Conservation
Cayo Rosario Developers must comply with Environmental Compliance Plan
Residents of Ambergris Caye are greatly concerned at reports alleging the approval of a tourism development on Cayo Rosario, located off the northern-western coast of Ambergris Caye within the Hol Chan Marine Reserve Zone IV: Cayo Rosario Conservation Zone. The Environmental Impact Assessment was given the green light by the Department of Environment (DOE) in December of 2017, while the National Environmental Appraisal Council (NEAC) is yet to weigh in on the first draft of the project’s Environmental Compliance Plan (ECP) which comes with specific stipulations demanding changes in the construction design.
Community and Society
Islanders celebrate World Earth Day 2018
To celebrate World Earth Day 2018, a group of islanders participated in beach and sea clean-up on Sunday, April 22nd.
Conservation
Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System remains in UNESCO Danger List; Land Development to blame
The World Heritage Committee in its 2017 decision to retain the Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System (BBRRS) on the Danger List, stressing the urgency of addressing development issues within the BBRRS.
Community and Society
Authorities won’t confirm if Cayo Rosario tourism project has been approved
Cayo Rosario is a 10-acre privately owned island west of Ambergris Caye, packed with mangroves and teeming with wildlife. According to an online publication, the project was approved in the second week of April and calls for 80% of the project to be constructed off the island as over-the-water structures.
Environment
CRFM to convene 16th Meeting of the Caribbean Fisheries Forum in Montserrat
Once a year, the Caribbean Regional Fisheries Mechanism (CRFM), an inter-governmental organization established to promote and facilitate the responsible use of the region's fisheries resources, convenes a meeting of heads of national fisheries authorities from its 17 Member States.
Conservation
Hol Chan announces activities for Reef Week 2018
For the past 12 years, Hol Chan has been celebrating Belize’s Barrier Reef System through a week of activities, aimed at raising awareness on the importance of protecting and preserving the marine environment.
Conservation
Over 5000 lbs of trash removed from lagoon clean-up
The lagoon clean-up was organized by MJ Leslie of Passionkite Belize, Chris Summers and Christina Manzi of the American Crocodile Education Sanctuary (ACES), alongside fly fishermen, Alexander Gomez. The event saw the participation of students, divers, police officers, tour guides, business owners, fishermen, conservationists, councilors, children, media corps, and other concerned residents.
Community and Society
Tacogirl launches battery recycling project on Ambergris Caye
The project requires residents to drop off their old batteries at the recycling containers located at any of the following businesses; Castillo’s Hardware Ltd, SP Hardware, and Harmouch Hardware.