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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.

News & Events

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

News & Events

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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PRESS RELEASE: Belize Fund Awards $250,000 in Emergency Response Grants to BTIA and BHA to tackle Sargassum

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(City of Belmopan, August 28, 2025) – Today, the Belize Fund for a Sustainable Future awarded Emergency Response Grants totalling BZ$250,000 to the Belize Tourism Industry Association (BTIA) and the Belize Hotel Association (BHA), to help address the worsening sargassum emergency impacting people, ecosystems, and livelihoods. The emergency funding is equally distributed between the BTIA and BHA, with each organization receiving BZ$125,000 to support affected hotels in San Pedro, Caye Caulker, Hopkins, Seine Bight, Placencia, and other offshore islands. The Funds will be used to support sargassum removal through equipment rental, hiring of personnel, and safe disposal. This intervention will also help maintain cleaner beaches for both residents and visitors. “Beyond tourism impacts, decomposing sargassum creates serious respiratory health risks for coastal communities, kills marine life through oxygen depletion, contaminates our waters, and threatens the livelihoods of fishermen and other coastal workers,” expressed Dr. Leandra Cho-Ricketts, Executive Director of the Belize Fund. “While we cannot solve this emergency alone, we want to help reduce its immediate impacts on both our environment and our people.” The Signing Representatives were: • Dr. Leandra Cho-Ricketts (Belize Fund) • Ms. Linette Canto (BTIA) • Mr. Reynaldo Malik (BHA) The two-month intervention operates through a re-granting mechanism, allowing BTIA and BHA to distribute funds directly to the most severely affected hotels in coastal areas where they are needed most urgently.

News & Events

On the Water with Belize’s Fishers

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Over the past two days, our team hit the water for a boat-to-boat outreach with fishers from Chunox, Copper Bank, and Libertad. We spoke with them about the Belize Fund’s upcoming Call for Proposals, opening August 25th, and how they can access grant funding to support their livelihoods and ideas for sustainable fishing. 🐟🦞 📣 Fishers are at the heart of our ocean communities, and we’re working to ensure they have the tools, info, and support to benefit from this opportunity. From giant lobsters to nurse shark encounters, our Program Manager, Josue, and Project Officer, Patty, got to see fishers in their element and learn more about life at sea. 🦈🛶 We’ll continue engaging fishers across Belize to build awareness and promote healthy oceans, sustainable practices, and thriving coastal communities.

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Development Finance Corporation (DFC) and Belize Fund Sign MOU to Strengthen Financing for Climate Adaptation and Blue Economy

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Belmopan City | July 29, 2024 – The Development Finance Corporation (DFC) and the Belize Fund for a Sustainable Future (Belize Fund) have signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) aimed at expanding access to financing for climate adaptation and blue economy development in Belize. This agreement marks a significant milestone in national efforts to strengthen environmental and economic resilience through strategic partnerships and shared expertise. As the country faces growing climate challenges and increasing pressure on its marine and natural resources, the partnership brings together Belize’s only development bank and a private conservation trust fund pioneering new blue economy models to create innovative financial solutions that drive resilience, sustainability, and inclusive growth. Through the MOU, the Belize Fund and DFC commit to closer collaboration in areas such as knowledge sharing, joint financing initiatives, and stakeholder engagement. The five-year MOU will see both organizations collaborate to: “This agreement strengthens the reach and impact of the Belize Fund,” remarked Dr. Leandra Cho-Ricketts, Executive Director of the Belize Fund. “Working alongside DFC allows us to amplify national efforts to secure a more resilient future for both our people and our marine and coastal ecosystems.” Mr. Henry N. Anderson, CEO of DFC, added, “We are proud to work with the Belize Fund in bridging financing gaps for sustainable development. This partnership aligns directly with our mission to foster equitable growth and support the nation’s climate and economic resilience.” This partnership reflects a unified approach to supporting Belize’s development goals while addressing the growing challenges of biodiversity loss, climate change, and pollution. Both institutions will work within their respective mandates to co-develop solutions that promote sustainability, economic opportunity, and environmental stewardship for the benefit of current and future generations. About DFC: The Development Finance Corporation (DFC) is Belize’s only development bank, established under the DFC Act to provide long-term, innovative financing that supports the resilient and sustainable development of the country, empower Belizean individuals, businesses, and communities. DFC offers tailored financial solutions across key sectors, including MSMEs, education, renewable energy, housing, agriculture, and tourism. As a key partner in national development, DFC continues to work closely with the Government of Belize and other stakeholders to empower individuals and businesses, foster job creation, and drive long-term economic resilience across the country. About the Belize Fund: The Belize Fund for a Sustainable Future (Belize Fund) is a private conservation trust, established in March 2022, to support conservation and climate change adaptation activities in Belize, with a focus on marine resources. Created as a sustainable financing mechanism, the Fund manages the conservation payments from the Belize Blue Bonds. In partnership with the Government of Belize, the Belize Fund finances and supports initiatives that advance the conservation commitments under the Blue Bonds agreement to ensure a sustainable future for Belize. For more information, please contact:

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Update from the 2025 UN Ocean Conference in Nice, France!

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The first-ever Small Island Developing States (SIDS) Conservation Trust Fund Community of Practice was held, bringing together the Caribbean Biodiversity Fund, Micronesia Conservation Trust, Niue Ocean Wide Trust, SeyCCAT, and our very own Belize Fund for a Sustainable Future! As our Executive Director Dr. Leandra Cho-Ricketts shared: “It was great to meet other SIDS CTFs who share similar challenges and experiences. We discussed the creation of a Community of Practice to bring SIDS CTFs to the forefront, and how we can engage multilaterals and donors for a place at the table to access funding directly, to mobilize this to communities on the ground.” With record ocean heat and acidification threatening marine ecosystems worldwide, this collaboration couldn’t be more urgent. The Community of Practice represents a unified force of island nations leading the charge for ocean health. Together, we’re working to make sure small nations like Belize get the funding they need, and that the money reaches the communities driving local action for our ocean every day.🌐➡️🏝️ This is what ocean leadership looks like: small islands, big impact! 🏝️✨ 📌 Special thanks to Kate Brown for capturing the energy of the session. Participation in Seaside Chat at UNOC At the UN Ocean Conference (UNOC) Seaside Chat, Dr. Leandra Cho-Ricketts shared how Belize is pioneering sustainable ocean management through innovative financing models and data-driven approaches. She highlighted the Belize Fund as a private Conservation Trust Fund (CTF), established in March 2022 to manage conservation payments from Belize’s Blue Bond. As the first CTF of its kind born from a sovereign Blue Bond deal, the Fund serves as a critical financing mechanism to help Belize meet its marine conservation and blue economy goals, operating with transparent, independent governance and aligned with national strategies such as the Marine Spatial Plan and Blue Economy Strategy. Dr. Cho-Ricketts emphasized the importance of ocean accounts in tracking progress, ensuring transparency, and unlocking sustainable financing opportunities. These data systems support measurement, reporting, and verification (MRV) of investments and pave the way for emerging financing mechanisms like blue carbon and biodiversity credits. She also outlined the Fund’s impact to date: In advancing 30×30 and ocean finance, the Belize Fund goes beyond project funding, it enables systems change and multi-stakeholder governance. This includes financing for participatory marine spatial planning, legal designations of biodiversity zones, enforcement, ecosystem restoration, and community-based solutions aligned with national and global frameworks. She concluded with an important lesson: Getting funds to the ground is complex, requiring flexible and adaptive mechanisms to remain fit-for-purpose.

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Belize Fund hosted a two-day Media Tour to some of Belize’s most iconic marine protected areas, on June 26–27, 2025.

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Over June 26–27, the Belize Fund for a Sustainable Future hosted a two-day Media Tour to some of Belize’s most iconic marine protected areas — Gladden Spit & Silk Cayes Marine Reserve, Laughing Bird Caye National Park, and the Sapodilla Cayes Marine Reserve. We were joined by representatives from 7 News Belize, Love FM, News 5, Hot Off The Press, San Pedro Sun, and Climate Spotlight, who got a front-row seat to conservation in action. Day 1: At Gladden Spit and Laughing Bird Caye, journalists heard from our grantee partners: They also took to the water to snorkel and experience the vibrant marine life these MPAs protect. Day 2: The tour continued to Hunting Caye in the Sapodilla Cayes Marine Reserve, where shared insights on enforcement, biodiversity protection, and expanding Belize’s ocean protection zones to 25%. Through its Grants Award Program and Government Strategic Allocation, the Belize Fund supports the stewardship of 14 MPAs covering over 612,000 hectares — funding local innovation, strengthening enforcement, and ensuring long-term sustainability for generations to come. This media tour helped connect storytelling with science, giving journalists a deeper look into the people and partnerships shaping Belize’s ocean future.

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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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