Community and Society
SPTC to address waste management at the transfer station
In the past, they had recommended the separation of waste; this was reportedly never done. Therefore, the SPTC will engage in an educational campaign to encourage islanders to separate their household rubbish before being picked up and transported to the transfer station.
Environment
Belize to Benefit from UK’s Blue Planet Fund through the Ocean Country Partnership Programme
On 13 August 2021, the United Kingdom (UK) announced £16.2m funding from the UK’s £500 million Blue Planet Fund (BPF) would go to new five programmes to tackle climate change, restore ocean health and reduce poverty in developing countries globally (see attached Blue Planet Fund Defra release). One of these programmes is the Ocean Country Partnership Programme (OCPP)
Community and Society
Local organization turns Sargassum into fertilizer
Every year Belize’s coast gets its share of the brown seaweed, better known as Sargassum choking its beaches and disturbing the tourism industry. Another issue with the brown algae is its foul smell as it rots on the shoreline. The influx of Sargassum has been increasing over the recent years. While little has been done to make good use of this invasive seaweed, a Belize City-based organisation-Belize Expressive Arts Foundation, has found a way to reap the benefits of the unwanted sea algae. They are currently conducting a pilot project turning stinky Sargassum into fertilizer for gardens.
Community and Society
Environmental authorities condemn handling turtle hatchlings; it is illegal and harmful for baby turtles
Videos and images on social media of people handling baby sea turtles have prompted the Belize Fisheries Department and the Hol Chan Marine Reserve to launch an investigation into this practice, which is illegal under the Fisheries Resources Act No. 7 of 2020. Observation of wildlife is encouraged, but without human interaction, as these creatures must follow their natural life cycle.
Conservation
Hol Chan staff participates in Rapid Response Reef Restoration Training held in Ambergris Caye
Staff from the Hol Chan Marine Reserve participated in a course to train first responders how to develop theoretical and practical skills, knowledge and attitudes and join response brigades in the event of a major storm or disturbance to Belize's barrier reef. Due to COVID-19 regulations, the training was held in two phases from July 26th to the 30th, with participants from Belize, Honduras, and Guatemala. Held in San Pedro, the second part of the course is scheduled from 23rd to 27th August. However, three days before these dates, there will be a workshop to train participants to become trainers.
Environment
Islanders report illegal hunting and disturbance of turtle nests in northern Ambergris Caye
In April of this year, the Ministries of the Blue Economy and Sustainable Development Climate Change and Disaster Risk Management denounced reports of illegal hunting in northern Ambergris Caye within the Bacalar Chico National Park and Marine Reserve. Following their reaction, little has been done as the criminal activities continue, including the apparent uprooting of mature coconut trees and the potential threat to turtle nesting areas.
Community and Society
Xsite Belize Sailing & Adventures to certify 28 kids via scuba diving summer program
A group of 28 kids is on their way to becoming certified open water divers. The two-week summer program already underway is an initiative of local tour operator Xsite Belize Sailing & Adventures at no cost to the participants. This is a way of giving back to the community and giving those kids wanting to become divers and learn about the marine environment in front of their island home the opportunity to accomplish that goal.
Community and Society
Caye Caulker Fisheries Department receives donations from two ministries
A collaboration for the better management of marine reserves between the Ministries of the Blue Economy and Civil Aviation and Tourism and Diaspora Relations saw the Caye Caulker Fisheries Department receiving an assortment of much-needed equipment on Monday, July 26th.