sustainable development

San Pedro Town is making significant progress in environmental management and sustainable development with the appointment of a dedicated Environmental and Social Management (EMS) officer at the San Pedro Town Council (SPTC). This initiative coincides with the island's launch of ambitious projects funded by international financial institutions (IFIs), with the goal of balancing growth with responsible stewardship of its unique coastal environment.

On Wednesday, May 7th, the Government of Belize (GOB) officially launched the Strategic Plan for the Sustainable Development of Ambergris Caye. The event took place at the Sunset Caribe Resort, and the media were not invited. This plan sets a long-term vision to guide the island’s sustainable growth, resilience, and overall quality of life.

The Government of Belize, with the support of the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), has finalized a Strategic Plan for the Sustainable Development of Ambergris Caye. Ambergris Caye, one of Belize’s premier tourism destinations, would benefit by achieving sustainable development goals during the next 20 years, including the adequate provision of urban services and strengthening critical infrastructure such as ports, airports, and roads. The island is also vulnerable to extreme weather events and the degradation of its natural assets.

A comprehensive multi-sector and multi-scale diagnosis of the sustainable development of Ambergris Caye, particularly the northern part of the island, is being developed by the international company IDOM Consulting, Engineering, Architecture SAU with the partnership of the Inter-American Development Bank. This project seeks to develop an action and zoning plan for the balanced development of the island, considering the vulnerability to natural resources and the safest way to continue growing without affecting Ambergris Caye's carrying capacity. The analysis presents the current conditions of San Pedro and recommends a sustainable plan spanning to 2045 to have the most negligible impact on the natural resources sustaining the island's economy.

The National Climate Outlook Forums (NCOFs) serve as a key national platform for promoting regular dialogue and inter-agency coordination in responding to natural hazards, climate variability, extremes and change. The event was held as a part of implementing the key principles of the Global Framework for Climate Services at the national level through the NMS’s initial stage of the National Framework for Climate Services (NFCS). It will aid participants in preparing for the remainder of the 2022 wet season and integrate climate information into operational and strategic decision-making in the agriculture sector and other climate-sensitive sectors.

Dr. Hon. Omar Figueroa was sworn-in by the Governor General H.E. Sir Colville Young on Thursday, February 20th as the substantive Minister for Fisheries, Forestry, the Environment and Sustainable Development.

The term 'ecotourism' can be a questionable one in practice. St. John's College Junior College student Aidan Villanueva asks, "Is Ecotourism Truly 'Eco' Friendly in Belize?"

The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Forestry, Environment, Sustainable Development and Climate Change officially endorsed the effectiveness of the SMART technology at a ceremonial handing-over of licensing equipment by the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) at the Radisson Fort George Hotel on Wednesday morning, January 24th.