Tag:
Environmental Impact Assessment
Conservation
Belize’s Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) Need Real Protection, Not Just Promises: Overhauling MPA Oversight
Belize’s coral reefs are one of our greatest blessings. They give us food, jobs, and protection from storms. They draw thousands of visitors each year and support the way of life in many coastal communities. But right now, the places that are supposed to protect our reefs and the sea around them, our Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), aren’t doing their job to the extent many think they are.
Conservation
“Protected” in Name Only: Belize’s Marine Reserves Under Threat
The turquoise waters around Cayo Rosario sparkle with life and beauty. It is part of Belize’s Hol Chan Marine Reserve, a place many consider sacred ground for biodiversity, fishing, and tourism. So when an overwater development project was approved inside the reserve and commenced construction, it sparked national outrage. How could something so destructive be allowed in one of our most treasured marine protected areas?
Community and Society
DFC staff undergoing Important Environmental and Social Management System Training
The Development Finance Corporation (DFC) has implemented an Environmental and Social Management System (ESMS) in its loan operations to ensure the integration of best international environmental and social practices (including those related to gender and climate) in DFC’s screening and overall management of financed operations. As part of implementing the ESMS at the Corporation, a training was held on, August 8th, 2023, to enhance the knowledge of staff in the Northern Branch, on the Environmental Protection Act (EPA) and the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Regulations.
Government
Government introduces new SI featuring amendments to EIAs
The government has announced changes in vetting developments needing environmental clearances. As per a release from the Department of the Environment (DOE), an amendment to the existing Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) regulations has changed, as noted in the newly created Statutory Instrument (SI) No. 23 of 2023. The DOE said this amendment ensures the utmost transparency and accountability to the general populace across Belize.
Community and Society
DOE’s CEO speaks on the approval of Port of Magical Belize
The Chief Environmental Officer at the Department of Environment (DOE), Martin Alegria, spoke about the approval for the construction and operation of the cruise port - Port of Magical Belize. This massive project will be built at the mouth of the Sibun River in the Belize District. Alegria explained the process taken to approve the project. According to him, some significant concerns and project risks had to be addressed before they granted clearance.
Environment
Clearing of mangroves and garbage dumping in southern Ambergris Caye lagoon raise concerns
Over the past several weeks' residents south of San Pedro Town have observed large areas of mangroves being cleared bit by bit, while tons of sargassum and loads of garbage are dumped into the lagoon with the apparent purpose of filling the wetland habitat into land.
Business & Economy
New information indicates Eco-resort on Blackadore Caye to open by 2020
Most recent news has indicated plans for the opening of the multimillion dollar eco-friendly resort development at Blackadore Caye set for 2020.
Conservation
95-room hotel development puts Turneffe Atoll at risk
The increasing private ownership within the Atoll since 2005 has led to many unsustainable practices: the destruction of mangroves and dredging of seabeds, which are important marine habitats. Belize reaps an estimated $540 Million annual economic benefit from the Turneffe Atoll, which has now been put at risk by a huge 95-room hotel development without so much as an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), the Turneffe Atoll Trust warned in a report presented to the media at the Radisson Fort George Hotel in Belize City on Tuesday morning, December 18.
