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News & Events

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

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. 💫🌱

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Upcoming information sessions on accessing grant funding

📢 We’re inviting all interested individuals to join our upcoming information sessions this July to learn how to access grant funding through the Belize Fund’s upcoming Call for Proposals, opening in August 2025. 🌊🇧🇿 These sessions will walk you through the application process, share details on funding opportunities, and help ensure you’re ready to submit a strong concept paper. 🗓️ Mark your calendars! Don’t miss this opportunity to engage, ask questions, and explore how your work can help protect and sustain Belize’s marine and coastal resources. 🐠🌍

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

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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SEA Is Keeping Eyes on Belize’s Ocean for the Next Generation

Elizabeth Avila Muschamp remembers the first time she saw a whale shark. Back in 2008, while floating in a boat near Silk Caye with friends, one swam right up beside them. “With its young,” she says softly, still in awe. “It just surfaced next to us.” For someone from landlocked Belmopan, it was shocking to catch a glimpse of the elusive giant that most people wait years to see. She had no idea how much that moment would impact her life. “I had always been someone who loves the marine space, the environment, and conservation. And I fell in love with the work SEA was doing,” recalls Elizabeth, now Executive Director of the Southern Environmental Association (SEA). That transformative encounter sparked a career dedicated to protecting some of Belize’s most precious marine ecosystems. Today, SEA manages two of Belize’s iconic marine protected areas: Gladden Spit & Silk Cayes Marine Reserve and Laughing Bird Caye National Park, the latter a UNESCO World Heritage site. With BZ$750,000 in funding from the Belize Fund for a Sustainable Future (Belize Fund), SEA has reinforced its marine conservation works in southern Belize, proving that financing is essential not just for nature, but livelihoods. A Force Behind the Frontlines of Conservation For more than a decade, SEA has played a key role in guarding Belize’s southern waters. Co-managing these ecosystems alongside government agencies, SEA has built a strong track record of enforcement, community engagement, and science-based conservation. Through the Belize Fund’s support, SEA installed solar energy systems at two remote ranger stations, drastically improving energy efficiency and enabling more effective patrols. “We were able to procure two long-range, night-vision surveillance cameras with 360-degree coverage,” Elizabeth explains. “These cameras give us a 15 kilometers, or about 9-mile view, allowing us to detect illegal activities from miles away.” In places like Laughing Bird Caye National Park, a complete no-take zone, strong enforcement can lead to reduced illegal fishing and healthier fish populations over time, creating the potential for spillover benefits to local fishers. SEA also conducts science-based monitoring. For over 20 years, the organization has tracked spawning aggregation sites (SPAGs) like Gladden Spit, collecting fish otoliths or tiny ear bones that reveal a fish’s age and health. This long-term data can inform decisions that balance conservation and fisher livelihoods. Most recently, SEA acquired an underwater drone, which allows the team to safely and efficiently survey sensitive reef habitats, expanding their monitoring capabilities while reducing risks for divers. But technology alone doesn’t save the ocean. People do. Conservation that Builds Bridges, Not Barriers SEA launched mangrove restoration efforts in coastal communities like Seine Bight, Independence, and Hopkins, essential buffer zones in the fight against erosion and storm surge. What began as a pilot project has grown into a grassroots movement. Local residents now serve as “watchdog” groups protecting their coastal ecosystems. “The community changed the name from ‘mangrove watchdog’ to just ‘watchdog,’” Elizabeth shared. “Because now, they’re monitoring everything, from erosion, dredging, even wildlife. They’ve taken ownership.” SEA’s approach is grounded in dialogue and participation. “Give them their voice, give them their space, let them say what they need to say,” she tells her outreach team. This philosophy emerged after her first Fisher Forum, which she recalls as particularly contentious. “Fishers felt their livelihoods were being taken away. We had to show them it wasn’t ‘us versus them,’ but ‘us trying to find solutions together.’” Today, SEA acts as a bridge between policies and community needs. It also supports alternative livelihoods. Through the grant funding, SEA ran a small business challenge that received 59 proposals from coastal communities. The winning proposal, a butterfly farm in Monkey River, received BZ$10,000 in seed funding. The recipient even pledged to contribute a portion of profits towards coral restoration. The initiative demonstrates how marine conservation can generate economic opportunities while reducing pressure on marine resources, a principle SEA is expanding through its restoration and community programs. Sustainable Financing Supports a Vision for Tomorrow Despite its successes, SEA highlighted a critical challenge facing marine conservation globally: short-term grants and shifting donor priorities. “Conservation requires consistent long-term investment, especially for things like monitoring, enforcement and community programs,” Elizabeth emphasized. SEA’s income from visitor fees is seasonal and vulnerable to global and external events. The Belize Fund’s support, she added, gave SEA the resources to maintain consistent enforcement patrols and build on science research and monitoring that spans decades. Looking forward, SEA plans to launch training programs for regional conservation leaders, formalize its watchdog networks, and deepen national and regional partnerships. But above all, the mission is to strengthen Belizeans’ connection to the marine spaces that sustain them. “Marine conservation is not just for foreign visitors,” Elizabeth declares passionately. “This is for us. And when we all share that value, then it shifts from being a responsibility to something that we truly appreciate.”

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Belize Fund’s 2025 Ocean Awareness Poetry Contest

In celebration of Ocean Awareness Month, the Belize Fund is launching a national poetry contest for primary school students under the World Ocean Day 2025 theme “Wonder: Sustaining What Sustains Us.” This contest invites young ones to think about the ocean’s beauty, power, and importance in our lives, and why ocean health matters. Through poetry, students will explore how wonder leads to care, connection, and action for a more sustainable future.  Contest Duration: June 16 – 23, 2025  Winners Announced: June 30, 2025  Eligibility: Open to students enrolled in Standard 4, 5, and 6 in any primary school in Belize.  How it Works:  Each participant will write an original poem on this year’s theme and submit a video reciting the poem (no longer than 60 seconds). Poems may be recited in English or Belizean Creole.  In their video recorded poem, students should clearly express:  Rules and Guidelines:  Judging Criteria:  Prizes:   Winners in Standard 4, 5, and 6:  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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Belize Fund Approves BZ $1.13 Million for Eight New Projects, Prioritizing Support for Community-Led Conservation

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.

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

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?

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.

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PACT and Belize Fund Partner to Strengthen Conservation Financing in Belize 

(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. 

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Belize Fund’s 3-year Program Highlight Video

🌊 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!

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