Tag:
PLACENCIA
Conservation
Minister of Sustainable Development Addresses Ambergris Caye’s Development Concerns
Ongoing concerns on Ambergris Caye about large-scale coastal developments deemed unsustainable have prompted a response from the Minister of Sustainable Development, the Honorable Orlando Habet. He noted the need for proper planning to determine the level of development suitable for areas like Ambergris Caye and other coastal communities across the country.
Conservation
Authorities Issue Warning After Multiple Manatees Killed by Boat Strikes
The Belize Fisheries Department issued an urgent warning on March 3, 2026, to all vessel operators after several recent manatee strandings across the country. In February, eight manatees were reported stranded in areas including Corozal, Belize City, Placencia, Gales Point, and Hopkins. Authorities confirmed that three of these cases—one adult male and two adult females, found on February 11th, 14th, and 16th—resulted from boat strikes.
Sports
Jesus ‘Levi’ Contreras wins End of the World half-marathon for a second time
Jesus “Levi” Contreras, widely known as the “Yellow Flash of Belize,” won the End of the World half-marathon in Placencia, southern Belize, for the second time on Saturday, December 7th. Contreras captured the Male Category after completing the 13.1 mile course, which he first conquered in 2023. The runner, who placed second last year, said he prepared more intensely for this year’s edition of the annual event.
Environment
Escalating Sargassum Crisis Affecting Both Economy and Environment
Belize’s coastal communities, particularly San Pedro, are facing an overwhelming influx of sargassum seaweed, which threatens marine ecosystems and the tourism industry. Since early this year, beaches have been covered in thick mats of decaying seaweed. At the same time, nutrient-rich runoff from decomposing sargassum has led to a worrying increase in marine life mortality.
Environment
San Pedro recognized as the leading fishing destination in Belize for 2024; 12th-best fishing town globally
Belize is quickly becoming one of the premier fishing destinations in Central America, especially for saltwater anglers looking for diverse fishing experiences. A recent study by Fish Booker, a well-known global platform for booking fishing trips, highlights Belize’s growing appeal in this area. The study analyzed 266 fishing locations outside the United States, using five key criteria based on data from over 40,000 fishing excursions conducted in the past year.
Community and Society
Ambergris Caye Fly-Fishing guides host peaceful protest at Cayo Rosario
To show solidarity with fly fishers across the country and to continue sending a strong message against developments threatening their livelihoods, a group of fly-fishing guides held a peaceful protest in front of Cayo Rosario on Wednesday, May 15th. Cayo Rosario is a small island within the Hol Chan Marine Reserve Zone IV off the west coast of San Pedro, Ambergris Caye. The surrounding area is home to some of the best fly-fishing areas in the country, but a proposed tourist resort on the small island is of concern to many as it could disrupt their fishing grounds. Fly fishers on Ambergris Caye depend on this sports fishing activity involving the three protected species of bonefish, permit, and tarpon.
Environment
TIDE receives BFSF grant for nearly $700,000
On Thursday March 21, 2024; the Belize Fund for Sustainable Future (BFSF) celebrated its 2nd Anniversary and Awards Ceremony to recognize the recipients of the Grants Awards Program (GAP) 2023-2024 grant cycle and the outstanding contributions of key partners in marine conservation.
Environment
Belize Launches Green Climate Fund Country Programme
On February 10, 2023, the Ministry of Economic Development launched Belize’s first-ever Green Climate Fund Country Programme at the Umaya Resort in Placencia. This country programme highlights Belize’s climate priorities and outlines a portfolio of projects and programs that will aid the country in achieving climate resilience.