Community and Society
BEL continues preparations to upgrade power supply in San Pedro
Belize Electricity Limited (BEL) continues with its plans to install 10 MW of battery storage in San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye, to address the increasing power demand. The electricity company is currently preparing a section of a property they own in downtown San Pedro. So far, they have cleared all vegetation (mangroves) and filled the area with material to serve as a foundation where the needed upgrades will be installed to avoid a power crisis on Ambergris Caye.
Environment
Visiting students help with beach clean-up in northern Ambergris Caye
Another beach clean-up occurred at Robles Point along the Bacalar Chico Marine Reserve on the northeastern coast of Ambergris Caye. Large amounts of rubbish were removed from this area, some nine miles north of San Pedro Town. It is a favorite nesting area for sea turtles, so organizers continue to ask those visiting the northern beaches not to litter, which can seriously interfere with nesting.
Community and Society
Editorial: Editors Response to Letters to the Editor
There is no debate that the clearing of mangroves on Ambergris Caye is of great concern to many who live here. It is troubling that although these vital trees are protected by the government, permits are issued to clear them or there is little enforcement when they are illegally cleared. Here lies a key problem. Belize has many laws in place to protect our environment with little to no enforcement.
Community and Society
BEL conducts Mangrove alteration to upgrade power supply in San Pedro; Iguana Sanctuary affected
The cutting of mangroves within a property owned by Belize Electricity Limited (BEL) in San Pedro Town has not only raised eyebrows in the conservation community but also those supporting an Iguana Sanctuary established on the said property by an islander that is now affected by such development. BEL explained the need to access this section of their property to prepare the grounds to install 10 MW of battery storage to address the growth in demand for power on the island and increase the reliability and sustainability of the electricity supply.
Environment
Construction project north of San Pedro issued Stop Order
Early in December, images started circulating on social media about a construction project north of San Pedro Town showing a truck dumping rocks off the beach and onto the seabed. The photos shocked the environmental and tourism community on the island, who started questioning this action. The San Pedro Town Council (SPTC) and its building unit were reportedly unaware of the incident; as the images made the rounds, they visited the construction site and suspended the works. The latest update from the SPTC is that an official stop order was issued and is still in effect, while the Department of Environment (DOE) issues a fine for the irregular activity.
Community and Society
ACES rescues giant boa constrictor on Ambergris Caye
Over the last few years, ACES Wildlife Rescue has evolved from solely working with problematic and injured crocodiles to aiding all forms of wildlife in need. They have seen their share of creatures here on Ambergris Caye, from iguanas and bats to turtles, land and sea birds, and even opossums and ant eaters! One common call is when a boa constrictor harmlessly surfaces where he’s not welcome. ACES volunteers Ben and Rae Sept were in for a surprise when they answered a call to help relocate the largest boa the organization has ever seen.
Environment
Loss and Damage Fund to aid countries affected by climate change approved at COP28
The annual United Nations Climate Change Conference of the Parties, known as COP28, started in Dubai, in the United Arab Emirates, on Friday, December 1st. The international gathering welcomes delegations from around the world, including Belize, who discuss potential solutions to the effects of climate change. On the first day of the two-week summit, the Loss and Damage Fund was approved and launched to assist poorer countries affected by climate change-related disasters.
Environment
Belize Aggressor removed from Lighthouse Reef; damage assessment commences
The diving vessel Belize Aggressor IV, which was stuck at Lighthouse Reef, has finally been removed. The Belize Port Authority (BPA) said on Monday, November 27th, that the vessel was successfully refloated after being grounded near the Aquarium Dive Site for around ten days. An in-depth assessment of the damage to the coral reef is now underway. Following that, a fine will be assessed for the damage caused by the diving vessel.
