Tag:
Forest Department
Conservation
Belize’s Scarlet Macaws population in peril
The Frіеndѕ fоr Соnѕеrvаtіоn аnd Dеvеlорmеnt (FСD) are alerting Belizeans that the local population of Scarlet Macaws is іn іmmеdіаtе реrіl. The organization that looks after the Chiquibul National Park in western Belize released an official note on April 23rd explaining the current situation and citing that around 2008, approximately 125 pairs of macaws remained in that area.
Conservation
Belize’s Quest for Sustainable Solutions to Finance Marine Protected Areas
Belize, though small in size, stands as a beacon of ambition in the realm of coastal and marine protection. Internationally acclaimed for its commitment to conservation, Belize has 103 protected areas, 32 of which are Coastal and Marine Protected Areas (CAMPAs). Each protected area is designated under a specific category based on why it is being protected.
Community and Society
Public consultation on sport fishing regulations held in San Pedro
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.
Community and Society
BEL continues preparations to upgrade power supply in San Pedro
Belize Electricity Limited (BEL) continues with its plans to install 10 MW of battery storage in San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye, to address the increasing power demand. The electricity company is currently preparing a section of a property they own in downtown San Pedro. So far, they have cleared all vegetation (mangroves) and filled the area with material to serve as a foundation where the needed upgrades will be installed to avoid a power crisis on Ambergris Caye.
Community and Society
BEL conducts Mangrove alteration to upgrade power supply in San Pedro; Iguana Sanctuary affected
The cutting of mangroves within a property owned by Belize Electricity Limited (BEL) in San Pedro Town has not only raised eyebrows in the conservation community but also those supporting an Iguana Sanctuary established on the said property by an islander that is now affected by such development. BEL explained the need to access this section of their property to prepare the grounds to install 10 MW of battery storage to address the growth in demand for power on the island and increase the reliability and sustainability of the electricity supply.
Conservation
The future of mangroves on Ambergris Caye; what are authorities doing?
The constant development of San Pedro, Ambergris Caye has recently seen the decimation of large areas of mangroves. Most of these cases take place on private properties, clearing the mangroves for development projects. The San Pedro Town Council (SPTC) said they are starting to investigate some of these clearings as a permit is required before altering mangroves. These trees are considered highly important for coastal areas in Belize as they serve not only as a nursing ground for juvenile fish and fight climate change but also as a reliable natural buffer against natural disasters like hurricanes.
Environment
Belize Forest Department Symposium
The Forest Department, which was founded in 1923, is celebrating 100 years since its creation under the theme: “From roots to canopy: a centennial journey.” To honor this milestone, the Department has planned a series of activities, each designed to highlight its journey over the past century. As part of its centennial celebration, the Department convened a symposium on August 16, 2023 to bring together partners from all sectors, experts, and students to acknowledge and present the work that the Department and its partners have been doing.
Government
The Blue Bond and Finance Permanence Unit awards Forest Department with Equipment for Monitoring and Reporting of Mangrove Cover and ongoing Restoration Activities
On 15th August 2023, the Forest Department received seven DELLXPS laptops from the Blue Bond Finance and Permanence Unit valued at BZ$51,878.00 to improve the monitoring and reporting of mangrove cover and ongoing restoration activities while supporting the compliance of newly designated mangrove reserves and regulations. The laptops will be used to conduct the land use and land use change assessments and data analysis of the forest inventory data.
