Blue Economy

A new US 48 million dollar project to strengthen the foundation for blue economic growth and sustainable development of marine living resources by focusing on marine spatial planning, area-based management, and climate-smart sustainable seafood value chain development has commenced. The Caribbean Regional Fisheries Mechanism (CRFM), the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), and the Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean (CAF), are partnering to implement the four-year project in the region.

Belize’s Prime Minister, the Honourable Dr. John Briceño, is the new Vice President of the SIDS DOCK, a Small Island Development States initiative for sustainable development. Briceño’s appointment to represent the Caribbean region was determined by acclamation and occurred during the seventh session of the SIDS DOCK Assembly held virtually on Monday, September 25th. It was held within the margins of the General Debate of the 78th United Nations General Assembly session at its headquarters in New York City, New York, USA. Briceño will start his term in January 2024. During the event, he spoke about a $50USD million initiative to mitigate against the sargassum seaweed invasion affecting Caribbean economies.

The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) approved a $7 million loan to Belize to help it sustainably expand its blue economy. The program’s overall objectives are to increase the earning potential of artisanal fishers and keep fishery exports high while promoting sustainable use of the country's commercial marine resources.

On August 4, 2023, the Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security and Enterprise, in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, held a validation workshop for the draft National Agriculture and Food Policy. The event was held at Kiki Witz Resort, Belmopan. It was attended by public and private sector representatives and technical personnel from various ministries.

The Caribbean Fisheries Forum, the technical and advisory arm of the Caribbean Regional Fisheries Mechanism (CRFM), convened its 21st Meeting earlier this week, on 3 – 4 April 2023. The Forum—which is made up of the heads of national fisheries departments and divisions of the CRFM countries, stakeholders, and regional and international development partners—focused on advancing sustainable management, conservation and development of the region’s fisheries and aquaculture sector.

There was a heated discussion at the San Pedro Lions Den on Wednesday, May 25th, as fishers attended a public meeting with representatives from the Fisheries Department and the Ministry of the Blue Economy. The discussions, which have been taking place in other fishing communities in the country, ended up with the ministry agreeing to delay the new policy for one year to continue engaging the fisher-folks.

The controversial Cayo Rosario development of Ambergris Caye is again a concern to residents of San Pedro Town. The proposed tourism development, which has received environmental clearance and green light for construction, includes over-the-water structures. These buildings will be erected above protected fishing flats - the bloodline of the local flyfishing industry. The area also lies in the middle of the Hol Chan Marine Reserve. For these reasons, stakeholders continue to oppose the development and hope that the new administration will intervene and save the multi-million-dollar industry, which is the livelihood of many.

On Tuesday, April 20, the Ministry of the Blue Economy and Civil Aviation, along with the Mayor of San Pedro Town and Chairlady of Caye Caulker, hosted a special meeting. Stakeholders and representatives from different governmental departments were invited to discuss a joint plan to better prepare for the re-opening of Belize’s land borders. Minister Perez suggested creating the San Pedro Community Task Force.