Tag:
UNESCO World Heritage Site
Community and Society
Consultation Proposed on Bridge Linking Ambergris Caye to Mexico
Environmentalists and concerned residents in San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, are raising concerns about the potential negative impacts of a proposed road and bridge to Mexico that would run through the Bacalar Chico National Park. Prime Minister Honorable Dr. John Briceño first confirmed the idea of connecting Ambergris Caye with Mexico in October 2021. Four years later, the project is still under discussion, but on August 15th, the Prime Minister announced that consultations will take place on the island before any work begins.
Conservation
UNESCO World Heritage Site Unveiled at Bacalar Chico in Historic Ceremony
On July 7th, conservationists, government officials, and community members gathered under the Caribbean sun, amidst the hum of mosquitoes, to witness a historic moment: the unveiling of the UNESCO World Heritage Site signage at Bacalar Chico, a jewel in Belize’s Barrier Reef Reserve System.
Conservation
Omar Arceo offers summer fly-fishing training in Mexico
The Dr. of the Flats, Omar Arceo, conducted his final fly-fishing summer training camp in the Mexican state of Quintana Roo. The camp took place south of the municipality of Tulum at the Casa and Playa Blanca Fly-Fishing Lodges within the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve. Unlike previous camps where Arceo trained children, this time, the participants were fly-fishing guides working in the Mexican flats fishery industry. They were grateful for the training and the knowledge Arceo shared.
Environment
Illegal Pier at Bacalar Chico Marine Reserve continues to cause concerns on Ambergris Caye
Even though structures are not permitted in marine reserves in Belize unless proper permits are issued by the Belize Fisheries Department (BFD), a pier was built at Robles Point within the Bacalar Chico Marine Reserve in northern Ambergris Caye. The construction of the dock in this UNESCO World Heritage Site has made many islanders unhappy, who continue to call on the respective authorities to enforce the law. The San Pedro Town Council (SPTC) and the BFD are all aware of the situation, but little has been done to address the issue adequately.
Environment
Construction of pier in Bacalar Chico Marine Reserve raises concerns among stakeholders on Ambergris Caye
The construction of a pier within the Bacalar Chico Marine Reserve in northern Ambergris Caye has raised concerns among concerned residents who maintain that no such structures should be allowed in this sensitive marine area. The responsibility to manage these marine protected areas mainly falls on the Belize Fisheries Department (BFD), which plays a role in approving structures in sensitive marine areas. They know the situation and visited the site at Robles Point over a week ago with the local authorities to issue a Stop Order. Despite the order to halt any further construction, it has reportedly continued. As a result, the Fisheries Department is now looking at other alternatives to address the problem.
Environment
Illegal dumping reported at Bacalar Chico National Park
The illegal disposal of garbage at Bacalar Chico National Park north of San Pedro Town appears to continue unabated after concerned residents shared images of a large dump site. The eyesore is said to be near the beach, which is an active sea turtle nesting site. According to concerned residents visiting these areas, this unfortunate behavior occurs almost weekly and goes undetected due to the alleged absence of enforcement at this important national park.
Environment
Prime Minister Hon. John Briceño tells UN Climate Change summit, “Without the reef, Belize’s economy could crumble.”
During the opening day of the 26th UN Climate Change summit, also known as the Conference of the Parties (COP26) in Glasgow, Scotland, UK, Prime Minister Honorable John Briceño called on developed countries to take immediate and ambitious action to save the planet. Briceño pointed out that developed countries must not only deliver but increase their commitments to climate finance. The prime minister highlighted how Belize’s natural resources are impacted by the effects of climate change and called on those responsible for emitting high greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide.
Arts & Culture
Belize and Suriname Begin Technical Exchange for Safeguarding Pre-Columbian and Historic Built Heritage Sites
The exchange, which is funded by UNESCO, is phase 1 of a project in which Belize and Suriname will share expertise on how Pre-Columbian archaeological and Historic period built-heritage sites are conserved and managed.