Conservation
Hol Chan Marine Reserve to spearhead emergency response brigade training
From the 17th to the 20th of May, the Hol Chan Marine Reserve will train advanced-level divers to create an emergency response brigade. The brigade will assess damages to the barrier reef following any major natural disaster. The Rapid Response and Emergency Reef Restoration Course training collaborates with the Fisheries Department, the Turneffe Atoll Sustainability Association, The Nature Conservancy, and the Mesoamerican Reef Fund. The deadline for the application is February 11th, and the training is free of cost.
Conservation
BTB and APAMO sign MOU for greater cooperation in the sustainable development of protected areas
The MOU was signed at the BTB headquarters in Belize City on Wednesday, February 2nd by the Hon. Anthony Mahler, Minister of Tourism & Diaspora Relations and Mr. Jose Perez, Executive Director of APAMO. As part of the MOU, the BTB will develop a pilot project alongside APAMO to further develop areas of Sustainable Certification/Accreditation and growth.
Conservation
Participate in the naming of the new Conservation Fund and win a trip to Ambergris Caye
Following the historic Blue Bond debt conversion program procured in November 2021, a conservation fund was created for marine conservation. To mark this momentous program, the Ministry of the Blue Economy and Civil Aviation, in collaboration with The Nature Conservancy (TNC), invites Belizeans to name the new conservation fund. Participants could win a four-person trip to San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye, hotel stay, and a guided tour of the Hol Chan Marine Reserve.
Community and Society
SPTC plans on tackling the island’s ongoing garbage problem
The improper disposal of garbage on the island has been a long-standing issue. There have been multiple clean-up campaigns in the past, but the problem persists. To continue tackling the problem, the new San Pedro Town Council (SPTC) is embarking on an island-wide, extensive, and thorough clean-up campaign with the idea of involving all key stakeholders on the island. The SPTC's plan also introduces new regulations on the construction debris storage/disposal method currently practiced on the island.
Community and Society
Government presents new system to dispose of medical waste
A set of rules guiding to how properly get rid of medical waste now makes it illegal and fineable to dispose of it improperly. The Medical Waste Regulations ensure that medical waste is managed via improved storage, transportation, and disposal throughout the country.
Environment
Questionable sale of private island within the Hol Chan Marine Reserve raises concerns on Ambergris Caye
An advertisement for the sale of a private island reportedly within the Hol Chan Marine Reserve south of Ambergris Caye was met with resistance by many islanders prompting an immediate reaction from the reserve's authorities. The post with details of the island was found on a renowned Real Estate company's Facebook page and was promptly removed. Hol Chan, however, indicated that an investigation is ongoing to find out if and how the realtors managed to get ownership of an island located in a marine reserve.
Community and Society
Belize’s Shark Conservation efforts highlighted on The Ellen Show
Under the Ministry of the Blue Economy and the collaboration of local and international experts, Belize has been making significant efforts to protect marine species. One milestone that became a reality on June 25, 2021, was the establishment of a protected area of 1,500 square miles around Lighthouse Reef Atoll, Glover’s Reef, and Turneffe Atoll, where shark fishing is no longer allowed. The country’s efforts in shark conservation were discussed by shark expert Dr. Demian Chapman when he was a guest on the popular United States television show, The Ellen Show.
Community and Society
Bonefish and Tarpon Trust highlights the continued challenges affecting Belize’s fishing flats
The pristine Caribbean waters around Ambergris Caye house a series of unique marine habitats supporting livelihoods in fisheries and tourism. One of these sectors, particularly in tourism, is the fly-fishing industry. The survival of this livelihood depends on healthy and intact habitats for marine life such as tarpon, bonefish, and permit, which continue to be threatened by coastal development. A recent short film titled ‘Paradise Under Threat’ by the Bonefish and Tarpon Trust (BTT) highlights some of the challenges to conservation and the best approaches authorities can engage in to save these natural habitats.
