Belize Protects 25% of Ocean Territory Under Blue Bonds Program

The government says it has successfully completed Milestone 4 of the Belize Blue Bonds Program, a major step toward safeguarding the country’s marine resources.

In November 2024, Belize’s Blue Bond and Finance Permanence Unit submitted the necessary documentation to the Belize Blue Investment Company Limited, meeting one of the programme’s critical conservation targets. Milestone 4 required that 25 per cent of Belize’s ocean territory be designated as Biodiversity Protection Zones by the third year of the Conservation Funding Agreement.

To reach this goal, the government proposed 1,669.64 square kilometres of new medium protection zones, bringing the total protected ocean space to 8,360.1 square kilometres, which represents 25.05 per cent of national waters. The newly designated areas include expansions at Lighthouse Reef, Glover’s Reef, and Bacalar Chico.

Officials said that these zones were identified through an inclusive, science-driven marine spatial planning process led by the Coastal Zone Management Authority and Institute, in collaboration with the Belize Fisheries Department and other agencies. Nationwide consultations were held to engage and inform stakeholders about the expansion.

The new protections were legally established under Statutory Instruments Nos. 132, 133, 134, and 135 of 2024, published on the Belize Fisheries Department’s online legislation library. The Medium Protection Zones allow for limited, well-regulated use, ensuring that marine ecosystems remain healthy while continuing to support the livelihoods of coastal communities.

According to the government, protecting key ecosystems such as reefs, mangroves, and seagrass beds will strengthen fisheries, boost coastal resilience, and conserve biodiversity. These measures are expected to deliver lasting benefits for both the environment and the people of Belize.

The Blue Bond and Finance Permanence Unit stated that Belize remains committed to working with its partners to finalise the country’s Sustainable Ocean Plan and achieve the remaining conservation goals under the Blue Bonds Program, securing a sustainable blue economy for present and future generations.

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