Environment
Secret Beach to Undergo Beach Rehabilitation Project in 2026
Secret Beach, one of Ambergris Caye’s most popular tourist destinations, is slated to undergo a beach rehabilitation project in 2026 as part of ongoing efforts to address shoreline erosion on the island. Area Representative Hon. Andre Perez confirmed that erosion has been identified at Secret Beach, located northwest of San Pedro Town, prompting plans for a beach nourishment programme. The area continues to attract heavy visitor traffic, particularly during peak tourism periods.
Environment
Restoring San Pedro’s Beaches Amid Persistent Erosion and Sargassum Challenges
Beach restoration efforts in San Pedro Town are progressing slowly as authorities contend with a long-standing erosion problem that has been intensified by increasing sargassum influxes. Environmental consultant Valentine Rosado says the situation requires sustainable, science-based solutions rather than short-term fixes.
Conservation
Belize’s Hidden Climate Treasure: Why Mangrove & Seagrass “Blue Carbon” Matters More Than Ever
Walk along any stretch of Belize’s coast, and you’ll see them: roots like stilts, leaves shining in the sun, small fish darting in and out. Mangroves are the backbone of our marine environment—and Belize has lots of them.
Conservation
WTO Funding Strengthens Belize’s Push for Sustainable Fisheries
Belize has received a US$300,000 grant from the World Trade Organization (WTO) Fish Fund to support the Building Legal Understanding and Enforcement Capacity for Fisheries Subsidies Reform in Belize (BLUE-CAP) Project. The grant, announced on November 27, will help work led by the Directorate General for Foreign Trade, the Ministry of Blue Economy and Marine Conservation, the Fisheries Department, and the High Seas Fisheries Unit, in partnership with the Caribbean Regional Fisheries Mechanism (CRFM). Approved during the WTO Fish Fund steering committee meeting held on November 18–19, 2025, the project is part of a first-round disbursement of US$2.9 million awarded to 26 developing countries.
Environment
Belize Moves Forward with Historic Climate and Carbon Market Legislation
On November 20th, the House of Representatives in Belmopan completed the second and third readings of the Climate Change and Carbon Market Initiatives Bill 2025, marking a pivotal step in Belize’s national climate governance. The legislation, introduced by Minister Orlando Habet of Sustainable Development, Climate Change, and Solid Waste Management, aims to position Belize as a regional leader in climate resilience and carbon market participation.
Business & Economy
Public Consultation on Turtle Island and Private Island Project Held in San Pedro
A public consultation on a proposed mixed-use real estate development southwest of San Pedro Town was held on November 27th at the Angel Nuñez Auditorium. The area, identified as Turtle Island–Private Island, lies near established tourism and residential zones such as Cayo Espanto and Brahma Blue. The presentations focused on the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for Castle Capital Development Ltd., the company behind the proposed project. While conservation aspects were highlighted, the small group of stakeholders and tour guide students in attendance left with more questions than answers, expressing uncertainty about the project’s long-term environmental impacts.
Environment
Government Enforces Tough Penalties for Improper Wastewater Disposal
On November 20, 2025, the Ministry of Sustainable Development, Climate Change, and Solid Waste Management, in collaboration with the Department of the Environment (DOE) and the Ministry of Health and Wellness, issued a strong reminder to the public about the dangers and legal consequences of improper wastewater disposal. The nationwide notice highlights that untreated wastewater, including sewage, greywater, industrial effluent, and other liquid waste, poses serious risks to public health and the environment.
Environment
COP30 Highlights Ongoing Global Challenges in Climate Policy
The 30th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP30) wrapped up on November 17th in Belém, Brazil, after two weeks of negotiations involving more than 55,000 participants and 194 nations. The summit brought together world leaders, scientists, activists, and vulnerable countries, including Belize, to address climate finance, deforestation, and adaptation amid intensifying global climate threats.
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.
