MBECA Hosts Climate Data and Information Gap Assessment and Action Plan Validation Consultation

On December 15, 2022, the Government of Belize through the Ministry of Blue Economy and Civil Aviation (MBECA), in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) Representative for Jamaica, the Bahamas and Belize and Belize’s National Designated Authority to the Green Climate Fund (GCF), hosted a Climate Data and Information Gap Assessment and Action Plan Validation Consultation for the Coastal Zone and Fisheries Sector of Belize.
The consultation is the second and final round which is part of the GCF readiness project entitled, “Enhancing adaptation planning and increasing climate resilience in the coastal zone and fisheries sector of Belize”.
The representatives previously consulted are actively involved in data collection, engaged in policy and planning, or are knowledgeable of their organization’s role in Belize’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) commitments. The main objectives are:
1. To examine each institution’s climate and environmental data system (what is being collected, managed, and shared, and what data is needed – NDC and non-NDC indicators).
2. To identify where synergies can be established to improve data management.
3. To assess key cross-sectoral climate data and information gaps for the coastal zone and fisheries sector relevant to the monitoring of climate change impacts, as well as adaptation and mitigation actions; and
4. To explore potential solutions to inform the action plan and data collection strategy. The information collected is geared towards addressing the gaps identified in the climate data and information assessment.
This activity will provide important baseline information to build coastal resilience and improve adaptive capacity for fishing communities. The data solutions proposals identified will be vital to developing the climate rationale for fisheries and coastal zone projects for future GCF and overall climate change projects.