Department of the Environment

After years of community requests, the Department of the Environment (DOE) is preparing to open an office in San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye. The tentative opening date is mid-June, and the office will have jurisdiction over Ambergris Caye, Caye Caulker, and Caye Chapel. The San Pedro DOE office will collaborate closely with the Hol Chan Marine Reserve, further emphasizing the community's role in this endeavor.

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.

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.

The Department of the Environment (DOE) within the Ministry of Sustainable Development, Climate Change, and Disaster Risk Management and the Belize Port Authority (BPA), with the support of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), the United Nations Regional Coordinating Unit for the Caribbean Environment Program, and the Regional Activity Center/Regional Marine Pollution Emergency, Information, and Training Center—Wider Caribbean Region, facilitated a four-day training/workshop on “Oil Pollution Preparedness, Response, and Cooperation” in Belize from March 12 to 15, at the Biltmore Plaza Hotel, Belize City.

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.

The Ministry of Sustainable Development, Climate Change, and Disaster Risk Management and the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to formalize a partnership for the protection of children, mothers, and vulnerable Belizeans.

The Belize Aggressor IV, a 115-foot-long yacht, remains stuck near Lighthouse Reef Atoll, after it ran aground in the Aquarium dive site a week ago. The Belize Port Authority (BPA) is investigating the incident, while the boat’s management is preparing a salvage plan to remove it from this sensitive area covered with coral reef. After that, the Department of the Environment (DOE) will conduct a damage assessment.

Scientists and leaders from across Belize are meeting at the Water Quality and Marine Pollution Workshop on 27th June 2023 at Radisson Fort George Hotel in Belize City, to share their ideas and develop next steps to tackle ocean pollution and support a healthy marine environment. At the event, hosted by the Department of the Environment (DOE), experts will be sharing current monitoring practices, scientific knowledge, and identifying opportunities to collaborate and coordinate Belize’s national response to river and marine pollutants. Among the attendees are key stakeholders from the Government of Belize, managers of Marine Protected Areas, and scientists from water quality monitoring laboratories.