Tag:
Martin Alegria
Environment
Owner of Samahdi Yacht issued six-figure fine for coral damage at Lighthouse Reef Atoll
Video footage filmed by local divers at the site known as ‘The Aquarium’ at Long Caye in Lighthouse Reef Atoll, depicted the alleged destruction of live corals by the anchor of a large yacht called Samahdi on Sunday, February, 9th. By the time rangers of the Belize Audubon Society and elements of the Belize Coast Guard responded to the reports, the vessel had left. Its owner, who was not on the yacht at the time, reportedly has since been in contact with the Government of Belize to address the unfortunate incident. Following an assessment from the Department of the Environment (DOE), it is alleged that a $150,000BZ fine was issued for damages caused by the yacht.
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.
Environment
Dredging taking place in Caye Chapel despite lack of EIA
Reports of dredging activities on Caye Chapel are once again raising concerns.
Environment
Belize disposes of 35-year-old chemical hazard
POLYECO, has been contracted by DOE to remove these pollutants from Belize and to destroy them safely by burning them in France.
Government
Caye Chapel beach creation project starts without EIA
Recent reports of a beach project on Caye Chapel has raised concerns among government officials and the tourism sector, as it has started without the benefit of an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA).
Environment
Stakeholders review assessment of the Environmental Clearance Process
A one-day consultation held on Wednesday, December 14th in Belize City brought together stakeholders from the public sector and environmental community to a validation workshop on the Assessment of the Environment Clearance process report.
Community and Society
DOE orders shut down of Captain Morgan’s Retreat; Heredia intervenes for extension
Captain Morgan’s has been in non-compliance with the DOE for several years due to improperly installed sewer waste treatment system.
Environment
Belize Coalition to Save Our Natural Heritage calls for EIA for Offshore Seismic Survey
The Belize Coalition to Save Our Natural Heritage has called on the Government of Belize (GOB) to first conduct an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for a proposed multi-beam and seismic line survey for hydrocarbon seepage in Belize’s deep seas outside the Barrier Reef.