Business & Economy
Belize has a Blue Economy Ministry; where did it emerge from, and what is it about?
The Blue Economy is a strategy created by the Commonwealth, an association of 54 countries, of which Belize is a member. These nations have agreed to actively cooperate to solve ocean/sea-related problems and meet commitments for sustainable marine areas’ development.
Conservation
Reminder – Protection of Sea Turtles
The Department hereby reminds the PUBLIC that in accordance with Regulation 10 of Statutory Instrument No. 66 of 2002, under the Fisheries Resources Act No. 7 of 2020:• No person shall fish for in the waters of Belize or buy, sell, or have in possession any turtle of the following species: a) Eretmochelys imbricata (Hawksbill Turtle) b) Caretta caretta (Loggerhead Turtle) c) Chelonia mydas (Green Turtle) d) Dermochelys coriacea (Leatherback Turtles)
Conservation
CCCCC and USAID successfully conclude US$10 million Climate Change Adaptation Program in the Eastern and Southern Caribbean (ESC)
The Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre (CCCCC) in partnership with the United States Agency for International Development’s Eastern and Southern Caribbean (USAID/ESC), will on Wednesday, November 18, bring the curtains down on the Climate Change Adaptation Program (CCAP) - a four-year initiative that benefited nine States in the Eastern and Southern Caribbean.
Conservation
Gillnet fishing is now illegal in Belize; Ambergris Caye fisherfolks support the ban
The GOB has taken a significant step in strengthening marine conservation by putting an end to gillnet fishing in Belizean waters on November 6th.
Conservation
Statutory Instrument Signed into Law to Ban Gill Nets from Marine Waters
In a demonstration of commitment to maintain a vibrant and sustainable fishery sector, Dr. Hon. Omar Figueroa, Minister of Fisheries, Forestry, the Environment and Sustainable Development, has signed into law Statutory Instrument No. 158 of 2020 titled Fisheries Resources (Gill net prohibition) Regulations, 2020, banning the use and possession of gill nets in the marine waters of Belize. The area covered by the ban includes all the sea under the jurisdiction of Belize.
Conservation
Survey Entries within the Hol Chan Marine Reserve’s Zone C canceled
After HCMR confirmed that the parcels are within the reserve’s Zone C, the Commissioner of Lands stated that they would retract the survey entries.
Environment
Dredging halted in southern Ambergris Caye after excess of sediments drift towards reef
Authorized dredging taking place near the southern end of Ambergris Caye remains at a halt after allegedly breaching their permits. Concerned residents reported the incident and took aerial images showing a sediment plume drifting towards the barrier reef.
Environment
After complaints from the community, SPTC rehabilitates street in San Mateo
After multiple calls and reminders, the SPTC has finally cleared a particular street of trash, tamping down organic material and laying white marl.