Belize Moves to Strengthen Wildlife Protection Laws

The government is moving to repeal and replace Belize’s Wildlife Protection Act, with Sustainable Development Minister Orlando Habet saying new legislation will strengthen enforcement, increase fines and improve wildlife governance.

Habet made the announcement on Saturday while delivering the opening remarks at the 2026 Wildlife Ambassador Conference and Wildlife Hero Awards, hosted by the Belize Wildlife & Referral Clinic at the San Ignacio Resort Hotel.

Habet said a Bill was introduced in the House on Friday to repeal the Wildlife Protection Act, Chapter 220, and replace it with new legislation covering the protection, conservation, restoration, sustainability and management of wildlife.

“So this new wildlife will strengthen enforcement but it will also strengthen the fines that are levied and also strengthen governance of wildlife,” Habet said.

Habet also warned that climate conditions could place additional pressure on Belize’s wildlife as the country looks ahead to 2027.

The Wildlife Ambassador programme also brought together wildlife ambassadors, conservation professionals, government representatives and other partners for training and discussions on wildlife conservation, human-wildlife conflict, illegal wildlife trafficking, One Health and emergency response.

Five Wildlife Ambassadors were also recognised with the 2026 Wildlife Hero Awards: Craig Gair, Jen McKnight, Mercedes Valdez, Ranai Gonzales and Thomas Pop.

The five were selected from 15 nominees following more than 1,000 public votes, along with reviews by previous Wildlife Hero recipients and a panel from the Belize Wildlife & Referral Clinic.

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