Environment
Research at Cayman Crown – a transboundary coral reef site in Belize and Guatemala
On July 31, 2020, a statutory instrument was signed by the then Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Forestry, the Environment and Sustainable Development for the expansion of the Sapodilla Cayes Marine Reserve, now approximately 321,623.5 acres. This expansion includes but is not limited to the protection of a portion of an important coral reef ecosystem known as the Corona Reef or Cayman Crown, which straddles the maritime boundary between southern Belize and Guatemala.
Environment
Government calls out irregular hunting activities in northern Ambergris Caye; locals say hunting continues
According to reports from concerned islanders, illegal hunting activities in northern Ambergris Caye within the Bacalar Chico National Park and Marine Reserve continues. This area of the island is known for its unique game species and is home to jaguars and pumas. The increased reports of these illegal activities have caught the attention of the Ministries of the Blue Economy, and Sustainable Development, Climate Change, and Disaster Risk Management. Although they denounce these acts, it has not been enough to dissuade the illegal hunting and even allegedly trade of Ambergris Caye's wildlife.
Community and Society
Minister of Sustainable Development, Climate Change and Disaster Risk Management and PACT visit TIDE
Staff from the Protected Areas Conservation Trust (PACT) along with Hon. Orlando Habet, Minister of Sustainable Development, Climate Change and Disaster Risk Management paid a courtesy visit to the Toledo Institute for Development and Environment (TIDE) on March 29, 2021.
Community and Society
Park Rangers Sworn in as Special Constables
In a small graduation ceremony held on March 24, 2021, at the Shipstern Nature Reserve in Sarteneja Village, Corozal District, Hon. Orlando Habet, Minster of Sustainable Development, Climate Change and Disaster Risk Management, honoured 29 park rangers graduating as special constables.
Community and Society
Residents report illegal hunting in northern Ambergris Caye including jaguar
Concerned residents on Ambergris Caye have reported numerous cases of irregular hunting in the northern-most tip of the island. This area is known for its wildlife, such as peccaries, deer, and even jaguar and puma. According to recent unofficial reports, the increase in illegal hunting activities is not only threatening the local wildlife, but apparently, a jaguar was shot and killed a couple of weeks ago.
Environment
Ministry of the Blue Economy says legislation banning gillnets will not be amended
The Ministry of the Blue Economy and Civil Aviation was swift in responding to a joint press release issued by the Coalition for Sustainable Fisheries and Oceana Belize alleging that the ministry failed to meet with licensed Belizean fishermen benefiting from a gill net ban. The press release dated March 16th titled ‘Lobby by Illegal Gillnetters Threatens Gillnet Ban’ mentions a lawsuit filed by a third party regarding the ban. The ministry has moved to substantially alter legislation that banned the use of gillnets in November 2020.
Community and Society
Reef Week San Pedro ends with a beach and sea clean up
From the 7th to the 13th of March, San Pedro Town hosted its Reef Week with a series of activities highlighting the importance of protecting its marine ecosystem. The week-long event ended with a beach and sea clean-up, but not before spreading education, awareness, and reminding islanders of the need to take care of Belize's Barrier Reef and the sea.
Conservation
2021 Eco-Audit reveals low progress in the protection of the Mesoamerican Reef System
According to the Director of the Healthy Reefs Initiative Melanie McField, "We have known for over two decades what needs to be done – this Eco-Audit is evidence that some efforts are underway, but the pace of these actions is far too slow."