Community and Society
Valentine’s Day Cleanup Highlights Ongoing Littering Concerns on Ambergris Caye
On Valentine’s Day, February 14th, the Ambergris North Alliance organized a community cleanup along San Pedro’s North Road. Roughly 45 to 50 volunteers gathered at four starting points: the Sir Barry Bowen Bridge, Grand Caribe, X’tan Ha, and Matachica, covering the stretch from the bridge to approximately nine miles north.
Environment
Belize and UK Celebrate Ocean Partnership Milestones During OCPP Week
Belize and the United Kingdom strengthened their long-standing collaboration in marine conservation and climate resilience during Ocean Country Partnership Programme (OCPP) Week, held from Wednesday, February 4th, to Friday, February 6th. The three-day forum brought together government officials, UK representatives, scientists, youth leaders, and civil society stakeholders to reflect on five years of cooperation and to outline priorities for the future of Belize’s ocean governance.
Conservation
SEA Strengthens Enforcement and Conservation in Southern Marine Reserves
The Southern Environmental Association (SEA), a Belizean conservation organization, is strengthening marine protection in southern Belize through new technology and community-led initiatives. Under the leadership of Executive Director Elizabeth Avila Muschamp, SEA co-manages the Gladden Spit and Silk Cayes Marine Reserve and Laughing Bird Caye National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Recent funding of BZ$750,000 from the Belize Fund for a Sustainable Future has supported upgrades, including solar-powered ranger stations, long-range surveillance cameras, an underwater drone, mangrove restoration efforts, and expanded community watchdog groups.
Conservation
Stakeholders Review Proposed Management Plan for Bacalar Chico National Park
On Wednesday, February 4th, the Sarteneja Alliance for Conservation and Development (SACD) hosted a final socialization session with stakeholders in San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye, regarding its management plan for Bacalar Chico National Park. The session brought together island stakeholders from the private and tourism sectors. Attendees were updated on recent findings in the park and proposed conservation measures, while also providing feedback and recommendations.
Environment
National Climate Change Office Concludes Consultations on Climate Adaptation Efforts
A nationwide consultation exercise to identify climate adaptation priorities concluded in San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye, on January 29th. The final session, which covered the Belize District, supported the development of Belize’s Multi-sectoral National Adaptation Plan (MNAP). The consultations were led by the National Climate Change Office (NCCO) under the Ministry of Sustainable Development, Climate Change and Solid Waste Management, in partnership with consulting firm Metroeconomica, which facilitated the stakeholder sessions.
Community and Society
Over 100 Tons of Early Sargassum Cleared From San Pedro Beaches
San Pedro Town experienced an unusually early influx of sargassum, which began washing ashore on public beaches on Monday, January 26, 2026. The San Pedro Town Council immediately mobilized its cleanup team to respond.
Conservation
Belize Fisheries Convenes First National Shark Working Group Meeting
The Belize Fisheries Department, under the Ministry of Blue Economy and Marine Conservation, convened the first meeting of the National Shark Working Group (NSWG) on Friday, January 23, 2026, at the Grand Resort and Residences in Belize City. The meeting brought together scientists, policymakers, and key stakeholders to advance marine conservation and promote the sustainable management of Belize’s aquatic resources.
Conservation
Local authorities say heavy equipment transported to north Ambergris Caye has no permits
Following images shared on social media on Thursday, January 22nd, showing heavy equipment being transported to northern Ambergris Caye, the Office of the Area Representative, Honorable Andre Perez, and the Hol Chan Marine Reserve submitted reports to several environmental government authorities, including the Prime Minister. According to officials, the transportation of the construction equipment was carried out without the proper permits or authorizations. On Friday, January 23rd, Perez said the individuals responsible for transporting the equipment were unable to produce any permits, and as a result, the equipment must be removed from the area.
Conservation
National Climate Consultations to Address Climate Risks Affecting Belize
The Government of Belize has launched a series of National Consultations to strengthen the country’s response to climate change, with a particular focus on vulnerable coastal communities and key economic sectors, such as tourism. The consultations, taking place from January 19 to January 30, 2026, are being led by the Ministry of Sustainable Development, Climate Change, and Solid Waste Management, through the National Climate Change Office (NCCO). The process forms part of Belize’s National Adaptation Planning efforts, which aim to reduce climate risks and improve long-term resilience nationwide.
Community and Society
San Pedro Tackles Garbage Issues Through Enforcement and Community Cleanups
San Pedro continues to grapple with ongoing challenges in garbage and waste management as rapid development, population growth, and increased tourism place added pressure on the island’s infrastructure. From overflowing drums and illegal dumping to improperly placed construction materials, improper disposal has become a visible concern in both residential and commercial areas. In response, the San Pedro Town Council, along with community groups and volunteers, has intensified efforts through structured collection schedules, enforcement campaigns, public education, and island-wide cleanups to protect public health, the environment, and the island’s tourism-driven economy.
Community and Society
Belize Sargassum Task Force Prepares for 2026 Sargassum Season
The Government of Belize, through the National Sargassum Task Force (STF), has begun early preparations for the 2026 sargassum season, focusing on five priority coastal areas: San Pedro, Caye Caulker, Seine Bight, Hopkins, and Placencia. The initiative launched on January 21st and is co-chaired by the Ministry of Tourism, Youth, Sports, and Diaspora Relations and the Ministry of Blue Economy and Marine Conservation.
