Tag:
Coastal Zone Management Authority and Institute
Conservation
WWF’s 2025 Mangrove Friendly Development Challenge comes to San Pedro
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.
Community and Society
Consultation held in San Pedro to discuss amendments to Sport Fishing Regulations
On Wednesday, April 9th, the Coastal Zone Management Authority and Institute (CZMAI) held a follow-up consultation session with stakeholders from the sport fishing industry in San Pedro. The meeting occurred at the Sunbreeze Hotel and focused on revising the Coastal Zone Management Act regarding sport fishing regulations. Participants engaged in the revision process and provided additional feedback on improvements that could be made to the management and laws governing the sector.
Government
Cayo Rosario Development
The Department of the Environment (DOE), within the Ministry of Sustainable Development, Climate Change, and Solid Waste Management held a meeting with all key regulatory government agencies to discuss the Cayo Rosario Project and the concerns raised by the public. Key government agencies included the Ministry of Blue Economy and Marine Conservation, Fisheries Department, Coastal Zone Management Authority and Institute, Hol Chan Marine Reserve, Forest Department, Lands and Surveys Department, Mining Unit, Central Building Authority, and Belize Port Authority.
Conservation
The Bonefish & Tarpon Trust to invest US$1 million in Belize’s Flat Fishery
The Bonefish & Tarpon Trust (BTT), a prominent international conservation organization, has announced a $1 million commitment to flats fishery conservation in Belize. According to an official release, this funding marks the next phase of BTT's efforts in Belize, which began in 2006 with a focus on bonefish and permit science. This investment represents a three-year initiative aimed at supporting projects designed to enhance the resilience of Belize's flats fishery.
Conservation
Omar Arceo teaches sustainable fishing practices at annual Fly-Fishing Summer Camp
San Pedro’s Omar Arceo, popularly known as the “Dr. of the Flats,” was busy during this summer break, traveling the country and teaching the youth about sustainable fishing. He joined the campaign in the northern part of the country and then visited several coastal communities across Belize, where he interacted with young children via the annual Fly-Fishing Summer Camp.
Environment
Belize and the UK Tackle Marine Plastic Pollution
The Department of the Environment (DOE), the University of Belize (UB), and several stakeholders have been working with the UK Government’s Ocean Country Partnership Programme (OCPP) to continue to support Belize’s work to address marine pollution challenges. Over the last 3 years, the partnership has collaborated to develop preventative measures and actions, invested in new scientific skills and equipment, supported the use of innovative technology, and provided opportunities to secure the healthy and productive future of Belize’s ocean and waterways.
Community and Society
Public consultation on sport fishing regulations held in San Pedro
On Tuesday, January 23rd, the Coastal Zone Management Authority and Institute (CZMAI) hosted a consultation session with stakeholders involved in the sport fishing industry in San Pedro Town. The meeting touched on revising the Coastal Zone Management Act on Sport Fishing Regulations. The meeting allowed participants to be part of the revision process and provided a platform through which they gave direct feedback on how management and laws of the sector can improve. The meeting also discussed three main points shared by those in attendance.
Environment
Illegal Pier at Bacalar Chico Marine Reserve continues to cause concerns on Ambergris Caye
Even though structures are not permitted in marine reserves in Belize unless proper permits are issued by the Belize Fisheries Department (BFD), a pier was built at Robles Point within the Bacalar Chico Marine Reserve in northern Ambergris Caye. The construction of the dock in this UNESCO World Heritage Site has made many islanders unhappy, who continue to call on the respective authorities to enforce the law. The San Pedro Town Council (SPTC) and the BFD are all aware of the situation, but little has been done to address the issue adequately.