Environment
Crisis at Belize’s northern New River; No immediate plan from DOE
The New River in the northern Orange Walk District has been heavily affected by large quantities of pollutants in the water body, which has caused it to change colour and develop a putrid smell.The situation is such that disturbing images have surfaced showing tons of fish and even crocodiles and turtles turning up dead.
Community and Society
Hol Chan Marine Reserve management discusses 2019-2024 management plan with tourism stakeholders
On Tuesday, August 20th, the management of the Hol Chan Marine Reserve (HCMR) held a consultation with tourism stakeholders and presented a management plan for the reserve intended to start this year and run through 2024.
Education
2019 Kids in Action participate in an educational field trip
2019 Kids in Action (KIA) continue to learn about the importance of protecting and preserving the environment and marine life of Ambergris Caye. On Saturday, August 10th, an educational field trip was offered for members of KIA to various parts of the Hol Chan Marine Reserve.
Community and Society
Earth Journalism Network trains Belizean journalists to improve coverage on sustainable coastal management
The Earth Journalism Network (EJN), a global community of over 8,000 journalists covering environmental issues, held a two-day workshop from Saturday, August 10th to Sunday, August 11th, to discuss coverage of sustainable practices, coastal management, and issues pertaining to the Meso-American Barrier Reef.
Environment
Clearing of mangroves and garbage dumping in southern Ambergris Caye lagoon raise concerns
Over the past several weeks' residents south of San Pedro Town have observed large areas of mangroves being cleared bit by bit, while tons of sargassum and loads of garbage are dumped into the lagoon with the apparent purpose of filling the wetland habitat into land.
Environment
DOE comments on condition of the New River and the way forward
The Department of the Environment (DOE) has an established Water Quality Monitoring Programme on the New River. Data collected on July 19, 2019, at five sites - four between the Toll Bridge and San Estevan Bridge and one near San Estevan Village - revealed several areas of concerns that negatively impact this aquatic ecosystem.
Environment
Legislation to phase out single-use plastics and Styrofoam in Belize yet to be enacted
The banning of single-use plastic and Styrofoam products in Belize was scheduled to take place on April 22, 2019, but to date, things continue as usual. In March the Department of Environment (DOE) initiated a nationwide educational campaign, sensitizing Belizeans to the new policy and the importance of using bio-degradable items.
Environment
Coastal Zone Management Authority and Institute collaborates with the Commonwealth Marine Economies
The Belize Coastal Zone Management Authority and Institute is hosting a team (3 persons) from the United Kingdom’s Commonwealth Marine Economies (CME) Programme to consult on the development of a Maritime Economy Plan for Belize on July 30th, 2019 in Belmopan and August 1st, 2019 in Belize City.