Author name: Blythe Thompson

News & Events

Update from the 2025 UN Ocean Conference in Nice, France!

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The first-ever Small Island Developing States (SIDS) Conservation Trust Fund Community of Practice was held, bringing together the Caribbean Biodiversity Fund, Micronesia Conservation Trust, Niue Ocean Wide Trust, SeyCCAT, and our very own Belize Fund for a Sustainable Future! As our Executive Director Dr. Leandra Cho-Ricketts shared: “It was great to meet other SIDS CTFs who share similar challenges and experiences. We discussed the creation of a Community of Practice to bring SIDS CTFs to the forefront, and how we can engage multilaterals and donors for a place at the table to access funding directly, to mobilize this to communities on the ground.” With record ocean heat and acidification threatening marine ecosystems worldwide, this collaboration couldn’t be more urgent. The Community of Practice represents a unified force of island nations leading the charge for ocean health. Together, we’re working to make sure small nations like Belize get the funding they need, and that the money reaches the communities driving local action for our ocean every day.🌐➡️🏝️ This is what ocean leadership looks like: small islands, big impact! 🏝️✨ 📌 Special thanks to Kate Brown for capturing the energy of the session. Participation in Seaside Chat at UNOC At the UN Ocean Conference (UNOC) Seaside Chat, Dr. Leandra Cho-Ricketts shared how Belize is pioneering sustainable ocean management through innovative financing models and data-driven approaches. She highlighted the Belize Fund as a private Conservation Trust Fund (CTF), established in March 2022 to manage conservation payments from Belize’s Blue Bond. As the first CTF of its kind born from a sovereign Blue Bond deal, the Fund serves as a critical financing mechanism to help Belize meet its marine conservation and blue economy goals, operating with transparent, independent governance and aligned with national strategies such as the Marine Spatial Plan and Blue Economy Strategy. Dr. Cho-Ricketts emphasized the importance of ocean accounts in tracking progress, ensuring transparency, and unlocking sustainable financing opportunities. These data systems support measurement, reporting, and verification (MRV) of investments and pave the way for emerging financing mechanisms like blue carbon and biodiversity credits. She also outlined the Fund’s impact to date: In advancing 30×30 and ocean finance, the Belize Fund goes beyond project funding, it enables systems change and multi-stakeholder governance. This includes financing for participatory marine spatial planning, legal designations of biodiversity zones, enforcement, ecosystem restoration, and community-based solutions aligned with national and global frameworks. She concluded with an important lesson: Getting funds to the ground is complex, requiring flexible and adaptive mechanisms to remain fit-for-purpose.

News & Events

Belize Fund participates in Gales Point Government School’s Education May Fair

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Thank you to Gales Point Government School and the Parent-Teacher Association for inviting the Belize Fund to your Education May Fair! We had an amazing time chatting with students about Belize’s incredible marine environment, from the brain corals to the whale sharks, and why keeping our ocean healthy matters for everyone, especially them. It was inspiring to see how curious and engaged they were as we explored how our daily actions connect to the sea. The conversations about protecting and conserving our ocean space as proud Belizeans were truly meaningful. 🌊 We’re hopeful that these young minds will grow into the next generation of ocean guardians. 💫🌱

News & Events

PACT and Belize Fund Partner to Strengthen Conservation Financing in Belize 

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(City of Belmopan, April 7, 2025) – The Protected Areas Conservation Trust (PACT) and the Belize Fund for a Sustainable Future (Belize Fund) have formalized a partnership to enhance conservation financing for Belize’s National Protected Areas System (NPAS). Today’s signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) marks a significant step in ensuring coordinated and effective financing for the country’s protected areas and natural resources.  This agreement sets the foundation for collaboration in key areas, including joint resource mobilization, standardized conservation financing policies, stakeholder engagement, and coordinated participation in international conservation forums. The partnership also seeks to increase public awareness of conservation efforts through joint campaigns and a National Conservation Summit in 2025.  “Today, is a powerful statement to our partners in conservation, in sustainable development, and in general to every Belizean, by both PACT and the Belize Fund, that protecting our environment and ensuring a sustainable future for our people is not just a priority- it is an obligation,” expressed Hon. Orlando Habet, Minister of Sustainable Development, Climate Change, and Solid Waste Management.   “By working together, we can avoid duplication of efforts and create more strategic and impactful conservation financing for Belize,” said Dr. Leandra Cho-Ricketts, Executive Director of the Belize Fund. Noting the significance of sustainable financing for protected areas, she added “This partnership aligns with our mission to invest in Belize’s marine and conservation priorities. By combining efforts, we can maximize the impact of our resources and support meaningful, science-driven conservation and community projects.”  “Our organizations have collectively invested over BZ$64 million to advance Belize’s conservation goals. Through this Memorandum of Understanding, we reaffirm our commitment to our unified mission of safeguarding Belize’s natural heritage and supporting the development of our communities and partners who share this responsibility,” shared Mr. Abil Castañeda, Executive Director of PACT, emphasizing the importance of this partnership.   The MOU will be in effect for five years, with both organizations conducting regular assessments and joint initiatives that enhance Belize’s conservation landscape. Both PACT and the Belize Fund are committed to supporting Belize’s National Protected Areas System, which includes a network of protected areas established to safeguard the country’s natural and cultural resources and ecosystem services. 

News & Events

Belize Fund’s 3-year Program Highlight Video

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🌊 Building a Resilient Blue Economy: The Belize Fund’s Impact 🌿 The ocean isn’t just a breathtaking landscape—it’s the heartbeat of Belize’s economy, culture, and way of life. But safeguarding this vital resource requires more than passion—it demands action, investment, and unwavering commitment. In just three years, the Belize Fund has invested over BZ$23.6 million in 29 impactful projects dedicated to protecting and restoring Belize’s marine and coastal ecosystems. From coral reef restoration and mangrove conservation to strengthening marine law enforcement and supporting sustainable livelihoods, our work ensures that Belize’s ocean remains vibrant and resilient for generations to come. 🎥 In this video, you’ll discover: ✅ How strategic investments are driving real solutions for marine conservation ✅ The voices of local conservationists, fishers, and community leaders making a difference ✅ The importance of long-term, sustainable financing for Belize’s blue economy Together, we can safeguard Belize’s ocean—today, tomorrow, and always. 🌎 👉 Watch now to learn more about our impact and join the movement for a resilient blue economy!

News & Events

Belize Fund Approves BZ $1.13 Million for Eight New Projects, Prioritizing Support for Community-Led Conservation

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PRESS RELEASE: (City of Belmopan, March 28, 2025) – The Belize Fund for a Sustainable Future (Belize Fund) is proud to announce the approval of eight new projects that support community-led conservation, strengthen marine and coastal ecosystems, and promote sustainable development. A key highlight is the introduction of a Community Grants window, designed to address barriers that smaller, grassroots groups face in accessing funding. These grants ensure that local knowledge and community-driven solutions are central to protecting Belize’s natural resources. “We realized that while our process ensures accountability, it wasn’t reaching everyone,” says Dr. Leandra Cho-Ricketts, Executive Director of the Belize Fund. “To truly create lasting impact in conservation, we needed a more inclusive approach that directly supports communities.” The approved projects represent diverse focus areas across protection for biodiversity, sustainable fisheries, climate resilience, and blue business innovation:1. Three Lagoon Sustainability Program (BZ $75,000)2. Creative Imageries Motion Art Studio (BZ $74,960)3. Chunox Fishermen Association (BZ $75,000)4. Shark Fishers Association (BZ $75,000)5. Sea of Life – Plastic Solutions Academy (BZ $150,000)6. ECOMAR – Barrier Reef Watch (BZ $139,225)7. Blue Nutrients Belize Ltd (BZ $149,740)8. World Wildlife Fund Mesoamerica (BZ $397,375.60) Beyond funding, the Belize Fund invests in capacity-building through in-person sessions, proposal-writing workshops, and direct support from consultants. “We don’t just provide funding—we help organizations develop skills to secure and manage resources effectively,” says Josue Oliva, Program Manager. “By meeting people where they are, we ensure they can focus on conservation and sustainable livelihoods.” “We want to do more than just provide funding for conservation,” says Dr. Cho-Ricketts.” We want to equip people with the tools they need to succeed and create a foundation for long-term impact.” The Belize Fund is committed to inclusion, innovation, and long-term impact.

News & Events

Winners of the Reef Week Art Contest 2025!

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🏆 CONGRATULATIONS to all the winners of the Reef Week Art Contest 2025!🎨 Category: Ages 12-17🥇 1st Place: $700 – Josiaha Castillo🥈 2nd Place: $550 – Eric Raymundo🥉 3rd Place: $450 – Erika Gutierrez🏅 4th Place: $300 – Rebecca Li🏅 5th Place: $200 – Chloé Martinez Category: Ages 18+🥇 1st Place: $1000 – Jaime Ramos🥈 2nd Place: $800 – Diana Ascencio🥉 3rd Place: $600 – Janeth Rosa🏅 4th Place: $400 – Sylvia Artiaga🏅 5th Place: $300 – Jdah Anderson ✨ People’s Choice Award: Gerald Wewe 🎉 Your creativity and passion for Belize’s marine life truly shine through your artwork! Thank you to everyone who participated—your artistic expressions help raise awareness about the beauty of our reefs and the importance of protecting them for future generations. 🐠💙

News & Events

Winner Announcement for Recycling Challenge 2025

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🏆 CONGRATULATIONS to all the winners! 🥳 As we celebrate the power of recycling, we extend our deepest gratitude to all participants of the Recycling Challenge 2025! Your video submissions delivered impactful messages on how we can protect Belize’s environment, reduce waste, and build a cleaner, more sustainable future for generations to come. 🌱💚 Why Recycling Matters♻️ Recycling protects our coast and ocean by reducing plastic pollution, conserves natural resources, and helps fight climate change by cutting emissions. It also saves money and reduces landfill waste, making it a win for both our environment and economy! 🌱✨ What Can We Do? ✅– Reduce single-use plastics to keep our ocean clean.– Sort and recycle materials like paper, glass, and metal properly.– Reuse containers, bags, and other everyday items.– Compost organic waste to reduce landfill waste.– Support local recycling programs and educate others.– Choose products with minimal packaging to cut down on waste.

News & Events

Happy International Women’s Day 2025 💜✨

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This year, Belize Fund joins the global movement in celebrating the power of women and the urgent need to Accelerate Action toward gender equality. 🌍💡 Change doesn’t happen by chance—it happens when we commit to breaking barriers, challenging biases, and creating opportunities for all women to thrive. Let’s take bold steps, uplift voices, and push for real progress—because when we invest in women, we transform the future. 💪💖

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Happy Manatee Appreciation Day! 🌊

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Today, we celebrate the gentle sea cows that grace our waters and play a vital role in our marine ecosystems! 🥰🌿 Manatees are peaceful, slow-moving creatures that deserve our love and protection. Let’s raise awareness about the threats they face—habitat destruction, boat strikes, and pollution—and commit to safeguarding their future. Together, we can help keep these incredible animals safe for generations to come! The Belize Fund has approved two projects that support these magnificent gentle giants: 🫧 Wildtracks is helping to secure the future of Belize’s iconic manatees. 🫧 Clearwater Marine Aquarium Research Institute Belize (CMARI) is strengthening conservation efforts by improving how we protect manatees and their seagrass habitat. Let’s continue working together to ensure a safe and thriving future for Belize’s manatees! 🌊

News & Events

📌 Save the Date!

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Join us for our 3rd Awards Ceremony on Thursday, March 27th at 1:00 PM as we celebrate impactful ocean conservation initiatives in Belize! 🏝️🐠 This year, we continue our commitment to funding projects that protect our marine ecosystems, strengthen coastal resilience, and support sustainable livelihoods. 🌿🪸 At the Belize Fund, we believe long-term sustainable financing is key to protecting our ocean. Every grant awarded helps drive lasting investments in conservation and responsible development—because a healthier ocean means a better future for all.

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