Minister of Sustainable Development; Climate Change and Disaster Risk Management

Belize made its mark at the Seventh Global Environment Facility (GEF) Assembly being held in Vancouver, Canada, from August 22 to 25, with the official launch of the new Global Biodiversity Framework Fund (GBFF) on August 24.

Belize, as President Pro Tempore under the Central American Integration System (SICA), hosted the Second Regional Environmental Congress of the Central American Commission on the Environment and Development (CCAD) at the Ramada Hotel in Belize City. The event was held under the theme, “Interregional Unity: Enhancing Human Security and Environmental Resilience.”

Belize, as President Pro-tempore of the Central American Integration System (SICA), hosted the Second Central American Commission for Environment and Development (CCAD) Council of Ministers Meeting this week at the Best Western Plus Belize Biltmore Plaza Hotel in Belize City.

The co-management agreements signed with conservation partners last month (March) for a number of protected areas raised eyebrows in San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, when it was revealed that the Bacalar Chico National Park, located north of the island, would be managed by the Sarteneja Alliance for Conservation and Development (SACD). This led the non-governmental organization (NGO) Ambergris Caye Citizens for Sustainable Development (ACCSD) to register its disappointment as they stated they had been working on a plan with government authorities to manage the protected area. In an official note released on Monday, April 3rd, they indicated that they were not consulted in such an important matter despite their interest in being part of Bacalar Chico's administration.

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.

A series of events involving the Central American Commission for Environment and Development Council of Ministers is happening north of San Pedro Town at the Grand Caribe beach resort. The Government of Belize (GOB) is hosting the event as the President Pro Tempore under the Central American Integration System (SICA), with the Honourable Orlando Habet, Minister of Sustainable Development, Climate Change, and Disaster Risk Management, presiding over the meetings.

Belize hosted the first Central American Commission for Environment and Development (CCAD) Council of Ministers Meeting as President Pro Tempore under the Central American Integration System (SICA). Honorable Orlando Habet, Minister of Sustainable Development, Climate Change and Disaster Risk Management, presided over the proceedings at the Grand Caribe Hotel Resort in San Pedro, Ambergris Caye.

Hon. Orlando Habet, Minister of Sustainable Development, Climate Change and Disaster Risk Management handed over an assortment of refrigeration tools and equipment worth approximately $15,000 to Reuel Black, General Manager of the Institute for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (ITVET) at a brief handing over ceremony held on January 11, 2023. The tools and equipment will be used to strengthen the Institute’s refrigeration & air conditioning (RAC) Certification Program; building capacity in students to work with new alternative refrigerants and modern equipment in the refrigeration and air conditioning sector to provide high quality service to the public.