Environment
Illegal garbage dumping in northern Ambergris Caye reported
Concerned residents have reported what they describe as an eyesore and environmentally harmful piles of rubbish, including electrical appliances, dumped with the apparent purpose of filling a piece of land north of San Pedro. According to regulations, organic landfill may be used, but electrical items and appliances are considered hazardous to the environment and should be disposed of properly.
Conservation
Hon. Andre Perez shares Belize’s commitment to combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing
Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) fishing and transnational organized crime in the fisheries sector has in the past affected the reputation of many Caribbean countries, including Belize. To combat this issue, Caribbean ministers responsible for fisheries and blue economic growth are holding meetings to address the issue during this year's Caribbean Week of Agriculture, celebrated virtually under the theme 'Transforming our Food Systems.' Belize was represented by the Honourable Andre Perez, Minister of the Blue Economy and Civil Aviation, and shared the country's commitment to strengthen regional cooperation in the fight against IUU fishing.
Conservation
Healthy 2021 turtle nesting season; nesting areas still threatened by human activity
The current turtle nesting season continues to look good as members of the Hol Chan Marine Reserve are reporting hatchlings in the several nests discovered in northern Ambergris Caye. 44 nests have been found so far, a much lower nest count from previous seasons. Around this time of year, nests amounted to the 90s previously.
Environment
Belize Participates in Regional Discussion on Accessing Climate Finance
Mr. Leroy Martinez, Economist/Green Climate Fund Focal Point in the Ministry of Finance, Economic Development and Investment, participated in a virtual high-level panel discussion with other regional National Designated Authorities (NDA) to the Green Climate Fund (GCF) on September 22, 2021.
Environment
Cuban Coastal Experts Making Headway in Field Assessment
A team of Cuban experts from the Institute of Marine Sciences and GAMMA S.A. has been covering significant ground in the south for the past two weeks as they conduct preliminary coastal erosion assessments. The field assessment is being conducted under the project entitled “Enhancing the Climate Resilience of Dangriga and Hopkins.”
Environment
NDA commits BZ$3 million grant from its GCF allocation to PACT
Dr. Osmond Martinez, CEO and the National Designated Authority (NDA) to the Green Climate Fund (GCF) in the Ministry of Finance, Economic Development and Investment met with Dr. Kenrick Williams, CEO and Chair of the Protect Areas Conservation Trust (PACT) in the Ministry of Sustainable Development, Climate Change, and Disaster Risk Management. The aim of the meeting was to discuss funding opportunities for the development of a National Adaptation Plan (NAP) for various sectors including tourism, forestry, land use, and human settlement, etc. As a result, the NDA committed its remaining balance of BZ$3 million grant from its one-time GCF allocation.
Conservation
GOB works with a coalition of NGO’s in commitment to conserve key areas of the Maya Forest in Belize
The Government of Belize, Re:wild and The Nature Conservancy (TNC) have agreed to co-operate in the implementation of a strategy and mutual undertaking of the parties for the benefit of the Government and People of Belize, to protect and conserve their natural ecosystems and its services, as well as its biodiversity in perpetuity while seeking to support sustainable human development.
Environment
SPTC teams up with Hol Chan to protect turtle nesting areas in north Ambergris Caye
The 2021 turtle nesting season is underway in northern Ambergris Caye. Every year, environmental groups like the Hol Chan Marine Reserve (HCMR) educate the public on proper conservation methods to protect the few nesting sites on that part of the island. The challenge is the vehicular traffic on and around these areas and garbage left behind by visitors. With the support of the San Pedro Town Council, HCMR is looking to enforce strict measures to ensure less disturbance in the vicinity.
