Minister of Blue Economy and Disaster Risk Management

The OCPP is supporting Belize’s marine conservation efforts by enhancing the quality and use of marine data across the country’s Marine Protected Areas (MPAs). By reviewing current data collection and analysis methods, the OCPP is helping to establish clearer standards and thresholds for tracking the health of marine habitats and species. This effort is closely aligned with Belize’s commitment to protecting marine biodiversity and sustaining the livelihoods that depend on it, including fishing and tourism. Working with the Belize Government and MPA co-managers, the OCPP is contributing to the prioritisation and updating of indicators that monitor and report on MPA conditions across the network.

On Friday, September 27th, Belize celebrated Tourism Day by hosting a gathering of global leaders during the 1st Annual World Sustainable Travel and Hospitality Awards at the Oakridge Venus in Spanish Lookout. The event aimed to acknowledge individuals and organizations contributing positively to tourism and pioneering sustainability initiatives. Among other countries, Belize stood out and was awarded for being the leading sustainable destination, recognizing its efforts to implement sustainable tourism practices, preserve natural and cultural heritage, and promote responsible tourism worldwide.

After narrowly avoiding Hurricane Beryl, a dangerous and powerful storm that developed on June 28th in the eastern Caribbean, the National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO) in Belize is continuing to hold meetings to better prepare for the ongoing hurricane season. NEMO is reminding Belizeans that the hurricane season is just beginning, and being ready for a major storm should remain a top priority for everyone.

The Belize Fisheries Department hereby informs all fishers and the public that, in accordance with Statutory Instrument No. 54 of 2012, the Honourable Andre Perez, Minister of Blue Economy and Disaster Risk Management, will declare the Queen Conch (Strombus gigas) fishery closed at the close of business on June 9th, 2024. This is necessary due to the realization of the Queen Conch production quota for the 2023-2024 fishing season.

The current dry season combined with a heat wave is to blame for wildfires affecting several farmers in southern Belize. The uncontrollable flames have gutted entire farms, destroying acres of crops. Many of these farmers and their families are left without their primary source of income and need assistance to move forward in the aftermath of this natural disaster.