100% of Belize’s Ocean by 2030: What Does this New Ocean Alliance Mean?
Belize has committed to sustainably managing every inch of ocean under its jurisdiction by 2030. The country joins a global alliance that now covers 40% of the world’s national waters.
The Government of Belize formally joined the 100% Alliance for Sustainable Ocean Management on Thursday, an initiative coordinated by the World Resources Institute that secures political commitments from coastal and ocean states toward full sustainable ocean management.
Belize’s participation builds on existing frameworks already underway, including the Belize Sustainable Ocean Plan, Blue Bonds commitments, and marine spatial planning.
The Government and the Inter-American Development Bank signed an agreement to support Belize’s programme under the alliance.
The IDB will provide technical assistance to strengthen the policy, data, governance, and financing frameworks behind Belize’s plan, and support a broader National Oceans Programme.
The IDB will provide “technical assistance will help strengthen the policy, data, governance, and financing frameworks needed to advance Belize’s Sustainable Ocean Plan and support the development of a broader National Oceans Programm,” according to a government statement.
Prime Minister John Briceño framed the move as a consolidation of existing commitments. “Belize’s decision to join the 100% Alliance is about ensuring that every part of our ocean is managed with purpose, for our people, our economy, and future generations,” he said.
“It gives us an opportunity to bring our existing commitments and investments together under one national ocean vision, supported by strong science, clear planning, and sustainable financing,” PM Briceño added.
The National Oceans Programme is expected to coordinate priorities across fisheries, tourism, coastal resilience, and pollution management, while also helping Belize attract public, private, and results-based financing for ocean-related projects.
Belize joins the Ocean Panel’s 19 members, along with Colombia, Panama and the Republic of Korea, in the Alliance.