Environment
SPHS students join Hol Chan Marine Reserve in the National Coastal and Riverways clean-up
A group of students from the San Pedro High School (SPHS) participated along with the Hol Chan Marine Reserve in the annual National Coastal and Riverways clean-up, held on Saturday, October 7th. In San Pedro, the clean-up occurred on the island's northern coast, Robles Beach—a popular area for sea turtle nesting.
Conservation
The future of mangroves on Ambergris Caye; what are authorities doing?
The constant development of San Pedro, Ambergris Caye has recently seen the decimation of large areas of mangroves. Most of these cases take place on private properties, clearing the mangroves for development projects. The San Pedro Town Council (SPTC) said they are starting to investigate some of these clearings as a permit is required before altering mangroves. These trees are considered highly important for coastal areas in Belize as they serve not only as a nursing ground for juvenile fish and fight climate change but also as a reliable natural buffer against natural disasters like hurricanes.
Environment
CAF, FAO, and CRFM partner on new Regional GEF Funded Blue Economy Project
A new US 48 million dollar project to strengthen the foundation for blue economic growth and sustainable development of marine living resources by focusing on marine spatial planning, area-based management, and climate-smart sustainable seafood value chain development has commenced. The Caribbean Regional Fisheries Mechanism (CRFM), the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), and the Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean (CAF), are partnering to implement the four-year project in the region.
Environment
The United Kingdom’s Ocean Country Partnership Programme (OCPP) and International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) supported the Government of Belize (GOB) in “Achieving...
The UK’s OCPP, in collaboration with the Ministry of Blue Economy and Civil Aviation (MBECA) and the Belize Fisheries Department (BFiD), hosted the IUCN in Belize for a transformative five-day workshop focused on Green Listing of marine protected areas (MPAs) as part of Belize’s marine conservation ambitions.
Environment
Illegal dumping reported at Bacalar Chico National Park
The illegal disposal of garbage at Bacalar Chico National Park north of San Pedro Town appears to continue unabated after concerned residents shared images of a large dump site. The eyesore is said to be near the beach, which is an active sea turtle nesting site. According to concerned residents visiting these areas, this unfortunate behavior occurs almost weekly and goes undetected due to the alleged absence of enforcement at this important national park.
Environment
Experts share information on natural-based solutions for Belize’s coastlines
At a workshop held in Belize City, a five-year project called Coastline and People was presented. The project focuses on using nature-based solutions to fight climate change and other threats to the Belizean coastline. The University of South Florida (USF) spearheaded the project in partnership with the non-governmental organization Fragments of Hope and the World Wildlife Fund (WWF).
Environment
Belize Participates in the Seventh Global Environment Facility Assembly
Belize made its mark at the Seventh Global Environment Facility (GEF) Assembly being held in Vancouver, Canada, from August 22 to 25, with the official launch of the new Global Biodiversity Framework Fund (GBFF) on August 24.
Environment
Belize Forest Department Symposium
The Forest Department, which was founded in 1923, is celebrating 100 years since its creation under the theme: “From roots to canopy: a centennial journey.” To honor this milestone, the Department has planned a series of activities, each designed to highlight its journey over the past century. As part of its centennial celebration, the Department convened a symposium on August 16, 2023 to bring together partners from all sectors, experts, and students to acknowledge and present the work that the Department and its partners have been doing.
