PLACENCIA

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The climate crisis playing out along Belize’s coast and cayes is further evidence of the grim consequences of a fossil fuel-driven planet. Several parts of our coastline and a number of popular islands, which generations of Belizeans once enjoyed, have been dramatically and irrevocably reclaimed by the sea. This is what is happening to South Silk Caye in the Gladden Spit Silk Cayes  Marine Reserve. 

As part of the Statutory Instrument (SI) No. 106, this Sunday, September 26th and October 3rd, free movement across the country will be restricted, including San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye, Caye Caulker, Hopkins, and Placencia, which are exempt from the countrywide 7PM curfew. The only movement allowed will be for essential services. The government has resorted to this measure to contain the increase in COVID-19 cases all over Belize.

Ambergris Caye, Caye Caulker, Placencia, and Hopkins villages were spared the countrywide 7PM curfew as part of new regulations that go into effect on Monday, September 20th for two weeks. The exception means their curfew will remain from 9PM to 4AM. Another exception benefiting these key tourism areas is that restaurants will be allowed to accommodate up to 75% of their seating capacity.