Business & Economy
Unauthorized large-scale dredging halted; workers arrested and equipment confiscated
The unauthorized dredging operations were halted on Friday, September 25th by a team consisting of the local police department, Fisheries Department and Hol Chan Marine Reserve’s management.
Business & Economy
Despite cease & desist order, unauthorized large-scale dredging off Ambergris Caye’s west coast continues
Despite a formal Cessation Order from the Mining Unit addressed to a Steve Parrish, no enforcement has occurred, and the project has significantly expanded.
Environment
The Green Climate Fund (GCF) approves Project Preparation Facility (PPF) funding application for project “Transforming Finance to Unlock Climate Action in the Caribbean” for...
Since 2015, Belize has engaged with the Green Climate Fund (GCF) to improve access to international funds and to encourage investment in projects and programmes that will help the country adapt and mitigate climate change and its impacts. As such, the National Designated Authority (NDA) of Belize to the GCF in the Ministry of Economic Development and Petroleum, and the Caribbean Development Bank, have engaged with Development Finance Corporation (DFC) to design a proposed project “Transforming Finance to Unlock Climate Action in the Caribbean” for Belize, Jamaica, and St Lucia.
Environment
Unusual wildlife behaviour on Ambergris Caye noted during pandemic/lockdown
ACES has been busy not only with crocodiles, but also many reports of an unusual number of island wildlife sightings on Ambergris Caye. This is due to less human activity, caused by the lockdown.
Conservation
Agreement signed between the Government of Belize, the Coalition for Sustainable Fisheries, and Oceana to Support Gillnet Fishers to Transition to Alternative Means
In a demonstration of its commitment to sustainable fishing, Dr. Hon. Omar Figueroa, Minister of Fisheries, Forestry, the Environment and Sustainable Development, for and on behalf of the Government of Belize, entered into an agreement with the Coalition for Sustainable Fisheries and Oceana. The agreement will see support rendered to gillnet fishers to transition to alternative income-generating opportunities and to support the voluntary surrender of gillnets. With a successful transition programme in place, the planned phase-out will proceed with the aim of banning the use of gillnets in Belize’s marine territory and Exclusive Economic Zone.
Conservation
Offenders fined $55K+ for possession of illegal marine product at Hol Chan Marine Reserve
Arquel Johnson, Geovanni Reyes, Brian Espat, Mark Anthony Espat, Delmar Rodriguez and Kevan Rodriguez were intercepted, apprehended, prosecuted and fined $55,200 in total.
Environment
The Belize National Designated Authority Launches Studies on National Activities on Engagement with the Green Climate Fund
Since 2015, Belize has engaged with the Green Climate Fund (GCF) to improve access to international funds and to encourage investment in projects and programmes that will help the country adapt to and mitigate climate change and its impacts. Through GCF readiness support, the National Designated Authority (NDA) is launching three case studies to outline Belize’s past engagement experiences with the GCF and future initiatives that will benefit key stakeholders. These include the Development Finance Corporation (DFC), Belize Sugar Industries (BSI), and by extension, the citizens of Belize as the country seeks to improve access to climate finance and the achievement of climate-related goals.
Environment
Expansion of the Sapodilla Cayes Marine Reserve to Protect Important Reef Ecosystem
The Minister with responsibility for Fisheries, Dr. Hon. Omar Figueroa, has signed a Statutory Instrument for the expansion of the Sapodilla Cayes Marine Reserve to protect an important reef ecosystem known as the Corona Reef or Cayman Crown located south of the Sapodilla Cayes.