Community and Society
Forest Department Makes Donation to Itzama Society
On June 18, 2021, the Belize Forest Department, under the Ministry of Sustainable Development, Climate Change, and Disaster Risk Management, donated BZ$65,000 worth of equipment, transportation and uniforms to the Itzama Society.
Conservation
PACT Celebrates 25 Years of Supporting the Management of the Belize National Protected Areas System
June 6th, 2021 marks the 25th anniversary of the Protected Areas Conservation Trust (PACT). The Trust was operationalized as a statutory body in 1996 as Belize’s national financing mechanism for protected areas and it has directly invested over $34 Million in the national protected areas system in addition to varied indirect financial support.
Environment
The influx of Sargassum on Ambergris Caye blamed for the death of juvenile fish
The persistent inflow of the Sargassum seaweed is taking a toll on juvenile fish around Ambergris Caye. As a result, vast amounts of small to medium dead fish are floating around the mangroves on the lagoon side of the island. Some of the species observed included pufferfish, barracuda, bonefish, reef fish, and young snapper.
Environment
The GCF Approves Grant for a National Adaptation Planning Proposal for Belize
The Ministry of Finance, Economic Development and Investment, Belize’s National Designated Authority (NDA) to the Green Climate Fund (GCF), is pleased to announce the GCF’s approval of the National Adaptation Planning Proposal “Enhancing Adaptation Planning and Increasing Climate Resilience in the Coastal Zone and Fisheries Sector in Belize.”
Community and Society
World Oceans Day observed in San Pedro with beach clean-up; other environmental entities encourage Belizeans to take care of the sea
This year's theme for the annual Oceans Day is 'The Ocean: Life and livelihood.' In San Pedro, the sea is an essential source of livelihood for the fishing and tourism sector. Thus, the San Pedro Town Council, via its Councillor Johnnia Duarte, carried out the beach clean-up with the support of islanders Elito Arceo and Miguel Alamilla. The activity saw adults and children participating in what has become a constant attempt to keep the beach clean and the sea free of hazardous rubbish.
Environment
Oceana and Global Fishing Watch Applaud Belize’s Leadership on Fisheries Transparency
The agreement signed by the Belize High Seas Fisheries Unit (BHSFU), Oceana, and Global Fishing Watch, demonstrates Belize’s commitment to greater transparency in fishing activities at sea and is the result of Oceana’s collaboration with the government to increase transparency of Belizean-flagged fishing vessels on the high seas.
Environment
Belize Celebrates International Day for Biodiversity
Belize, recognized as a world biodiversity hotspot, has ratified the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) since December 30, 1993. Through a network of 113 protected areas countrywide, Belize has successfully maintained over 61% of intact forested lands supporting the protection of approximately 577 species of birds, 163 mammals, 141 species of reptiles and 3,408 species of plants including 613 medicinal plants.
Environment
Climate Vulnerability Reduction Program – Protective Work Package 2, Pumping Station and Breakwater
The primary objective of the loan is to alleviate the incidence of flooding in the South Side of Belize City and while it consists of several lots, this lot is the main package under the loan which will contribute significantly to alleviating flooding in South Side of Belize City, an area inhabited by the most vulnerable of the city’s residents.