Environment
Belize prepares to ban single-use plastic and Styrofoam products by April 2019
The Government of Belize (GOB) has taken this environmentally friendly path after taking note of the alarming increase in pollution and garbage caused by non-biodegradable items like plastic bags and Styrofoam food containers. This move is welcomed across Belize, including Ambergris Caye, where the eradication of plastics is strongly supported, particularly about food utensils and shopping bags that are a main source of pollution in both terrestrial and coastal environments.
Environment
New recycling machine for San Pedro Town
This new machine will be used to shred natural woods such as branches, plywood and old trees among similar debris picked up during clean-up campaigns.
Environment
Proper garbage disposal registering an improvement on Ambergris Caye
The improper disposal of garbage has long been an issue on Ambergris Caye with illegal dumping resulting in unsightly litter across large portions of the island, polluting our water system, marring our natural beauty and threatening the health of our environment.
Environment
Students and volunteers help clean up North Ambergris Caye
Organized by SCA’s Wavemaker Club, Oceana Belize, American Crocodile Education Sanctuary and Martin John Leslie, the clean-up began at 9AM. Among the piles of garbage collected were Styrofoam products, old clothes, tangled ropes, plastic bottles, iron, wood and many other items that are harmful to the environment.
Community and Society
SPTC admits to issues within the Sanitation Department and garbage collection
The island administration says that they are trying to secure funds to update their equipment and zoning the main areas of town for a more organized trash collection. It was clear, however, that some of the plans discussed to tackle the issue were the same as last year’s resolutions; house to house educational campaigns, hiring additional staff to engage the community, and consequences if SPTC rules are not met.
Conservation
Reef rehabilitation project starts on Ambergris Caye
A reef restoration project has begun on the eastern coast of Ambergris Caye, in an attempt to replenish areas along the Barrier Reef where corals have died.
Environment
Moorings buoys replaced inside Hol Chan Marine Reserve
Hol Chan Marine Reserve team installed new moorings buoys at the Hol Chan Marine Reserve Channel, Shark Ray Alley and Mexico Rocks Reserve on Monday, December 17th.
Conservation
95-room hotel development puts Turneffe Atoll at risk
The increasing private ownership within the Atoll since 2005 has led to many unsustainable practices: the destruction of mangroves and dredging of seabeds, which are important marine habitats. Belize reaps an estimated $540 Million annual economic benefit from the Turneffe Atoll, which has now been put at risk by a huge 95-room hotel development without so much as an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), the Turneffe Atoll Trust warned in a report presented to the media at the Radisson Fort George Hotel in Belize City on Tuesday morning, December 18.