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:
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: ✅ Conservation and research ✅ Climate change adaptation ✅ Blue businesses ✅ Government efforts to meet conservation goals
Today, PACT and the Belize Fund for a Sustainable Future – Belize Fund met to discuss building a partnership mechanism for collaboration to enhance the development and financing of marine protected areas in Belize. Both conservation trust funds, PACT and the Belize Fund provide critical support to the Belize Marine Protected Areas Network, which comprises 14 marine protected areas and 13 fish spawning aggregation sites. PACT was represented by Mr. Abil Castañeda, Executive Director, and Ms. Robbin Burns, Conservation Investment Manager, and the Belize Fund by Dr. Leandra Cho-Ricketts, Executive Director, and Mr. Josue Oliva, Program Manager. Both organizations committed to continue building the partnership mechanism in early 2025. Since its establishment in 1995, PACT has been at the forefront of conservation efforts in Belize, investing more than 𝗕𝗭$𝟰𝟰 𝗺𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗼𝗻 in the Belize National Protected Areas System (BNPAS). Sourcing funds nationally and internationally, PACT contributes to financing the sustainable management and development of Belize’s natural and cultural heritage through support to government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and community-based organizations that manage the BNPAS. The Belize Fund was established in 2022, through the Conservation Funding Agreement under the Blue Bonds, to support government and non-government partners focused on Belize’s coastal and marine resources. Learn more about PACT at https://www.pactbelize.org/ 📸 – PACT
We are thrilled to welcome to the Belize Fund Team – Ms. Kayla Tillett-Ciego, our new Finance Manager. With over 8 years of diverse experience in accounting, Kayla has built expertise in areas such as payroll administration, cash management, cost accounting, budgeting and forecasting, inventory management, procurement, forensic auditing, tax preparation, and financial reporting. Her experience spans multiple industries, including banking, petroleum, construction, nonprofit organizations, healthcare, tourism, and media. This dynamic background has refined her skills in financial accounting, reporting, auditing, and strategic planning, making her an invaluable addition to our team. A distinguished graduate of the University of Belize, Kayla earned her bachelor’s degree in accounting with Magna Cum Laude honors, a testament to her commitment to excellence and continuous learning. She is actively pursuing her CPA certification, further demonstrating her dedication to professional growth. We are confident that with her expertise, innovative approach, and strong work ethic she will strengthen the Belize Fund’s financial portfolio. We look forward to Kayla’s contributions to our mission of creating a transparent and inclusive financing mechanism to support Belize’s blue economy. Please join us in giving Kayla a warm welcome!
The Toledo Community College Environmental Club had an incredible field trip to the Hol Chan Marine Reserve, where they explored Belize’s marine wonders—including sharks and vibrant coral reefs! 🐠🦈 This adventure was the Belize Fund’s grand prize for their winning video in the International Coastal Clean-up Contest. ✨ Vice-Principal Ms. Monk sums it up perfectly: “The kids had a fabulous time. The trip of a lifetime for sure!” It’s experiences like these that inspire the next generation to continue championing conservation and protecting our ocean. We also want to thank Ramon’s Village Resort for the tour!
The Belize Fund proudly celebrates Jolie Pollard of iKooma on winning the Great Blue Entrepreneur of the Year Award at the 7th National Entrepreneurship Convention (EntreCon 2024)! The Belize Fund supported BELTRAIDE’s event as a bronze sponsor. We congratulate all the businesses and recepients receiving awards and BELTRAIDE for recognizing the importance that businesses play in the blue economy. We are working towards shaping a future where entrepreneurship and sustainability go hand in hand. 📸 BELTRAIDE
The Belize Fund is proud to share its roadmap to safeguard Belize’s marine resources while empowering communities and supporting a resilient blue economy. This plan focuses on:1️⃣ Strengthening Our Organization – Building capacity to lead conservation efforts. 2️⃣ Expanding Funding Opportunities – Beyond the Blue Bonds, exploring new ways to safeguard our oceans. 3️⃣ Implementing fit-for-purpose grantmaking – Supporting Belize’s fisheries, tourism, and other marine sectors. 4️⃣ Building Partnerships – Collaborating nationally and internationally for greater impact. We want to create financing in perpetuity for Belize’s future through a vibrant, thriving ocean. 🌊💙
From boosting seaweed farming to reducing marine plastic pollution, we’re supporting responsible businesses that protect our ocean while creating jobs and opportunities for coastal communities. Together, let’s build a future where marine resources thrive, and our economy grows. 🌊🌱
By protecting marine ecosystems, restoring coral reefs, and safeguarding livelihoods, we’re creating stronger, more resilient coastal economies for the future. 🌊🏝️ We’re proud to support initiatives that can protect Belize’s natural treasures and ensure a sustainable future for all!
This morning, our Executive Director, Dr. Leandra Cho-Ricketts, moderated a panel at the International Women in Conservation Summit, hosted by Sea of Life. Our discussion brought together incredible women from our grantee partners—Southern Environmental Association, Belize Audubon Society, Humana People to People Belize, and MarAlliance—sharing how sustainable financing drives impactful ocean conservation in Belize. 💙 The summit celebrates the leadership of women who are shaping the future of conservation, locally and globally. With expert panels, workshops, and a marketplace dedicated to the blue and green economy, the event highlights why Belize remains a beacon of hope for ecosystem protection. We’re proud to join and amplify these voices and continue working towards a healthier, more sustainable future for our ocean 🌍🐟 Be sure to follow Sea of Life for more updates on the summit! 📸 Jeanelle Mencias
