June 2024

On June 28th, we hosted a Strategic Partnership Signing with the Belize Marine Protected Areas Network (BMPAN) and granted awards to the National Garifuna Council, the Belize Tourism Industry Association and Humana People to People Belize. Highlights of the Event Signing of a Strategic Partnership Agreement, with an investment of BZ $3,895,000.92 over 3 years (June 2024 – May 2027), to strengthen compliance and enforcement within Belize’s marine protected areas, ensuring effective management and protection of marine biodiversity. Corozal Bay Wildlife Sanctuary and Bacalar Chico National Park managed by the Sarteneja Alliance for Conservation and Development Turneffe Atoll Marine Reserve managed by the Turneffe Atoll Sustainability Association Blue Hole and Half Moon Natural Monument (Lighthouse reef atoll) managed by the Belize Audubon Society Laughing Bird National Park, Gladden Spit and Silk Cayes Marine Reserve, Placencia Lagoon managed by the Southern Environmental Association Port Honduras Marine Reserve and Sapodilla Cayes Marine Reserve managed by the Toledo Institute for Development and Environment Presentation of Grant Awards totaling BZ $745,889 to: Humana People to People Belize (BZ $515,860) to reshape plastic usage patterns through public education and by transforming plastic waste into marketable recycled products. Belize Tourism Industry Association (BTIA) (BZ $80,029) to create a training program for students and tour guides to increase knowledge and appreciation for marine conservation. National Garifuna Council (BZ $150,000) to identify solutions to mitigate shoreline erosion in Barranco Village.

On June 12th, a tiny manatee calf named “Kevin” was found in the Belize River, unable to dive, weak, sunburnt, and had propeller cuts. Through a collaborative effort between the Fisheries Department, Clearwater Marine Aquarium Research Institute (CMARI), and Wildtracks, Kevin was rescued and transported to Wildtracks’ rehabilitation centre. This story highlights the unwavering need for and commitment to conservation. Just weeks ago, Wildtracks trained officers from the Fisheries Department, Forest Department, and Sarteneja Alliance for Conservation and Development, equipping them with invaluable manatee response, rescue, and rehabilitation skills. This training was carried out as part of the Wildtracks project ‘Helping Secure the Future for Belize’s Iconic Manatee’ funded by the Belize Fund for a Sustainable Future. And now, that knowledge has been put into action, saving Kevin’s life. Did you know? Belize is the last stronghold for the Antillean manatee population in the Mesoamerican region. Protecting these gentle giants is more critical than ever! Wildtracks and CMARI – both grantees of the Belize Fund’s Grants Award Program – are making a significant impact on the survival of Belize’s iconic manatee population. We extend a sincere recognition to the rescue mission team of the Belize Fisheries Department, CMARI and Wildtracks. P.S. In the last two months, Wildtracks has had three new manatee intakes. If you are:✨Inspired to donate? https://goto.gg/52620✨Inspired to volunteer? www.wildtracksbelize.org/volunteer 📸 Credit: Belize Fisheries Department

Our Executive Director, Dr. Leandra Cho-Ricketts, recently attended the high-level “Immersed in Change” event in Costa Rica on June 7-8. At the event, Dr. Ricketts connected with other conservation trust funds and donor agencies, sharing the work of the Belize Fund, through our investments in marine conservation and the development of a sustainable blue economy in Belize. Our work showcases how Belize is taking action to address ocean impacts and turn the tide on ocean conservation through innovative financing instruments. The Blue Bond & Finance Permanence (BBFP) Unit participated in a panel on “The Blue Economy as an Engine for Prosperity”, highlighting how funds from the Belize Blue Bonds are being invested through the Belize Fund. The Immersed in Change event underscores the urgency of addressing ocean challenges. It symbolizes the depth of our oceans and the critical need for action to preserve them. The conference inspires collective action to protect our vital ocean ecosystems, threatened by climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution. The ocean is vital for life on Earth, but it’s in danger! It’s time to act! Let’s protect our ocean now! Our future depends on it. Join the movement and dive into change!