Global Environment Fund’s Special Climate Change Fund Project
What Is This Project?
Belize’s coastal communities are already feeling the impacts of climate change. Warmer seas, stronger storms, and changing fish populations are affecting livelihoods, food security, and the future of fishing families across the country.
This project, “Improving Stewardship and Sustainable Livelihoods in Belize“, will strengthen the climate resilience of the fisheries sector and vulnerable coastal livelihoods with an integrated, gender-responsive approach while laying the foundation for long-term sustainability as part of Resilient Bold Belize: Belizeβs Project Finance for Permanence (PFP) initiative.
It is funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF)’s Special Climate Change Fund (SCCF) and implemented by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) in partnership with the Belize Fund for a Sustainable Future (Belize Fund).
Project At A Glance
10,000+ people expected to benefit Including 3,400+ fishers in 10 coastal communities
Duration 3 years
Executed by Belize Fund for a Sustainable Future
π΅ GEF contributionΒ US$2.6 million
Which Communities Are Included?
North
- Sarteneja
- Chunox
- Copper Bank
Cenral
- Gales Point
- Hopkins
- Seine Bight
- Riversdale
South
- Monkey River
- Punta Negra
- Barranco
What Will This Project Do?
1. Strengthen Fishing Associations
Help fishing groups get properly registered and organized, so they can better represent their members β especially women β and access funding and resources.
- Training in leadership and association management
- Support for women to join and lead associations
- Training in climate-smart and safe fishing practices
- Digital tools to collect and share fishing data
2. Create new livelihood opportunities
Support fishers and their families to build new skills and income sources alongside fishing.
- Business and financial management training
- Scholarships for vocational training and further education
- Support for youth programs that open doors to employment
3. Connect and share knowledge
Bring fishing associations together to learn from each other and share experiences across Belize and the region.
- Peer exchanges between fishing associations
- Learning exchanges with other fishing communities in Belize and the region
- Resources and materials developed for communities
Who Can Participate?
If you live, fish, or depend on the coast β this project is for you:
- Fishers
- Families of fishers
- Women in fishing communities
- Young people
- Community groups
- Fisher associations
- Coastal residents connected to marine livelihoods
Everyone has a role to play. Communities are partners in this process, not just beneficiaries β your voice and involvement matter at every stage.
Grievance Or Safeguards Concerns
If you have a serious concern related to the project process or community impacts, you can contact WWF directly at SafeguardsComplaint@wwfus.org, or submit a complaint through their independent platform at secure.ethicspoint.com/domain/media/en/gui/59041/index.html.
- Submissions can be made in your own language and will be kept confidential if requested.
