Tag:
Wildlife Conservation Society
Conservation
The 13th annual Reef Week is set to begin!
Belize's Barrier Reef Reserve System (BBRRS) plays a significant role in the country's economy and identity. Every year, conservation partners team up to highlight the reef's importance and celebrate its existence in Belize. The 13th Annual Reef Week 2024 will be celebrated from March 9th to 16th under the theme "Unite in the Coral Reef Fight: Learn, Teach, and Do What's Right!" The public is invited to participate in a week-long series of activities celebrating the Belize Barrier Reef while learning and having fun.
Community and Society
U.S. Embassy Launches Podcast Series Spotlighting U.S.-Belize Relations
On February 23, 2024, the U.S. Embassy Belmopan released a podcast series focused on U.S.-Belize relations. “Palmside Chat with Ambassador Michelle Kwan” features the Ambassador having discussions with Belizean and American leaders on topics that will range from food and culture to today’s pressing political issues, including economic development, security, migration, and human rights.
Government
Launch of a Credit Facility for Artisanal fishers to improve livelihoods and strengthen stewardship for sustainable fisheries
In an effort to promote sustainable fishing and stronger stewardship of Belize’s rich marine environment, the Government of Belize and World Wildlife Fund (WWF) joined forces with the Development Finance Corporation of Belize (DFC), and Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) to establish a pilot program to support licensed artisanal fishers through loans tailored to their needs.
Conservation
Population Growth of the ‘Hicatee’ Turtle at Cox Lagoon in the Maya Forest Corridor
Hicatees live in freshwaters such as rivers, creeks, and lagoons, and build their nests on the banks. They are large aquatic animals that eat plants, overhanging vegetation, fruits, and flowers. They uniquely show sexual dimorphism where adult males express visibly express a yellow to orange head coloration.
Conservation
Reef Week 2023 hosts educational fair in San Pedro
On Friday, March 10th, a group of non-governmental organizations, tourism partners, and members from the business community came together to host a fair celebrating Reef Week 2023. The event is celebrated in different areas of the country each year. This year’s reef fair was held in San Pedro Town, featuring educational booths, games, activities, music, food, and drinks.
Community and Society
Reef Week 2023 to be celebrated under the theme: For health, wealth and pleasure, our reef is a treasure!
In March 2023, local non-governmental organizations, tourism partners and allies from the business community will host a series of fun, educational and civic-minded events to celebrate the many ways the Belize Barrier Reef contributes to the national economy and to the Belizean identity.
Community and Society
WCS Belize remembers Jon Ramnarace, as enthusiastic, competent, dedicated, innovative, warm, friendly, and family-oriented
Jon Ramnarace was a vital teammate and true friend. We at the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) had the fortune of seeing his skills, broad knowledge, and wide influence while working with him for six years. Jon brought his gregarious nature, enthusiasm, and technology competency to our conservation programs, supporting many national initiatives intended to help safeguard Belize’s marine and terrestrial resources.
Conservation
National Spiny Lobster (Panulirus argus) Stock Assessment
The Belize Fisheries Department held a National Spiny Lobster Stock Assessment Workshop from June 20–24, 2022 in Belize City in partnership with Environmental Defense Fund and with expert support from Cuba’s Centro de Investigaciones Pesqueras (CIP)/ Center for Fisheries Research). The workshop convened scientists, fishery managers, and other stakeholders to conduct a scientific assessment of the spiny lobster population in Belize to inform the sustainable management of the lobster fishery.
