Tag:
Elito Arceo
Community and Society
ACCSD Calls for Transparency and Community Engagement on Hol Chan and Other Development Issues
A public meeting was held on December 16th at the San Pedro Lions Den to discuss concerns surrounding unsustainable developments and the management and protection of the Hol Chan Marine Reserve. The meeting, which brought together tour guides, tourism stakeholders, and other partners from the tourism sector, was organized by the Ambergris Caye Citizens for Sustainable Development (ACCSD). During the gathering, members expressed concern that certain decisions by island authorities are threatening both the marine environment and the livelihoods of those who depend on it. The group announced plans to engage local authorities at a follow-up meeting scheduled for next month.
Environment
Strong Turnout for North San Pedro Cleanup
On Sunday, October 26th, more than 150 community members gathered on the north side of San Pedro Town for a large-scale beach cleanup aimed at addressing the growing issue of plastic and waste pollution along the coast. The event, which began promptly at 7AM from Boca del Rio, drew volunteers from across the island and was spearheaded by the San Pedro Town Council, Elito Arceo, and Stephanie Mendez. Participants included neighborhood residents, students, and representatives from several local businesses and groups, all united by a shared commitment to keeping the island’s beaches clean.
Community and Society
San Pedro Youth Lead Sargassum Beach Cleanup
On August 23rd, a community beach cleanup was held near the San Pedro High School, organized by Elito Arceo with support from the San Pedro Town Council. The effort drew a strong turnout, particularly from young people, who came together to clear sargassum and restore the beach’s cleanliness. The initiative addressed not only tourism concerns but also the health of the marine ecosystem.
Conservation
Delicate Balance at Risk: Belize Reef Battles Record Sargassum Levels
A severe environmental crisis is unfolding along the northern coastline of Ambergris Caye. An unprecedented influx of sargassum seaweed is impacting the Belize Barrier Reef, particularly the Bacalar Chico Marine Reserve and National Park. The decomposing seaweed along the shoreline and near the reef is causing massive marine mortality and disrupting the ecosystem. Conservation groups and marine scientists are urgently documenting the damage and calling on the government to declare the sargassum event a national disaster.
Community and Society
Hol Chan Marine Reserve Launches 2025 Reef Fest
The Hol Chan Marine Reserve officially launched its annual Reef Fest over the weekend to promote environmental stewardship and community engagement. The festivities began on Saturday, May 10, with a large-scale beach cleanup along the northern coastline of San Pedro, near important sea turtle nesting areas. A volleyball competition took place the following day.
Community and Society
San Pedro’s Young Fishers Cast Off in First Kids Tournament
For the first time, a fishing tournament for children was held in San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye, on Sunday, May 11th. The event attracted over 300 kids and their parents, making it a fun and engaging competition. The tournament began at 8AM, and fishing took place from the shoreline, seawalls, and piers around town. By 2PM, everyone returned to the weighing station with their catches, and the top fishers were awarded prizes.
Education
San Pedro High School Business Fair 2025: Feeding Entrepreneurial Spirit
San Pedro High School (SPHS) hosted its bi-annual Business Fair on April 10th, under the theme "Futurepreneurs: Feeding the Entrepreneurial Spirit and Potential of Young Business Leaders." The event, held at Angel Nuñez Auditorium, aimed to nurture the entrepreneurial skills of business students by showcasing their innovative business concepts to the community.
Community and Society
Island residents and stakeholders express opposition to overwater development at Cayo Rosario
Residents and visitors of San Pedro Town gathered at the Lions Den on Tuesday, April 8th, to discuss the escalating environmental concerns surrounding the controversial development project on Cayo Rosario. The meeting was led by local activist Elito Arceo and supported by environmental groups such as the Belize Bonefish & Tarpon Trust, Oceana, and Ambergris Caye Citizens for Sustainable Development (ACCSD). The purpose of the gathering was to address the dredging and mangrove destruction threatening the Hol Chan Marine Reserve and to outline strategies to protect this ecologically significant area.