Tag:
Belize Barrier Reef System
Community and Society
Hol Chan Marine Reserve Opens Marine Education Center
On Wednesday, May 14th, the Hol Chan Marine Reserve officially opened its new Marine Education Center, located on the ground floor of its headquarters in downtown San Pedro. The long-anticipated event welcomed a diverse group of attendees, including primary school students, representatives from the Belize Tourism Board, tour guides, local leaders, and specially invited guests. The highlight of the event was the ribbon-cutting ceremony, which marked the official opening of the education center to both guests and the public.
Government
Department of Environment participates in International Plastics Treaty negotiations
Belize enacted the Environmental Protection (Pollution from Plastics) Regulations in 2020, which prohibits the importation of single-use plastic bags and Styrofoam products. The aim of the legislation is to protect human health and the environment from the adverse effects of plastic pollution. The Department of the Environment, within the Ministry of Sustainable Development and Climate Change, regulates the provisions of the law and is currently evaluating its implementation.
Community and Society
Reef restoration continues at Turneffe Atoll following Hurricane Lisa via MAR Fund Insurance
On November 2nd, Category 1 Hurricane Lisa battered a section of the Belize Barrier Reef system by Turneffe Atoll as the storm moved towards mainland Belize. The damage caused to the fragile corals became a concern as it was unknown where the resources would come from to assess and restore the affected areas. That problem was soon resolved after a $175,000 payout under the Mesoamerican Reef (MAR) Insurance Programme was issued to finance an immediate reef response.
Conservation
Oceana warns about possible seismic testing in Belize; organizes signature collection drive
At a press conference in Belize City on Thursday, November 17th, Oceana Belize announced the commencement of a countrywide signature collection drive to trigger a national referendum regarding oil exploration in Belizean waters. Vice-President Janelle Chanona said the decision was made following a conversation with Prime Minister Honourable Dr. John Briceño in September. She claims it confirmed the current administration’s intention to proceed with seismic testing in Belizean waters with prior approval from the public. However, GOB clarifies that it has not entered into any agreements for seismic studies nor for oil exploration in offshore areas.
Community and Society
Reef Week San Pedro kicks off with a swim to the reef challenge
Twenty-three participants kicked off the annual Reef Week San Pedro with an early morning swim challenge to the reef.
Environment
Parents encouraged to sign up children for the Coral Reef Ed-Ventures Summer Camp
Celebrating its 20th year, the Coral Reef Ed-Ventures Summer Camp is aimed at promoting the conservation of the Belize Barrier Reef System by teaching children on the importance of coral and marine ecosystems.
Conservation
Hol Chan Marine Reserve Reef Week 2018 opens with “Swim to the Reef”
Bright and early at 6AM, islanders gathered at Amigos Del Mar Dive Shop dock, dressed in snorkeling gear and ready to swim to the reef and back.
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.