Author name: Chalsey Gill Anthony

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Can Science and Community Leadership Transform Fisheries in Belize? A look at WCS Belize’s conservation model

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In the coastal communities of Belize, before dawn breaks, the fishers are already preparing their boats. But these days, alongside their nets and hooks, some carry something new: measuring tools, identification guides, and data collection forms. They take on a new role as fisher scientists, gathering crucial information that will shape the future of Belize’s marine resources. For generations, the sea has provided food, culture, and identity. But today, that balance is shifting. With fish stocks in decline and critical species on the brink, the question becomes: Can we still have a healthy ocean filled with lots of fishes while sustaining the livelihoods of those who depend on it? The Wildlife Conservation Society Belize Program (WCS Belize), with BZ$800,000 grant support from the Belize Fund for a Sustainable Future (Belize Fund), gives us some answers. Their 24-month initiative—“Enhancing Sustainable Fisheries Management for Sharks and Finfish through Collaborative Community-Based Data Collection”—uses a conservation model rooted in science, local wisdom, and shared responsibility. The Science Behind Sustainable Fishing The project’s first data collection exercise, completed last year in Belize City, Dangriga, Hopkins, and Placencia, revealed concerning trends. The information gathered shows that approximately two-thirds of measured species displayed indicators of overfishing, with larger-bodied species like Barracuda, Mutton Snapper, and the Critically Endangered Nassau Grouper being caught before they were old enough to reproduce—threatening future populations. “This data collection is important because we’ll have data available to assist the Belize Fisheries Department in determining recommended sizes at which certain fin fish species can be caught in order to maintain healthy populations for these commercially important species,” explains Ralna Lamb Lewis, Assistant Country Director at WCS Belize. What makes this project interesting is not just the findings, but who’s doing the research—many of them retired fishers with decades of experience on the water. “We trained them using the SMART program on how to weigh and measure different species,” explains Henry Brown, Marine Technical Assistant. “We equipped them with fish ID guides for the most common species and worked closely with them to give personal assistance.” When Fishers Become Conservationists For Brown, who previously worked as a Reserve Biologist and Fisheries Officer, this approach bridges crucial gaps: “I can explain to them why it’s important to actually release them back. It’s not just to avoid being charged—it’s actually protecting the species from declining. They realize I can relate to what they’re going through.” This relationship-building creates trust that traditional conservation approaches often lack. WCS’s community engagement runs deep, from helping establish marine protected areas to developing the “managed access” approach that ensures traditional fishers maintain access to their fishing grounds. “Managed access was actually developed by the Glover’s Reef advisory committee,” Lamb Lewis reveals. “The fishers there were concerned that there was an ever increasing number of new fishers who weren’t aware of or following regulations. They wanted to ensure traditional fishers would have full access while regulating the entry of new fishers.” Women in Fisheries: Recognizing the Invisible Workforce One of WCS’s notable achievements has been highlighting women’s critical role in fishing. “People usually just speak about the men involved,” Lamb Lewis points out. “They don’t account for the support needed to bring in the catch (i.e. the preparation for the trip) and what happens after—the women involved in processing, sales, and other areas.” The organization along with the team from the Marine Conservation and Climate Adaptation Project established the first Women in Fisheries Forum eight years ago, now evolved into seven forums nationwide. Last year, they elected their first executive committee and are forming a National Women in Fisheries Association—giving voice to this overlooked fisheries segment. Sustainable Financing Supports Long-Term Impact The Belize Fund’s funding provides critical financing that supports community leadership for fisheries management. “Locally grown funding agencies are essential in ensuring benefits are realized,” Lamb Lewis emphasizes. “The current donor climate internationally is to support the creation and expansion of offshore protected areas but not the day-to-day monitoring, enforcement, and management needed. If you can’t demonstrate to fisherfolk why conservation benefits their household and communities, it’s challenging to succeed.” Communications Coordinator, Deseree Arzu, emphasizes the personal dimension of their work: “Now that I’m actually working with fisherfolk, I get first-hand experience from these men and women. You hear personal stories of sacrifice, how they get up every day to make a living not just for themselves and their families, but also for Belize as a whole, economically.” Arzu adds that funding is very important for communication efforts: ” Communication is not a one-shot approach. It must continue over time. We build trust with these communities, and consistent interaction maintains our credibility as an organization.” Looking Ahead As WCS looks to the future, this science and community-led approach provides a way forward for marine conservation in Belize—creating a model where those who depend most directly on the sea become its most dedicated protectors. “The hope,” Lamb Lewis concludes, “is that this work will be important as Belize develops modern and inclusive fisheries regulations and implements its finfish management plan—with fisherfolk integrated in the conversations and dialogues since they are the ones utilizing the resources.”

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Debt-for-Nature, Three Years Later – Is Belize Delivering on Its Ocean Conservation Promise?

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Approximately three years ago, Belize made big promises on the global stage to the ocean and to its people. Through a bold debt-for-nature agreement known as the Belize Blue Bonds, our country secured funding to protect its marine resources in exchange for debt relief. It was a historic move, and one that sparked questions: Could Belize really pull this off? Would the money help real people in real places? Today, we’re proud to show just how the approved funding is being used. The Belize Fund for a Sustainable Future (Belize Fund), the private conservation trust fund established to manage and distribute the funds from the Blue Bonds, plays a critical role in realizing those promises. In just three years, the Belize Fund has approved nearly BZ$12/US$6 million in conservation grants, trained hundreds of Belizeans, supported local jobs, and engaged with over 48 communities to care for the coastal and marine areas that sustain us all. Funding for our Future The Belize Fund was created in March 2022 with one big goal: to make sure conservation funding is shared fairly, spent wisely, and reaches the communities and ecosystems that need it most. We know that protecting and conserving our ocean is essential, but so is making sure it creates real opportunities for our people. That’s why we fund a wide range of projects that combine environmental action with jobs, skills, science, and local leadership. Here’s a snapshot of the impact: We also signed a strategic partnership with the Belize Marine Protected Areas Network (BMPAN) to support the core costs associated with compliance and enforcement within Belize’s marine protected areas. This ongoing collaboration is designed to strengthen day-to-day operations — from surveillance to staffing — so that our marine biodiversity is not only protected, but effectively managed. Through sustained support like this, we’re helping to build the long-term capacity needed to safeguard our ocean. And we’re just getting started. Accessible Funding to Communities In 2024, the Belize Fund launched a special Community Grants funding window, making it easier for small, grassroots groups to access funding. In Chunox, fisherfolk are building a new training center. In the north, the Three Lagoon Sustainability Program is helping locals protect and restore mangroves. In schools and villages across Belize, a youth-led animation series will be teaching kids (and adults!) why our reefs matter. These projects are being led by passionate community groups. What about the Science? From endangered manatees to plastic pollution, coral nurseries to shark conservation, Belizean scientists, NGOs, and businesses are stepping up with support from the Belize Fund. Our funding is helping to: We’re also working with partners like the World Wildlife Fund and Clearwater Marine Aquarium Research Institute to explore nature-based solutions to address climate change, like mangrove restoration and seagrass protection. It’s science for our survival. Partnerships for Progress Our partnership with the Government of Belize ensures that national agencies also have the resources they need to deliver on the conservation commitments. With BZ$8/ US$4 million already disbursed under the Government Strategic Allocation, we’ve seen: We’re working with government, civil society, and communities to move forward together, toward a stronger, more resilient blue economy. A Small Country, A Big Model While some critics questioned the Belize Blue Bonds deal when it was first announced, Belize is proving what’s possible. We’re showing that sustainable financing can work if it’s transparent, fit-for-purpose, inclusive, and locally led. “We know we still have a long way to go and our 2024–2027 Strategic Plan is our roadmap,” says Dr. Leandra Cho-Ricketts, Executive Director of the Belize Fund. “We’re focused on building a strong, transparent institution, expanding funding beyond the Blue Bonds, supporting local groups through more accessible grants, and working with partners who share our vision for Belize’s ocean and coastal future.” As we look ahead, the Belize Fund remains committed to listening, adapting, and delivering results that matter to our country and people. Because this is about protecting the ocean and protecting what makes us Belizean.

News & Events

Wildtracks’ New Wildlife Rehabilitation Facility Completed!

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Wildtracks has officially completed its new Wildlife Rehabilitation Facility, a major step forward for wildlife conservation in Belize. This new purpose-built center replaces the original facility, which was first constructed over 30 years ago for environmental education, later evolving to support manatee rehabilitation in 2000 and primate care in 2010. The upgraded facility offers dedicated spaces for manatee and primate food preparation, a spacious first-aid clinic, and expanded storage areas for equipment. These improvements enhance the capacity and efficiency of Wildtracks’ team and volunteers as they work to protect and rehabilitate endangered species. What’s New? As one of Belize Fund’s grantees in its first grant cycle, Wildtracks demonstrates how funding from the Belize Blue Bonds is making a real difference in conservation in Belize. The new facility strengthens Wildtracks’ ability to rehabilitate and release manatees and primates, ensuring these species have a better chance of survival in the wild. Wildtracks is also focused on community outreach, conservation planning, and inspiring future generations to protect Belize’s wildlife. The upgraded facility provides the tools and space to continue making an impact on marine and coastal conservation. Wildtracks received BZ $150,000 grant from the Belize Fund for Sustainable Future, to support their efforts in advancing manatee conservation in Belize. Under the project, 24 participants were trained in critical skills like project planning, management, and grant writing; completing certifications for 20 individuals. Two site-level manatee conservation plans were developed, targeting Corozal Bay and Swallow Caye Wildlife Sanctuaries, while one site-specific grant proposal was submitted. Wildtracks also trained nine wildlife authority officers, including Forest and Fisheries Department staff, in manatee rescue and rehabilitation, equipping them with hands-on experience. The highlight of the project is the newly constructed, purpose-built rehabilitation facility, which is three times the size of the original and fully supports manatee care. With this new facility, Wildtracks successfully rehabilitated and returned two manatees to the wild, continuing its impactful conservation work. Wildtracks is proving that sustainable funding can create lasting change for wildlife and the environment. The construction of the new center was made possible through joint investments from the Belize Fund for Sustainable Future (Belize Fund), Twycross Zoo, Burger’s Zoo, Save the Manatee Club, and Edge Impulse. Extracted and repurposed from WILDTRACKS, see original source here.

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Overview about the Belize Fund its work to date!

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The Belize Fund is a private conservation trust fund established in 2022 through funding from the Belize Blue Bonds. We partner with the Government of Belize and non-government organizations to protect our coastal and marine resources while building a resilient blue economy. Through grants and funding, we support:

News & Events

Our 3rd Call for Proposals under the Grants Award Program (Gap) 2024 grant cycle closed on Oct 24, 2024

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In our 3rd Call for Proposals, concept papers were accepted on 25th August 2024, through our Grants Application Platform. In the first step of our 3rd Call for Proposals, we received 37 Concept Papers and after review, 23 met the eligibility criteria. Of these, 18 were invited to submit full proposals by October 24th, 2024. These include 1 Small Grant, 2 Medium Grants, 6 Large Grants, and 9 Community Grants! 15 proposals were submitted for screening and review by our Blue Bonds Committee and approval by the Board of Directors. * One of the medium grant proposals was a pipeline concept from the previous 2023 grant cycle. We take this opportunity to note that an accepted concept paper is not guaranteed funding, as the process is competitive, and projects that can make the biggest impact on Belize’s marine resources will be funded. Stay tuned as we announce the approved projects by January 31st, 2025!

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Belize Fund Contributes to Regional Marine Conservation through RedLAC Partnership

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The Belize Fund for a Sustainable Future (Belize Fund) has made a significant move to bolster its support for marine conservation by joining RedLAC, a network of environmental funds in Latin America and the Caribbean, at its 26th annual Congress. The RedLAC Congress, held in beautiful Saint Lucia from October 7-10, 2024, brought together about 200 conservation leaders from 42 countries to share ideas and strengthen regional efforts to conserve marine biodiversity. Belize Fund at the RedLAC Congress 2024 On October 6, during RedLAC’s General Assembly, the Belize Fund officially became a member of the network, joining 32 other members, including the Galápagos Life Fund. This partnership signifies a strategic advancement in Belize’s ability to translate global conservation commitments into local action. “Joining RedLAC means expanding our network and working together to make a bigger impact on marine conservation. ” said Dr. Leandra Cho-Ricketts, Executive Director of the Belize Fund. “Our strength lies in finding long-term funding solutions that connect global goals with Belize’s conservation needs.” Dr. Cho-Ricketts participated in a panel on “Blue Financial Mechanisms and Opportunities” at the Congress. She joined experts like Amilcar Guzman from Grant Thornton and Michael McGreevey from Conservation International to discuss how sustainable financing supports Belize’s marine conservation and blue economy goals. Another highlight was a panel on Marine Protected Areas management, where Mr. Joel Verde, Board Member of the Belize Fund and Executive Director of the Sarteneja Alliance for Conservation and Development, spoke about Belize’s unique approach to financing conservation efforts. “The Belize Fund’s Strategic Partnership model allows us to move from competitive bidding to more predictable funding for protected areas,” explained Verde. This is key to managing Belize’s marine and coastal ecosystems sustainably. This approach, made possible under the 2021 debt-for-nature swap agreement between the Government of Belize and The Nature Conservancy to generate US $180 million over 20 years, aims to support conservation efforts, such as the goal to protect 30% of marine and coastal areas by 2030. The discussion, enriched by insights from fellow panellists including Cuthbert Didier, Jenifer James, and Paola Romero, highlighted the importance of sustainable financing mechanisms for protected areas across the region. Advancing Regional Marine Conservation At the Congress, the Belize Fund also signed a pledge as a member of RedLAC’s Coastal and Marine Working Group. This pledge will allow the Belize Fund to better connect international conservation frameworks, like the Kunming-Montreal Global Framework, with local efforts. By joining this working group, the Belize Fund aims to collaborate on regional efforts to mobilize long-term funding for marine protected areas, restoring important habitats like mangroves and coral reefs, and supporting sustainable livelihoods for coastal communities, all while sharing knowledge across the region. “This pledge reflects our shared vision for protecting marine life in the region,” Dr. Cho-Ricketts emphasized. “By pooling our resources and expertise through RedLAC, we can achieve much more in safeguarding our marine ecosystems.” Through new financing models, strategic partnerships, and collaboration, the Belize Fund is committed to advancing marine conservation and resilience in coastal areas. A Milestone for Conservation Finance The RedLAC Congress successfully brought together environmental funds, investors, government representatives, and conservation experts from around the world, highlighting the important role of conservation trust funds like the Belize Fund. Our active participation and new membership in RedLAC marks a key step in advancing our mission to secure sustainable funding for marine conservation in Belize while supporting wider efforts to protect marine life and ecosystems across the region. Organized by the Saint Lucia National Conservation Fund (SLUNCF), with support from the Caribbean Biodiversity Fund (CBF) and the Environmental Investment Fund of El Salvador (FIAES), the Congress theme was “30x30x30: The Path to 2030.”

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Beyond Data: MarAlliance’s Human-Centered Approach to Marine Conservation

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When a massive hammerhead shark, nearly as long as their boat, emerged from the crystal waters off Belize’s coast, it wasn’t marine biologists who were leading the tagging operation – it was local fishermen, their hands trembling with excitement as they worked to secure a satellite tag on the magnificent creature. This scene, described by Kirah Forman, Belize National Coordinator of MarAlliance, perfectly captures the organization’s innovative approach to marine conservation. Building a Community-Led Conservation Model Since the late 90s, before the organization was officially established, the dedicated people behind MarAlliance have been leading efforts to safeguard endangered species and critical habitats through marine research, with local fishers at the forefront. Their focus: understanding and protecting marine megafauna – the ocean’s gentle giants like sharks, rays, and sea turtles. Through monthly monitoring expeditions, these fisher-conservationists help gather crucial data that inform marine protection policies. The organization now works with over 30 fisher partners, many of whom have become conservation leaders in their own communities. “These guys have become stewards,” Forman shares proudly. “They’re the ones out there training other fishers, giving presentations, and leading education initiatives. We’ve seen it handed down from father to son.” Success Stories: From Fishing Nets to Conservation Leadership In one inspiring case, a seasoned fisherman joined the program and introduced his son, who has since become a core team member. Supported by MarAlliance, the young fisher is pursuing further education while continuing his conservation work. He also recruited a friend, extending the ripple effect of conservation education within his own community. Another fisher was recently elected to the executive board of a local fishing cooperative. “Watching these guys go from fishers to leaders within their communities is one of our greatest achievements,” says Kirah. “It’s an incredibly proud moment for us to see them grow.” As these fishers continue to step into leadership roles within their communities, they’re also ensuring that conservation efforts will have a lasting impact. Measuring Success: A Decade of Data At sites like Lighthouse Reef Atoll, where over a decade of consistent monitoring using multiple methods including baited remote underwater video (BRUV) has yielded invaluable insights, the impact is clear. “We’re seeing increasing shark numbers, not just in quantity but in species diversity,” Kirah notes. “We’re excited to observe lemon sharks returning to areas where they haven’t been seen in years.” These long-term datasets are proving instrumental in validating conservation policies. “Because we have been consistent in our work and methods used, we can now tell the government that their policies are working,” Kirah explains. “The two-mile protection radius around the atolls, the ban on gillnets – our data shows these measures are effectively increasing biodiversity and protecting these marine species.” Facing New Challenges: Climate Change and Disappearing Species As climate change adds new challenges to marine conservation efforts, the value of long-term monitoring becomes even more apparent. Temperature changes and their impacts on marine life can only be understood through consistent observation over time. The disappearance of whale sharks from their usual feeding grounds around Gladden Spit Marine Reserve serves as a stark warning. These gentle filter-feeders captivate divers, snorkelers, and conservationists, reaching lengths of up to 60 feet, and were once the cornerstone of a thriving ecotourism industry. “We know whale sharks aren’t there in Gladden Spit anymore, which was a huge tourism income generator for local communities,” reflects Kirah. “But the bigger question is: why? And what does their disappearance tell us about the health of our ocean?” Sustainable Funding: The Key to Long-Term Success Through a crucial BZ$652,342 grant from the Belize Fund for a Sustainable Future (Belize Fund), MarAlliance continues its vital research. “Monitoring is expensive,” explains Kirah. “We have to pay our fisher partners, support our team, fuel our boats – so investment such as these are important to help us continue our work to understand crucial trends in marine biodiversity, we simply couldn’t do this work without funding.” Yet the challenges of securing long-term funding persist. “It’s a marathon, not a sprint,” Kirah emphasizes. “With species that live in the slow lane – those that don’t reproduce or grow quickly – you often need more than ten years to understand trends. But many donors want quick results.” Looking Ahead: A Vision for Ocean Rewilding MarAlliance’s vision extends beyond data collection to practical application. “If this research isn’t informing policy, then it wouldn’t make sense,” Kirah emphasizes. “Our mission is rewilding the ocean. We want to see more sharks, more fish, more turtles, more biodiversity.” As this work continues – monitoring, understanding, and protecting the marine ecosystems that sustain both wildlife and communities, one question remains: will we commit to supporting marine conservation needed to ensure the survival of these species before it’s too late? The future of Belize’s marine treasures – and the communities that rely on them – depend on the answer.

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Announcing the Winners of the International Coastal Clean-Up Day Contest!

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A heartfelt THANK YOU to all participants in the International Coastal Cleanup Day Contest! We received four (4) video submissions highlighting the importance of keeping our coastlines clean and protecting marine life. Your creativity and commitment truly shone through! Congratulations to our winners! Best Video Submission: The Toledo Community College Environmental Club has been unanimously chosen for a funded trip for 14 people to Hol Chan Marine Reserve! Most Garbage Collected: The Belize Territorial Volunteers collected an impressive 45 bags of trash, earning them a $200 cash prize and Belize Fund merchandise. We commend your dedication and passion for marine conservation! Your efforts not only showcased the beauty of our coastal environments but also raised awareness about their critical protection. 👏 Stay tuned for more exciting activities and events! Follow us on social media to keep updated and join us in safeguarding our precious marine resources!

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Exciting News from Barranco Village!

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On August 30, the National Garifuna Council proudly launched the Barranco Village Erosion Study, a vital project dedicated to tackling coastal erosion in one of Belize’s southernmost communities. We are supporting this 2-year initiative with BZ $150,000 as it is a much-needed project that will contribute to Belize’s blue economy and sustainable conservation efforts. Together with local and national partners, the project will address the urgent challenges of erosion while also valuing the voices of the community who know this land best. Through collaboration and innovative approaches, we aim to gather actionable data that will inform effective interventions for Barranco and other coastal areas facing similar threats. A huge ‘Congratulations’ to everyone involved in making this project a reality!

News & Events

Fragments of Hope – Building Climate Resilience through Coral Restoration in Belize

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In 2001, Category 4 Hurricane Iris left the coastal community of Placencia battered and devastated. Lisa Carne, a marine biologist who had been living in Belize since 1995, found herself grappling with the aftermath of the hurricane. “That year, there was no tourism because everything was flattened,” she recalls, a somber reminder of the fragility of the environment she had come to love. On the beach, Lisa stumbled upon a fragment of hope—broken pieces of corals lying still alive but detached from its home. “I thought, wow, maybe we could reforest the reefs like they do onshore,” she mused, igniting a passion that would lead to the birth of Fragments of Hope, an organization dedicated to coral restoration. When Lisa first began her coral restoration work in Belize, she faced skepticism. The journey from skepticism to support wasn’t overnight. It began with older fishermen who, observing the natural process of coral fragmentation and regrowth during storms, started to understand and endorse Lisa’s work. “It was those same older fishermen who finally said they get it,” she reminisces. This local validation spread “like wildfire,” fostering a sense of community ownership that remains central to Fragments of Hope’s principles. Today, Fragments of Hope is recognized for their success in coral restoration, not just in Belize but globally. The organization’s work at some restoration sites has yielded notable results, with restored sites showing significantly higher survival rates during recent bleaching events compared to natural stands. Despite facing mass global bleaching events and rising water temperatures, Fragments of Hope reported a remarkable 4% mortality rate among the 342 Elkhorn corals they outplanted. In contrast, natural stands in the same area experienced a staggering 31% mortality rate. “We came through much better at the restoration sites than in Northern Belize, which speaks to the power of genetic diversity and strategic positioning,” noted Dr. Leslie Kaufman, a colleague from Boston University and researcher supporting Fragments of Hope. But there are still many questions to be answered to continue replicating the success of coral restoration throughout the Belize Barrier Reef System. Sustainable financing is vital for the longevity of marine conservation efforts. The Belize Fund provided BZ$801,370.00 to Fragments of Hope for a three-year project focused on restoring critically endangered coral species. This funding supports Fragments of Hope in meeting its commitment to building local capacity through increased staff support and workshops aimed at improving the skills of community members in conducting bleaching surveys and understanding coral species. A key component of sustainable financing is demonstrating the broader economic and social benefits of conservation work. Healthy coral reefs are vital for tourism, fishing, and coastal protection. Lisa highlights an example where a local tour guide provided a detailed tour of Laughing Bird Caye, showcasing the restored corals. “Even though he’s never actually gone out planting with us, he still had the information and the pride to show everything. It’s a fantastic indicator of community commitment and its relation to tourism,” Lisa stated.  “We want to ensure that the community can effectively monitor coral health and contribute to ongoing restoration efforts.” Climate change poses an ever-present threat to coral ecosystems, which propelled Fragments of Hope to work with experts to formulate a national restoration plan. This comprehensive strategy aims to coordinate efforts across Belize, maximizing the impact of coral restoration initiatives. Lisa discussed the importance of creating genetically diverse and self-replicating restored sites, ensuring connectivity and resilience in the face of climate change. Dr. Kaufman also emphasized the long-term nature of coral restoration, noting that the goal is to keep enough of the reef alive so that it can restore itself once climate challenges are resolved. “This is a long game,” he said. Looking ahead, Fragments of Hope is exploring the possibility of relocating more resilient coral genotypes from southern Belize to northern sites that have struggled with restoration efforts. This approach is based on the understanding that genetic diversity plays a critical role in the survival and adaptability of coral species. The work being done by Fragments of Hope in Belize serves as a model for coral reef conservation worldwide. By prioritizing community involvement, focusing on education and training, fostering climate resilience through genetic diversity, and adapting strategies in response to environmental challenges, the organization is contributing to the health of marine ecosystems in Belize and the global ocean space.

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