Conservation
Offshore oil exploration in Belize now requires a national referendum
The Referendum (Amendment) Bill 2023 is now law, compelling the government to hold a mandatory referendum before oil exploration in Belizean waters. The Bill went through the stages of approval in the House of Representatives and the Senate. It was then assented to by Governor General Dame Froyla Tzalam on November 9th, and two days later, it was published in the government’s Gazette.
Conservation
Management plan for Bacalar Chico still in the works; illegal hunting continues
Concerned residents and conservationists in San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, continue to report illegal activities, such as hunting, at the terrestrial portion of the Bacalar Chico National Park in the island’s northern part. According to reports, the wildlife at this park (deer, peccaries, etc.) is under constant threat, particularly on weekends. There are reportedly no park rangers to safeguard the surrounding natural habitats, and thus, there is reported abuse of the protected area. With the Sarteneja Alliance for Conservation and Development (SACD) taking control of the co-management of Bacalar Chico in March of this year, changes were expected to occur. The SACD has indicated that changes are coming as they continue developing a management plan for the site and begin having a partial presence by December of this year.
Conservation
Amendment approved to include offshore oil exploration referendum
After the Government of Belize and Oceana Belize agreed on the referendum on the moratorium on offshore oil exploration, a Bill was introduced in the House of Representatives to amend the Referendum Act and make a referendum mandatory. The Bill was debated in the Senate and approved on October 26th, officiating the amendment for a mandatory referendum before any oil exploration in Belizean waters.
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
Consultation engages San Pedro residents in developing National Mangrove Restoration Action Plan
A consultation seeking to know the pulse of San Pedro regarding mangrove restoration engaged a group of islanders on Wednesday, October 25th, at the Sagebrush Church. The session is part of the National Mangrove Restoration Action Plan. This project aims to develop a five-year national action plan to enhance the protection and preservation of these essential coastal trees. The meeting was very interactive, with participants sharing the challenges mangrove ecosystems face in San Pedro and the need for enforcement and penalties against those illegally clearing this vegetation. It was clear that a permit must be obtained from the Belize Forest Department before any mangrove trimming or alteration occurs. All those in attendance noted that almost no one involved in coastal tourism developments follows such requirements per the law.
Conservation
Founder of Belize Bird Rescue scoops international award
London – 18 October 2023 – A woman who lives in Belize, originally from the UK is one of the first international winners to...
Conservation
The future of mangroves on Ambergris Caye; what are authorities doing?
The constant development of San Pedro, Ambergris Caye has recently seen the decimation of large areas of mangroves. Most of these cases take place on private properties, clearing the mangroves for development projects. The San Pedro Town Council (SPTC) said they are starting to investigate some of these clearings as a permit is required before altering mangroves. These trees are considered highly important for coastal areas in Belize as they serve not only as a nursing ground for juvenile fish and fight climate change but also as a reliable natural buffer against natural disasters like hurricanes.
Conservation
Stakeholder Engagement Sessions Fuel Enthusiasm for Ocean Conservation Funding
Submitted by Chalsey Gill Anthony
Communications Officer|
Belize Fund for a Sustainable Future
photos courtesy Belize Fund
Press Release - In a strategic stride towards bolstering Belize's marine...
Business & Economy
The Blue Economy promotes the sustainability of stone crab claws harvesting in Belize
The stone crab’s claws have become a delicacy in gourmet restaurants with increasing demand in areas such as Ambergris Caye off the northeast coast of Belize. A plate containing 1 1/2lb of cooked stone crab claws sells for up to US$42.50. The value of the overall industry, as per the Belize Fisheries Department (BFD), was around $125,000 for the local market. However, this number is expected to increase as exporting stone crab claws to other markets in the United States and the Caribbean starts.
Conservation
Closure of Deer Huning Season; Peccary and Game Birds Remain Closed
The Belize Forest Department within the MSDCCDRM hereby reminds the public that as of July 1, 2023, the hunting season for White Tail/Red Brocket Deer (Odocoileus Virginianus) is officially closed along with other Game Specie falling within their respective dates outlined below.
Conservation
Marine Spatial Plan discussion held in San Pedro
Stakeholders from the tourism and fishing sectors attended a community outreach held on Wednesday, June 14th, at the San Pedro Lions Den to discuss the Marine Spatial Plan (MSP). This initiative under the Belize Sustainable Ocean Plan (BSOP) was hosted by the Coastal Zone Management Authority and Institute (CZMAI), who have been spearheading community meetings across the country and inviting the community to participate in the process that aims to bolster biodiversity protection in Belize's seas.
