belize forest department

In Belize, it is illegal to keep wildlife in captivity. The Belize Forest Department continues to enforce this law and reminds current parrot owners that the registration application period for their birds will close on March 31st. After this date, the opportunity to legalize parrots already in captivity will end. For full registration information, visit the Belize Bird Rescue licensing section (https://shorturl.at/zklXB) or contact the Forest Department at 610-1524.

As 2025 ends, two of Ambergris Caye’s most essential animal-welfare organizations, SAGA Humane Society and ACES Wildlife Rescue, are appealing to the community for support through their annual fundraising initiatives. Both nonprofits play crucial roles in maintaining the island’s health, safety, and environmental balance, yet neither receives government funding. Their year-end campaigns aim to secure the resources needed to continue operations into the new year.

Starting December 1, 2025, the Government of Belize will impose a five-year moratorium on issuing Short-term Forest Licenses and Petty Permits for tree cutting on national lands. The Ministry of Sustainable Development, Climate Change and Solid Waste Management, along with the Belize Forest Department, announced the measure following Cabinet’s approval, citing growing risks of forest depletion across the country.

On September 29th, the Belize Forest Department confirmed the killing of an adult female jaguar in the Malacate area of Independence Village, Stann Creek District. The jaguar, weighing about 110 pounds, was found in an advanced state of decomposition with evidence indicating it had been shot. Inspectors also discovered that one of its canines had been removed, an act of tampering that is illegal. The carcass was subsequently buried. The Forest Department condemned the killing, reminding the public that jaguars are a protected species under Belizean law.

On Monday, September 15th, the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) hosted the 2025 Mangrove Friendly Development Challenge meeting at the Sun Breeze Hotel in San Pedro. The event brought together conservation leaders, policymakers, developers, and community stakeholders to highlight the importance of mangroves and encourage innovative, sustainable development across Belize.

On July 16, 2025, the Belize Forest Department launched a new 24-hour hotline (+501-610-1524) to report environmental crimes and forest-related concerns. The initiative offers the public a direct and immediate way to report activities threatening Belize’s forest resources, including illegal logging, wildlife trafficking, and other environmental violations. Developed in collaboration with Belize Bird Rescue, the hotline aims to strengthen community involvement in forest protection and conservation efforts.

As part of the efforts toward enhancing mangrove conservation, carbon stock assessment, and environmental monitoring, the Belize Forest Department has been equipped with a Toyota Hilux vehicle valued at BZ$91,823. This investment will strengthen the department’s Monitoring, Reporting, and Verification (MRV) Unit, facilitating field activities essential for updating Belize’s mangrove map, conducting carbon stock assessments, and mobilizing critical data collection efforts.

An official ceremony occurred on Friday, June 21st, to inaugurate the Department of the Environment (DOE) office in San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye. The office space will also accommodate the Belize Forest Department and will not only serve Ambergris Caye but Caye Caulker and Caye Chapel. The event was held at the Boca del Rio Beach Park and consisted of a brief ceremony attended by officials and guests. Area Representative and Minister of the Blue Economy and Disaster Risk Management, the Honourable Andre Perez, Minister of Sustainable Development, the Honourable Orlando Habet, Chief Environmental Officer Anthony Mai, and Councilor Jose Castellanos were present to officiate this significant milestone for the island.