Improving Stewardship and Sustainable Livelihoods in Belize
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 works directly with fishers, their families, women, and young people to build stronger fishing associations, create new livelihood opportunities, and support safer, more sustainable fishing practices.
It is funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and delivered by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) in partnership with the Belize Fund for a Sustainable Future (Belize Fund). It is part of the Resilient Bold Belize program — Belize’s national initiative to strengthen marine conservation and support coastal communities for the long term.
Project At A Glance
10,000+ people expected to benefit Including 3,400+ fishers in 10 coastal communities
Duration 3 years
Managed by Belize Fund for a Sustainable Future
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 — especially women — 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 — 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 — your voice and involvement matter at every stage.
Official Public Notice
Public comments on the project were invited through questions, concerns, or request more information:
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.
