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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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Now Belizean coastal communities can better access grants for marine conservation!

Along the coastlines of Belize, you can find stretches of sandy shores, thick mangrove forests, and sparkling blue waters that provide a home to an incredible variety of marine life. From the bustling coral reefs to the quiet lagoons, it’s a place where people and nature are deeply connected. In these coastal communities, many groups discuss solutions to the environmental challenges they face. They know every tide, every change in the water, and even the creatures that swim below its surface. For years, they’ve worked quietly to preserve the marine resources their families depend on. But when it comes to securing the funding to amplify their efforts, they often hit a wall. It’s voices like these that the Belize Fund for a Sustainable Future (Belize Fund) wants to uplift. Established to provide finance and support the sustainable management of Belize’s marine and coastal areas, the Belize Fund has awarded approximately BZ $10.8 million in grants to organizations tackling environmental challenges. Yet, until recently, many of these grants went to large, well-established NGOs. While these NGOs are critical players in conservation and managing protected areas, the Belize Fund recognized the imbalance. Smaller, community groups, often the ones closest to the issues, were being unintentionally left out. “We realized that while our process ensures accountability and transparency, it wasn’t reaching everyone it needed to,” says Dr. Leandra Cho-Ricketts, Executive Director of the Belize Fund. “We knew we had to rethink our approach if we wanted to truly achieve fairness and lasting results, recognizing that communities are very important to conservation.” Closing the Gap Through its first two Calls for Proposals, the Belize Fund recognized key barriers that many small, community groups face in accessing grants. Challenges ranged from a lack of formal registration and financial systems to limited experience with project reporting and management. “The traditional model worked well for large organizations, but it unintentionally excluded other people who are also on the frontlines every day,” explains Josue Oliva, Program Manager at the Belize Fund. “We had to ask ourselves: how can we change that?” A Revised Approach Determined to be more inclusive and responsive, the Belize Fund introduced Community Grants during its 3rd Call for Proposals. Designed specifically for smaller entities—like women’s groups, youth associations, and indigenous cooperatives—these grants seek to address the challenges these groups face in accessing financing. The requirements are simple: applicants must be registered in Belize and demonstrate active involvement in their communities. And then the Belize Fund helps with managing the funds. “We offer training in proposal writing, provide consultants to guide organizations through the application process, and we help with managing finances for approved projects, ” says Oliva. “We’re meeting people where they are, so these entities can focus on implementing their projects, building sustainable livelihoods and conserving our natural resources.” Investing in People Recognizing that access to funding is just one step, the Belize Fund has also invested heavily in capacity-building initiatives. These include in-person information sessions, proposal-writing workshops, and direct support from consultants to guide organizations through the application process. “We want to do more than just provide money 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.” Empowering Communities, Ensuring Sustainability The Belize Fund’s new approach is already making a difference. Out of eight community grant proposals, four have been approved for funding totalling US $150,000, with another in the pipeline. The approved projects focus on key areas: managing the 66’ reserve around the Three Lagoons System, enhancing public awareness and engagement in coastal and marine management, supporting sustainable fishing and livelihoods in Chunox, and ensuring compliance with international shark fishery standards to protect key species. By removing barriers and supporting smaller groups, the Fund is giving underrepresented communities a chance to play a bigger role in conservation. “Every community has a part to play in creating a sustainable future,” says Dr. Cho-Ricketts. “When we give local groups the tools and resources they need, we’re investing in conservation that benefits everyone, now and in the future.” As the Belize Fund continues to evolve, it is balancing the need to conserve ecosystems with the importance of empowering the people who rely on them. With a focus on inclusion and innovation, the Fund is showing how grant-making can drive meaningful change. Written By: Chalsey Gill Anthony, Communications Officer, Belize Fund

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Wildtracks’ New Wildlife Rehabilitation Facility Completed!

Wildtracks has officially completed its new Wildlife Rehabilitation Facility, a major step forward for wildlife conservation in Belize. This new purpose-built center replaces the original facility, which was first constructed over 30 years ago for environmental education, later evolving to support manatee rehabilitation in 2000 and primate care in 2010. The upgraded facility offers dedicated spaces for manatee and primate food preparation, a spacious first-aid clinic, and expanded storage areas for equipment. These improvements enhance the capacity and efficiency of Wildtracks’ team and volunteers as they work to protect and rehabilitate endangered species. What’s New? As one of Belize Fund’s grantees in its first grant cycle, Wildtracks demonstrates how funding from the Belize Blue Bonds is making a real difference in conservation in Belize. The new facility strengthens Wildtracks’ ability to rehabilitate and release manatees and primates, ensuring these species have a better chance of survival in the wild. Wildtracks is also focused on community outreach, conservation planning, and inspiring future generations to protect Belize’s wildlife. The upgraded facility provides the tools and space to continue making an impact on marine and coastal conservation. Wildtracks received BZ $150,000 grant from the Belize Fund for Sustainable Future, to support their efforts in advancing manatee conservation in Belize. Under the project, 24 participants were trained in critical skills like project planning, management, and grant writing; completing certifications for 20 individuals. Two site-level manatee conservation plans were developed, targeting Corozal Bay and Swallow Caye Wildlife Sanctuaries, while one site-specific grant proposal was submitted. Wildtracks also trained nine wildlife authority officers, including Forest and Fisheries Department staff, in manatee rescue and rehabilitation, equipping them with hands-on experience. The highlight of the project is the newly constructed, purpose-built rehabilitation facility, which is three times the size of the original and fully supports manatee care. With this new facility, Wildtracks successfully rehabilitated and returned two manatees to the wild, continuing its impactful conservation work. Wildtracks is proving that sustainable funding can create lasting change for wildlife and the environment. The construction of the new center was made possible through joint investments from the Belize Fund for Sustainable Future (Belize Fund), Twycross Zoo, Burger’s Zoo, Save the Manatee Club, and Edge Impulse. Extracted and repurposed from WILDTRACKS, see original source here.

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BZ $11.6 million allocated under the Government Strategic Allocation for three years, ending March 2026

The Belize Fund supports the Government of Belize through the Government Strategic Allocation program. This funding is allocated to the government to help implement its conservation commitments and milestones and strengthen coastal and marine resource management across our country. By partnering with the Government of Belize, we’re ensuring long-term protection and a resilient blue economy for our people and environment. 🌿🐠

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Overview about the Belize Fund its work to date!

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:

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About the Belize Fund for a Sustainable Future

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

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PACT and The Belize Fund

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

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Introducing Our Strategic Plan 2024-2027

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. 🌊💙

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The Belize Fund is investing BZ $1.1 million in Sustainable Fisheries to protect our ocean and support fishers.

By promoting responsible fishing, we’re supporting efforts to rebuild fish stocks, explore new opportunities, and ensure sustainable practices—from the sea to your plate! Sustainable fishing benefits everyone—our ocean, our communities, and our future. Together, we’re creating a stronger future for fishing communities and Belize’s marine life. 🌊🐟

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