries resources and with continuous research and collaboration with the University of Belize, has enacted legislation to fully protected the reproductive season for commercial sea cucumbers in Belize as determined via various studies conducted by Dr. Arleni Rogers, experienced sea cucumber researcher in Belize.
