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Changing People, Plastics, and Possibilities for Belize’s Ocean: Inside Sea of Life’s Plastic Solution Academy

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A Shift at Wesley College The plastic water pouch crinkles in a student’s hand at Wesley College in Belize City. Just one year ago, these “shilling wata” pouches were everywhere, stacked in bins and across the compound, tossed after every break. Now? They are rare. In 2024, Sea of Life (SoL) piloted Belize City’s first refillable campus, a system that replaces single-use plastics with refill water stations, at Wesley College. Since then, the school cut plastic pouch use by over 85 percent, raised over BZ$10,000 for its own programs, and parents are saving about BZ$300 per year through low-cost, unlimited on-campus water. And the Caribbean Sea, just beyond the campus, is getting a break from thousands of pieces of plastic that used to end up in the water. People First: SoL’s Approach to Conservation Plastic pollution has joined climate change and biodiversity loss as a major environmental crisis of our time. Addressing it can feel bigger than any one community. For countries like Belize, dependent on the ocean, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Yet we continue to import, consume, and struggle to manage the plastic waste that remains. For Executive Director Paulita Bennett-Martin, the solution begins with people: invest in them first, and the ocean benefits for the long run. “We saw a gap,” she explains. “Conservation often counts hectares protected and miles of sea secured, then tells people it will benefit them later. We asked: what if we invest in people now, skills, livelihoods, confidence, and let that transform the environment over time?” With a BZ$150,000 grant over 24 months from the Belize Fund, SoL is scaling its Plastic Solution Academy, a hands-on program where Belizeans learn to turn plastic problems into ocean-friendly products and real businesses. Innovation Through the Plastic Solution Academy Growing Momentum Across the Country This year, 15 Academy graduates from five districts pitched market-ready ideas. Two fellows are now prototyping solutions that could spread across Belize’s coastal businesses and tourism industry. One team, Zero Belize, is developing an alternative thin film to replace single-use plastics, made from sargassum, the invasive seaweed that washes up on our beaches. Another, led by Belizean travel influencer 501 Bae, is designing a resort-quality tote bag line to replace plastics in hotel rooms. It is a Belize-made signature item for eco-tourism, “like a bathrobe: if you love it, you keep it.” “We’re in the research and development phase,” Paulita notes. “We’re connecting fellows with makers already supplying high-end eco-resorts so the products meet that standard.” Bold Targets, Broader Movement, and Multi-Year Funding “This multi-year support is empowering,” Paulita says of Belize Fund’s grant. “It gives stability—to not be in hunt-and-gather mode all the time. We can build, experiment, and think beyond the next quarter. We have breathing room to innovate and give the best impact possible, rather than constantly scrambling for survival.” The targets are bold: eliminate one million single-use plastics per year in Belize by 2028. At the same time, SoL aims to build a wider circle of ocean stewards—entrepreneurs, students, resort teams, and parents—who carry the work forward. “We can’t rely only on NGOs or the professionally trained conservationists,” Paulita emphasizes. For Paulita, conservation lives in classrooms, small businesses, and seaside communities. It’s about building a movement where everyday Belizeans see themselves as ocean stewards. “We need more political capital across the culture,” she says. “Our job is to put tools, training, and confidence into the hands of people who care.” A Growing Community of Ocean Stewards At Wesley College, the change is visible. Three more schools are next. And across Belize, more people are starting to see themselves as part of the solution.

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What does it really take to protect the ocean, not in theory, but in practice?

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For small countries like Belize, where the ocean supports more than half of our economy and livelihoods, the global target of protecting it is a national reality. But it comes with a challenge of will, financing, and partnership. At the 2025 UN Ocean Conference held in Nice, France, global leaders renewed their push for the 30×30 goal: conserving 30% of the ocean by 2030. Alongside it came pledges to reduce plastic pollution, restore degraded ecosystems, and close the ocean finance gap. The commitments were many. But how practical are these goals for small coastal nations like Belize? Belize is emerging as a global leader in marine conservation, protecting 25% of our ocean, banning offshore oil drilling, and leading mangrove and coral restoration efforts. We were also the first Caribbean country to ratify the BBNJ Agreement, the new international treaty for protecting marine biodiversity beyond national jurisdiction. We continue to champion our shared responsibility for the ocean. But sustaining those efforts requires more than ambitions. From Promises into Practice Since 2022, the Belize Fund for a Sustainable Future has served as the financial mechanism under the Belize Blue Bonds agreement, a historic debt-for-nature swap. In just three years, the Belize Fund has invested over BZ$25 million, supporting 14 marine protected areas, more than 200 jobs, and engaging 48 communities. We’ve funded coral restoration, fisheries enforcement, seaweed farming, research, and community education. But our ambition extends further. Guided by our 2025–2030 Priorities, we are focused on: True sustainable development is when conservation supports both the ecosystems and people that depend on healthy reefs. The Challenge Beneath the Surface The global stage is full of powerful language: “The ocean is life.” “No one left behind.” “Mobilize billions.” But for small island developing states (SIDS), the resources are limited. Administrative burdens and heavy. And even well-meaning targets feel out of reach. At UNOC3, multiple countries called for simplified access to ocean finance. For developing countries, the biggest barriers to action aren’t ambitions. They are limited resources, complex systems, and the challenge of turning good plans into funded actions. “The Belize Fund was established to make sure conservation financing reaches the people that need it most through projects, and in ways that are responsive, inclusive and transparent,” says Dr. Leandra Cho-Ricketts, Executive Director of the Belize Fund. “Our grantmaking adapts to local realities while aligning with national and global priorities.” Protecting 30% of the ocean only matters when it supports local communities, respects tradition and culture while promoting sustainable use of marine resources, and creates real opportunities. But it stops working when it’s forced without context or when it makes life harder for the very people who depend on the ocean to survive. Global goals must be grounded in the everyday realities of our people. That’s the work. Partnerships: The Pathway to Progress There is still so much more to do but Belize cannot do it alone. At UNOC3, there were strong calls for increased financing, deeper inclusion of local knowledge, and partnership-building, themes that align deeply with our approach. The Belize Fund exists not just to unlock investment, but also to pilot what’s possible. To bridge the gap between ambition and action. Between the global stage and communities like Chunox, Gales Point, and Barranco. Between targets and transformation. “We are aiming to raise BZ$23.5 million by 2030 to support impactful, science-based and community-led conservation,” says Dr. Cho. Ricketts. “It’s a smart investment with the potential for outsized impact, not just for Belize but for coastal and marine resilience globally.” So, can Belize deliver on 30×30 and more? Absolutely! But we must remember that real progress isn’t only about how much you protect. It’s also about how and who benefits. The ocean is vast. But change can start small. If we want global goals to be more than numbers, we need to fund the frontlines. We need to value the stewardship of small nations with big ocean ambition. And we need to walk the talk because we simply can’t afford not to.

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Belize Secures 25% of Its Ocean, Marking a Milestone in Marine Stewardship

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When shark fishing stakeholders told government planners that the statutory boundaries didn’t match where they actually fish, the planners adjusted the boundaries. When the Ministry of Foreign Affairs flagged overlaps with Mexico’s Caribbean Biosphere Reserve, the team didn’t push forward anyway. They turned to a phased approach. Ideally, that’s how marine protection should work. And in Belize, achieving 25% ocean protection meant doing things differently—listening first, protecting second. Belize Achieves Milestone 4 Community-Based Planning and Marine Spatial Engagement What that looked like in practice? Boat-to-boat campaigns with the Belize Fisheries Department. Participatory mapping sessions using the SeaSketch Ocean Use Survey tool in 27 communities. Public consultations in 11 coastal towns from Sarteneja to Punta Gorda, engaging over 300 participants. Targeted stakeholder meetings with deep-sea fishers from Lighthouse Reef and Glover’s Reef Atolls, San Pedro tour operators, and members of the Lighthouse Reef Advisory Council. The Coastal Zone Management Authority and Institute (CZMAI) led the technical process through the Belize Sustainable Ocean Plan (BSOP) planning process. Its approach was intentionally inclusive, science-based using decision-support tools like the Marxan software, and community-conscious. The result is a plan shaped not just by global best practices in ocean management, but codesigned by the hands and voices of Belizeans who depend on the ocean every day. “Stakeholders supported expanding protection, but only if it strengthened sustainable activities rather than eliminated them, and only if enforcement mechanisms were in place to make protection meaningful,” CZMAI’s documentation notes. That last point matters. For many coastal residents, skepticism lingers from past projects that promised participation but delivered little follow-through. New Zones That Balance Use and Conservation The four new Medium Protection Zones, Lighthouse Reef General Use Zones I & II, expansions at Glover’s Reef and Bacalar Chico, breathe new life into community-led stewardship. These zones strike a balance between people and planet, allowing limited, well-managed use so reefs can rebound while fishers continue to earn their living. It’s an example of conservation with people, not against them. Financing Conservation Under the Belize Fund As part of the Blue Bonds framework, the Belize Fund has allocated more than US$7 million its Government Strategic Allocation to support Belize’s conservation commitments. This funding supports the marine protected areas expansion, data collection, enforcement, spatial planning, and outreach. “By securing 25% of our ocean space under protection, we’ve shown that even a small island developing state like Belize can lead globally when it comes to ocean protection,” Vasquez emphasizes. “This reflects strong political commitment, sound science through the BSOP process, and innovative financing that ensures national ownership.” With Milestone 4 achieved, Belize now turns toward its 30 percent target (Milestone 6) by 2026. Consultations are highlighting priority areas that fill gaps in the existing protected areas network, and balance ecosystem needs with coastal livelihoods. The Belize Sustainable Ocean Plan will also be finalized and serve as the country’s first ever roadmap for managing how we use our ocean space. By aligning tourism, fisheries, and conservation, it means smarter decisions about where we fish, build, and protect. This will ensure that the ocean continues to sustain both people and nature for the long term. The Next Challenge: Effective Management and Enforcement But the real next challenge? Making sure these areas are effectively managed and laws are effectively enforced and that the benefits of a healthier ocean flow back into the communities that helped design these zones. “Success goes far beyond meeting percentages on paper,” Vasquez reflects. “It’s about seeing our reefs recover, fisheries thrive, and communities benefit from better-managed marine areas. Small island nations like Belize are creating scalable, lasting solutions. And we should be proud.” When we last asked “What does it really take to protect the ocean?“, the world was talking about big promises. Now, Belize has delivered one. But it takes listening as much as leading. It takes financing that flows to frontlines. It takes communities as key partners, not afterthoughts.

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Sustainable Fisheries Storytelling Competition

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In celebration of World Fisheries Day 2025, the Belize Fund presents the Sustainable Fisheries Storytelling Competition. We invite you to produce a short-format video (2 minutes maximum) that spotlights Belizean fishers who exemplify sustainable fishing, marine conservation, and adherence to regulations. We want to celebrate and raise national awareness about responsible fishing and sustainability through compelling storytelling. Criteria for the participating Fishers: Rules and Guidelines Prizes Place Total (BZD) 1st Place $800 2nd Place $600 3rd Place $400 People’s Choice $200 Judging Criteria Entries will be evaluated by an independent judging panel based on five key criteria: Timeline How to Submit Complete the entry form below and submit along with your entry via email to communications@belizefund.bz. If participants experience any technical difficulties, use WeTransfer. Disclaimer By submitting an entry, participants agree and grant permission for full use by the Belize Fund to be displayed, distributed, reproduced, and created as derivative works of the texts, in whole or in part, in any media currently existing or subsequently developed, for any educational, promotional, publicity, exhibition, archival, scholarly, or all other standard purposes of the Belize Fund’s communication activities and product development related to Belize coastal and marine environment. 

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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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SACD Leads Community-Driven Conservation in Corozal Bay

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The steady swaying and creak of the boat, the salty sea air, the thrill of pulling in the catch – these were the sounds and smells of Joel Verde’s childhood. Growing up in Sarteneja, a small fishing village in Belize, fishing wasn’t just a job; it was an inseparable part of his identity, passed down from his father and generations before him. Later becoming a fisherman himself, even though for a short while, he recognized a need to connect conservation with this traditional lifestyle. “We were taking more than the ocean could give back. Something had to change.” Today, as Executive Director of the Sarteneja Alliance for Conservation and Development (SACD), Joel channels his personal insights into action, leading a team of 24 incredible staff members. Together, they work to protect the Corozal Bay Wildlife Sanctuary and are guided by a simple truth: “Marine conservation is as much about people as it is about ecosystems. If we don’t protect these resources now, there will be nothing left for future generations.” The Role of Sustainable Financing in Conservation The Belize Fund provided BZ$350,000 for a 24-month project. This funding allows SACD to strengthen key conservation activities, including surveillance, education, and biodiversity monitoring. Rangers equipped with essential tools to enforce regulations, while education initiatives foster community awareness and appreciation. “Without this support, sustaining these activities would be challenging,” Joel notes. Belize implemented a historic debt-for-nature swap for ocean conservation. Through this innovative financing initiative, the Belize Fund provides long-term funding to conserve and manage coastal and marine areas. This funding is also helping to achieve critical conservation goals like protecting 30% of Belize’s marine and coastal areas by 2030 and fulfilling the commitments of the Belize Blue Bonds. “Conservation efforts require reliable, ongoing financing,” Joel explains. “This stability is critical for managing marine and coastal ecosystems effectively.” Building Community Relationships When SACD began co-managing Corozal Bay Wildlife Sanctuary in 2012, local fishermen were skeptical. They feared losing their traditional fishing grounds. Joel recounts, “It took years to show we weren’t here to take away their rights but to ensure their livelihoods are respected and sustained.” Through persistent engagement, SACD built trust and relationships with the community. “Getting the buy-in from the community was a major milestone,” states Joel. Today, fishermen actively participate in managing the sanctuary, understanding that sustainable practices benefit both their livelihoods and the ecosystem. Joel proudly highlights that their advisory committee, one of the most structured in Belize, provides a platform for collaboration between government representatives and local stakeholders such as fishermen, tourism operators, and conservation groups. “When communities are involved in decision-making processes regarding their resources, they become invested in their sustainability,” emphasized Joel. Local Actions, Global Impact SACD inspires the next generation of conservationists through youth programs like the Junior Mangrove Protectors. “These kids are the future stewards of our marine ecosystems,” Joel says. Activities range from hands-on fieldwork to lessons about mangroves and coral reefs, instilling a lifelong appreciation for nature. Additionally, SACD’s Pesca Tours, led by local fishermen, showcase the value of sustainable fisheries while generating income. Profits support conservation efforts, creating a positive cycle of stewardship and economic benefit. “Healthy marine ecosystems in Belize strengthen resilience against global challenges like climate change,” Joel asserts. “Our work combines livelihoods, biodiversity and climate resilience, setting a model for global conservation efforts.” As part of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System, Corozal Bay Wildlife Sanctuary supports species of global and economic importance such as manatees, fish, and birds while offering ecosystem services that benefit us all. Challenges and a Vision for the Future As coastal development increases, SACD navigates the delicate balance between growth and conservation. “The upgraded road from Corozal to Sarteneja brings opportunities but also threats like pollution and habitat disruption,” Joel warns. “We’re not anti-development, we want to make sure that Corozal District, particularly Corozal Bay Wildlife Sanctuary, is an area where wildlife and livelihoods can thrive.” Looking ahead, SACD’s strategic plan for 2025-2029 envisions a future where communities prosper alongside vibrant ecosystems. “Our vision is to ensure Northern Belize is a place where communities are prosperous, resilient, and benefit from healthy coastal and marine systems,” Joel shares. By fostering a culture of conservation and securing sustainable financing, Joel believes that we can create a generation that understands the importance of sustainability. With the support of his team, SACD remains committed to engaging local communities, recognizing their involvement as vital for long-term success. Written By: Chalsey Gill Anthony, Communications Officer, Belize Fund

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The Belize Fund for a Sustainable Future has opened its 4th Call for Proposals!

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📣We’re seeking bold, community-rooted, and science-backed ideas under two key themes:  🐟Sustainable Fisheries  🌿Blue Business Innovation Whether you’re innovating with seaweed, piloting reef-friendly tourism, or testing new traceability tech for fishers, this funding can help you scale impact. 🐬🐙 If you have a project aligned with our mission, apply for a grant and make a positive impact on Belize’s coastal and marine resources!🌊🌿  📅 Apply by 12th September 2025  🔗Learn more about the eligibility criteria and application process, and apply through our platform: www.belizefund.bz  📣 Tag someone who should see this._#BelizeFund#OceanConservation#SustainableFinance#CoastalCommunities#BlueEconomy#Biodiversity#SustainableFishing#ClimateResilience#SaveOurOceans

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Three Lagoons Eco Guardians: Youth Leading Coastal and Mangrove Protection

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From the beaches of Sarteneja to the mangrove-lined shores of Chunox, a new generation of conservation leaders is rising. What began as a family-led effort has grown into the Three Lagoons Sustainability Program—a movement of young “Eco Guardians” cleaning coastlines, restoring mangroves, and inspiring their peers to protect the environment they call home. Every cleanup tells a story of stewardship: plastic pulled from mangroves, bottles lifted from beaches, seeds planted where erosion once claimed the land. And every action teaches us that safeguarding our environment is not someone else’s job, it’s a responsibility we share as a community and a country. With support from the Belize Fund for a Sustainable Future, the Three Lagoons team is proving how community-based action, powered by sustainable financing for conservation, can build resilience, create pride, and safeguard our coastlines for generations to come. This feature is part of the “Financing for Belize’s Ocean Space” series—stories that show how innovative conservation funding is strengthening Belize’s blue economy and empowering people across the country. #BelizeFund #EcoGuardians #YouthInAction #MarineConservation #SustainableFutures 🎥 Produced in partnership with and by Greater Belize Media/ News 5 Live.

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From Fishers to Conservationists: Safeguarding Sharks, Safeguarding Our Seas

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Sharks may be feared for their teeth, but in Belize, they’re valued as guardians of the sea. At Glover’s Reef, local fishers are teaming up with scientists to tag sharks, track their movements, and collect vital data that informs how we protect marine life. What once was seen only as fishing is now evolving into conservation, where every dive, every tag, and every discovery helps keep our ocean in balance. Through the Belize Shark Fishers Association, second-generation fisherfolk are blending traditional knowledge with modern science, creating new livelihoods while contributing to global shark research. Their work proves that conservation is not only about protecting species—it’s also about protecting communities and building a sustainable blue economy. Backed by sustainable financing through the Belize Fund for a Sustainable Future, local partners like the Shark Fishers Association are proving that conservation can create jobs, protect species, and strengthen coastal livelihoods. This feature is part of the “Financing for Belize’s Ocean Space” series—real stories of how conservation funding supports Belize’s blue economy, its people, and its future. #BelizeFund #SharkConservation #BlueEconomy #MarineConservation #SustainableFutures 🎥 Produced in partnership with and by Greater Belize Media/ News 5 Live.

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Belizean Women Lead Blue Revolution Through Seaweed Farming

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Off the coast of Placencia, women are redefining what it means to work with the sea. Through the Belize Women’s Seaweed Farmers Association, they are transforming a traditional practice into sustainable businesses that support families, protect marine ecosystems, and strengthen Belize’s blue economy. From seaweed gels and scrubs to soaps and natural skincare, their products are creating waves of opportunity both locally and internationally. But this story goes beyond seaweed. It’s about women breaking barriers in the maritime world, inspiring the next generation of girls to dive into conservation, science, and seafaring with confidence and purpose. The Belize Fund for a Sustainable Future, established as a private conservation trust fund under the Belize Blue Bonds, is proud to finance and support initiatives like this. By channeling resources directly to community-based organizations, the Belize Fund is helping women, youth, and coastal communities thrive while safeguarding our ocean’s future. This feature is part of the “Financing for Belize’s Ocean Space” news series—stories that bring to life how conservation finance is driving resilience, innovation, and sustainable livelihoods across Belize. #BelizeFund #WomenInSeaweed #BlueEconomy #MarineConservation #SustainableFutures 🎥 Produced in partnership with and by Greater Belize Media/ News 5 Live.

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