Tag:
Department of the Environment
Environment
San Pedro Town Council and DOE work to stop illegal use of garbage as landfill
San Pedro Town Council (SPTC) officials and personnel from the Department of the Environment (DOE) recently conducted inspections in neighborhoods, including San Mateo, to address illegal garbage disposal practices after reports surfaced that some residents were using household refuse as landfill material on private and public properties. The visits aimed to document illegal dumping sites, raise awareness about proper waste disposal, and begin coordinated cleanup efforts across the island.
Conservation
Environmental and tourism organizations unite against unsustainable developments
A coalition of several of Belize’s leading conservation and environmental organizations issued a joint release on May 18th calling on the Government of Belize to strengthen protections for the country’s coastal areas and marine ecosystems. One of the coalition’s strongest demands was for a halt to approvals for coastal developments, arguing that mangrove forests, fishing and nursery grounds, and portions of the Belize Barrier Reef System continue to face growing threats from what they described as unsustainable development practices.
Community and Society
DOE partners with Caye Caulker Village Liquor License Board to manage noise pollution
The Department of the Environment (DOE) has been partnering with municipalities nationwide to enhance noise abatement efforts. Continuing this mandate, the DOE team in San Pedro recently partnered with the Caye Caulker Liquor License Board to help address noise pollution concerns in the island community.
Environment
Reef Resorts Project Cleared for Development
The Department of the Environment (DOE) has informed the public that environmental clearance has been granted for the Reef Resorts Limited tourism project, an extension of Ramon’s Village Resort. The proposed development will take place on a 1.2-acre island located southwest of Ambergris Caye, within the Hol Chan Marine Reserve.
Environment
SPTC opens applications for sargassum mitigation efforts
As sargassum continues to cover coastlines and threaten marine ecosystems on Ambergris Caye, the San Pedro Town Council (SPTC) has implemented a formal approval process for mitigation measures, including sargassum corrals and heavy machinery. The initiative, launched on March 23rd, aims to control the increasing inflow of seaweed affecting beaches, tourism, and daily life on the island.
Conservation
Local authorities say heavy equipment transported to north Ambergris Caye has no permits
Following images shared on social media on Thursday, January 22nd, showing heavy equipment being transported to northern Ambergris Caye, the Office of the Area Representative, Honorable Andre Perez, and the Hol Chan Marine Reserve submitted reports to several environmental government authorities, including the Prime Minister. According to officials, the transportation of the construction equipment was carried out without the proper permits or authorizations. On Friday, January 23rd, Perez said the individuals responsible for transporting the equipment were unable to produce any permits, and as a result, the equipment must be removed from the area.
Conservation
DOE Introduces New Ozone Protection Regulations
The Department of the Environment (DOE) is rolling out a new environmental policy that may affect the importation of certain items, including refrigerators and...
Environment
Government Enforces Tough Penalties for Improper Wastewater Disposal
On November 20, 2025, the Ministry of Sustainable Development, Climate Change, and Solid Waste Management, in collaboration with the Department of the Environment (DOE) and the Ministry of Health and Wellness, issued a strong reminder to the public about the dangers and legal consequences of improper wastewater disposal. The nationwide notice highlights that untreated wastewater, including sewage, greywater, industrial effluent, and other liquid waste, poses serious risks to public health and the environment.