Community and Society
CRFM and CARICOM IMPACS partner with Norway to fortify the region’s response to fisheries crimes
The Caribbean Regional Fisheries Mechanism (CRFM) and the Caribbean Community Implementation Agency for Crime and Security (CARICOM IMPACS) hosted a Technical Meeting on Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) Fishing and Organized Crime in the Fishing Industry this week. It marked an important milestone in the region’s efforts to fortify the region’s response to this very challenging and costly problem, through coordinated action at both the national and regional levels, with the support of the Government of Norway and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) under the Blue Justice Initiative.
Environment
The GCF Approves Grant Funding for a Traditional Savanna Fire Management Project
As the Green Climate Fund’s (GCF) National Designated Authority for Belize, the Ministry of Economic Development and the Climate Finance Unit in collaboration with the Ministry of Sustainable Development, Climate Change and Disaster Risk Management are pleased to announce the approval of the project entitled Traditional Savanna Fire Management Readiness Proposal to facilitate emissions reductions in the agriculture, forestry and other land use sectors in Belize.
Environment
Oceana Belize releases first fisheries audit; more monitoring and enforcement needed
On Thursday, March 10th, Oceana Belize released its first annual Fishery Audit to show the status of important fisheries in the country. The report also evaluated the effectiveness of management measures already in place. The audit identified that despite significant government commitments and investments, limited monitoring and collection of fisheries data continues to undermine the effective management of Belize’s fish stocks and marine products.
Community and Society
Sargassum returns to the beaches
As tourism continues in Belize, the first waves of Sargassum are starting to beach along the Belizean Caribbean coastline and cayes. According to the National Meteorological Service, the latest observations projected from March 9th to the 22nd show an increase in the brown algae near Belize. The forecast indicates the possibility of a medium to high chance of more Sargassum polluting the beaches.
Community and Society
Miss Earth Destiny Wagner receives donation from Hol Chan Marine Reserve
On Thursday, February 24th, Belize's Destiny Wagner, Miss Earth 2021, received a Hol Chan Marine Reserve donation in San Pedro Town towards her non-profit organization-Operation Kingdom. An effort dedicated to combating child hunger and equality in education.
Conservation
Conservation Fund gets a name, the Belize Fund for a Sustainable Future
The conservation fund for marine conservation secured via the historic Blue Bond program has finally been named. The official name 'Belize Fund for a Sustainable Future' was announced on Monday, February 14th virtually through the Blue Economy and Civil Aviation Ministry. The public had the opportunity to choose and vote for a name via an online poll. Out of three options to choose from, the name with the most votes became the fund's official name.
Conservation
DOE details amendment to plastic pollution regulations
Through the Department of the Environment (DOE) within the Ministry of Sustainable Development, Climate Change, and Disaster Risk Management, the government continues its efforts to fully implement the regulations that will see the end of pollution from plastics in Belize. On Monday, February 14th, the DOE informed the public about the amendment to the Environmental Protection (Pollution from Plastics) Regulations providing details on these changes, including a new phase-out process on single-use plastic products and strict deadlines.
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.