Conservation
Forest Department Receives Specialized Equipment Under Sustainable Development Project II
On December 21, 2021, the Ministry of Sustainable Development, Climate Change and Disaster Risk Management, through the Belize Forest Department, received a donation of specialized forest equipment from the Ministry of Tourism and Diaspora Relations under the Sustainable Tourism Project II (STPII).
Community and Society
Miss Earth 2021 asks San Pedranos to take care of their natural resources
After being crowned with the prestigious title, Miss Earth 2021, Belizean Destiny Wagner, 25, is home. The Belizean queen plans to visit various areas in the country, including San Pedro Town. Knowing the island’s sensitive surroundings, Wagner is asking San Pedranos to protect and preserve their natural resources.
Community and Society
Residential areas could soon face garbage collection fees; SPTC warns against illegal dumping
The garbage issue continues to be a big problem on Ambergris Caye, and according to the San Pedro Town Council (SPTC), a large chunk of their budget goes towards tackling this growing issue. As a result, the SPTC is experiencing an increase in trash disposal expenses, and the administration is debating whether to start charging garbage fees in residential areas. Currently, only businesses are charged for garbage collection. The town council also warns residents of illegal dumping and to refrain from using hazardous waste as landfill. Property owners failing to adhere could be penalized with fines for not complying.
Conservation
GOB and BCCI Convene Private Sector Focus Group Kick-off Meeting
As part of the Green Climate Fund (GCF)-funded Readiness Support for Strengthening Belize Private Sector Access to Climate Finance Project, a kick-off meeting was convened on November 16, 2021 to launch a collaborative process with a Private Sector Focus Group of key Belizean private sector partners. These partners belong to a broad range of organisations, from large corporations with in-depth sectoral expertise, financial institutions and regulators, national institutions promoting private sector engagement and inclusion, and trade associations.
Environment
Town Council urges property owners to keep their land clean, adding that burning garbage is illegal
Owners on the island who have neglected their property, leaving it untidy and overgrown with vegetation, were given notice by the San Pedro Town Council (SPTC) and the Sanitation Department. The SPTC reminds islanders that their property must be clean and that burning garbage within town limits is a serious offense.
Conservation
Stakeholders attending virtual Smart Coast Project workshop say enforcement is critical for any environmental plan to succeed
Hol Chan Marine Reserve, the Coastal Zone Management Authority and Institute, and the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) recently hosted a virtual workshop on the Smart Coast Project. Many of the participating stakeholders and environmentalists registered their disappointment in the lack of enforcement to protect Belize’s natural resources. The workshop presented modeling results and proposals for adaptation options and management scenarios in the northern communities of Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker.
Conservation
Pollution from Plastics regulations go into effect in December 2021
Minister of Sustainable Development Honourable Orlando Habet said that the deadline for single-use plastic and Styrofoam products in Belize would be December 2021. Habet shared this with the media from Glasgow, Scotland, where he is attending the UN Climate Change Summit. He said his ministry is preparing to enforce the Environment Protection (Pollution from Plastics) Regulations that was signed in January 2020.
Environment
Honorable Andre Perez highlights Belize’s efforts to protect the environment at COP26
Belize's delegation attending the UN Climate Change Summit COP26 continues to participate in different activities highlighting Belize's efforts and commitment to the fight against global warming. On Thursday, November 4th, the Honourable Andre Perez, Minister of the Blue Economy and Civil Aviation, took part in a high-level panel discussion dubbed 'Blue Carbon Protection in NDCs-Case Studies in Ambition.
