Tag:
Department of the Environment
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.
Environment
Area Representative weighs in on Silver Palm development in northern Ambergris Caye
A significant new development in northern Ambergris Caye, dubbed Silver Palm, has raised concerns among environmentalists, residents, and local authorities. The proposed community project, planned on a 237-acre island northwest of Ambergris Caye, has come under scrutiny after moving forward without an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and despite reported objections from the Belize Fisheries Department and the Ministry of Blue Economy. Area Representative and Minister of Blue Economy, Honorable Andre Perez, said island residents were not consulted and argued that such a project is not suitable for this environmentally sensitive area.
Environment
Government acquires cutting-edge equipment for better Sargassum monitoring
The Sargassum season this year was one of the worst on record, with areas such as San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, and Caye Caulker severely affected by massive amounts of the brown seaweed washing onto shorelines. Although the influx has significantly reduced for now, the next season is expected to begin early in 2026. To better prepare for the recurring phenomenon, the National Sargassum Task Force has acquired new monitoring and management equipment. On November 7th, the task force received a drone, a laptop, and a sophisticated Sargassum forecasting tool, donated through the SICA Azul Project, an initiative promoting clean communities, in collaboration with the Republic of China (Taiwan).
Community and Society
Pre-bid session held with contractors for San Mateo pedestrian bridge
For several months, stakeholders have discussed a project to deliver essential services to the San Mateo subdivision. The plan, which includes multiple infrastructure upgrades, has received the green light following consultations with the San Pedro Town Council and the central government’s procurement team. Among the scheduled works is the construction of a pedestrian bridge linking San Mateo and the Boca del Rio subdivision. On Thursday, September 26th, a pre-bid meeting was held in San Pedro Town with prospective contractors, during which the procurement team outlined the application process.