Major Update Planned for Belize’s Natural Resource Strategy

Belize is moving to strengthen how it protects its natural resources, as the government begins updating its National Protected Areas Policy and System Plan, an overhaul officials say is long overdue. The National Biodiversity Office, with support from the International Organization for Migration and funding from the European Union, has launched the process to modernize the plan, which hasn’t been updated since 2005. Officials say the new framework will map out a ten year strategy to better manage Belize’s forests, marine reserves, and heritage sites, areas that play a critical role in protecting water sources, supporting tourism and fisheries, and sustaining livelihoods across the country. The update also ties into broader efforts to strengthen border management, particularly in regions where conservation and security challenges overlap. Authorities are bringing a wide range of voices to the table, including government agencies, NGOs, local communities, Indigenous groups, and private sector partners, in a push for a more inclusive, nationwide approach. A draft of the revised policy is expected to go up for national review by the end of 2026.

 

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