Community and Society
Reef clean-up campaign rids Ambergris Caye marine environment from a ton of debris
As Reef Week San Pedro continues, a snorkeling and free diving clean-up took place on Monday, March 8th, near the Barrier Reef. Spearheading the clean-up was islander Abner Bacad and Roan Gonzalez, who collected a boat load of trash from the sea along with volunteers.
Community and Society
Reef Week San Pedro kicks off with a swim to the reef challenge
Twenty-three participants kicked off the annual Reef Week San Pedro with an early morning swim challenge to the reef.
Conservation
Sargassum makes a slow return to Ambergris Caye
The influx of Sargassum has been increasing since 2011 within the Caribbean Sea. Although our beaches have been clear of the rotting, smelly mess for several months the dreaded seaweed has once again arrived at San Pedro Town's shores, slowly accumulating on the island's windward beachside. According to a National Meteorological Service of Belize report, an increase is expected in the coming weeks, with an overall bloom intensity similar to 2019.
Conservation
Belize Participates in the Green Climate Fund Transformational Climate Financing for the Caribbean Regional Dialogue
On March 1, 2021, the Prime Minister of Belize, Hon. John Briceño, participated in a high-level session with the Green Climate Fund (GCF) executive and regional leaders to discuss some of the climate vulnerability challenges that Small Island Developing States (SIDS) are facing.
Community and Society
Celso Poot winner of the 35th James A. Waight Award
We are delighted to announce that Mr. Celso Poot, Operations Manager of the Belize Zoo and Tropical Education Centre and founder of the Belize Tapir Project, has been awarded the 2021 James A. Waight Award.
Community and Society
Valentine’s Day beach clean-up shows Ambergris Caye some love
Hundreds of 50-gallon bags were filled with rubbish that stretched for miles along the beach. Most of the discarded items were plastic. There were sandals, bottle caps, empty water bottles, condoms, large plastic containers, glass rum, empty soft drink empty, and even old fishing nets. It is believed that some of this garbage washed ashore from passing ships or near communities, and the balance was left behind by people visiting this beach.
Community and Society
A second clean-up campaign rids Boca del Rio lagoon of more rubbish
The lagoon at Boca del Rio was relieved for a second time from rubbish after a clean-up rally on Saturday, February 6th. The volunteer activity led by island resident Abner Bacab saw a group of islanders giving up their Saturday to clean the waterway, where they bagged over 1,000 pounds of garbage from the bottom of the lagoon.
Community and Society
San Pedro Lions Club gift palm trees to schools on the island
The grounds of San Pedro Roman Catholic Primary School and the New Horizon Seventh Day Adventist School received their share of palm trees courtesy of the San Pedro Lions Club. Ninety-six trees were distributed between both schools, and members of the club assisted in the planting on Sunday, January 31st.