Environment
Belize Halts Short-Term Tree Cutting Permits to Protect National Lands
Starting December 1, 2025, the Government of Belize will impose a five-year moratorium on issuing Short-term Forest Licenses and Petty Permits for tree cutting on national lands. The Ministry of Sustainable Development, Climate Change and Solid Waste Management, along with the Belize Forest Department, announced the measure following Cabinet’s approval, citing growing risks of forest depletion across the country.
Environment
Area Representative weighs in on Silver Palm development in northern Ambergris Caye
A significant new development in northern Ambergris Caye, dubbed Silver Palm, has raised concerns among environmentalists, residents, and local authorities. The proposed community project, planned on a 237-acre island northwest of Ambergris Caye, has come under scrutiny after moving forward without an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and despite reported objections from the Belize Fisheries Department and the Ministry of Blue Economy. Area Representative and Minister of Blue Economy, Honorable Andre Perez, said island residents were not consulted and argued that such a project is not suitable for this environmentally sensitive area.
Conservation
Stakeholders Unite to Strengthen Belize’s Fisheries Enforcement Efforts
On November 11th, a validation workshop was held in Belize City for the National Fisheries Enforcement and Conservation Monitoring Strategy and Action Plan. The session emphasized the importance of developing an effective national strategy to protect Belize’s marine resources, bringing together key stakeholders, including representatives from the Belize Coast Guard, the Ministry of Blue Economy and Marine Conservation, and the Belize Fisheries Department.
Environment
San Pedro Mayor highlights island challenges at high-level event in Brazil
In the lead-up to the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP30) taking place in Belém, Brazil, a series of high-level gatherings brought together mayors and local leaders from around the world. From November 3rd to 6th, San Pedro Town Mayor Gualberto “Wally” Nuñez, along with Belize City Mayor Bernard Wagner, Placencia Chairman Warren Garbutt, and other team members, participated in the Global Platform for Sustainable Cities (GPSC) forum held in Rio de Janeiro.
Environment
Government acquires cutting-edge equipment for better Sargassum monitoring
The Sargassum season this year was one of the worst on record, with areas such as San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, and Caye Caulker severely affected by massive amounts of the brown seaweed washing onto shorelines. Although the influx has significantly reduced for now, the next season is expected to begin early in 2026. To better prepare for the recurring phenomenon, the National Sargassum Task Force has acquired new monitoring and management equipment. On November 7th, the task force received a drone, a laptop, and a sophisticated Sargassum forecasting tool, donated through the SICA Azul Project, an initiative promoting clean communities, in collaboration with the Republic of China (Taiwan).
Environment
Regional Webinar Equips Caribbean Journalists for COP30
On November 5, 2025, Caribbean journalists from across the region, including The San Pedro Sun, joined a special webinar titled “Reporting on COP30 for Caribbean Journalists.” The virtual event was hosted by the Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre (CCCCC) and the CARICOM Secretariat. It aimed to help regional media better prepare to cover the upcoming COP30 climate conference in Belém, Brazil, from November 10–21. The session brought together journalists, climate experts, and regional leaders to discuss climate challenges and the media’s role in reporting on key COP30 issues.
Conservation
Dredging Policies Are Failing Belize’s Marine Reserves
Belize’s marine reserves were created to safeguard our most valuable ecosystems that sustain our blue economy. Our reefs, mangroves, and seagrass beds are supposed to be protected spaces, ensuring that fishing, tourism, and coastal protection remain strong for generations. But these irreplaceable habitats are being destroyed by dredging.
Environment
San Pedro’s Shoreline Under Pressure from Development and Climate Change
Coastal erosion continues to pose a growing threat to San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, as gradual land loss affects fragile ecosystems, private properties, and public infrastructure. Over the past decade, monitoring efforts have documented slow but consistent changes along the island’s nearly 20-mile shoreline, with some areas showing more pronounced erosion than others. The data comes from the Sustainable Strategic Plan for Ambergris Caye report, which used satellite imagery and field studies to track sediment movement and coastal shifts.
Community and Society
Perez Clarifies Dredging Work Underway for Boca del Rio Beach Enhancement
A beach enhancement project underway at the Boca del Rio Beach Park has recently drawn attention and concern from residents and stakeholders in San Pedro Town due to dredging activities. The project aims to restore and protect a section of the shoreline that has eroded over the years. It is a joint initiative between the Area Representative, Honourable Andre Perez, and the San Pedro Town Council. On Wednesday, November 5th, Perez addressed the public’s concerns and provided details about the beach nourishment project.
Conservation
Public Input Sought on Belize’s Marine Conservation Plans
The National Consultations for Increasing High Protection for Biodiversity in Belize hosted its San Pedro community session on October 29th at the Sunbreeze Hotel, marking the second phase of the Resilient Bold Belize (RBB) Initiative. The consultation was led by the Belize Sustainable Ocean Plan team and supported by the Ministry of Blue Economy and Marine Conservation, the Office of the Prime Minister’s Blue Bond and Finance Permanence Unit, the Belize Fisheries Department, the Coastal Zone Management Authority and Institute (CZMAI), and the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF).
Environment
Strong Turnout for North San Pedro Cleanup
On Sunday, October 26th, more than 150 community members gathered on the north side of San Pedro Town for a large-scale beach cleanup aimed at addressing the growing issue of plastic and waste pollution along the coast. The event, which began promptly at 7AM from Boca del Rio, drew volunteers from across the island and was spearheaded by the San Pedro Town Council, Elito Arceo, and Stephanie Mendez. Participants included neighborhood residents, students, and representatives from several local businesses and groups, all united by a shared commitment to keeping the island’s beaches clean.
