Belize’s Blue Frontier: Under Threat, Under Protection

Belize’s breathtaking marine spaces—the coral reefs, the mangroves, the turquoise waters—are more than just postcard-perfect. They’re vital to our way of life. But right now, they’re in trouble. Climate change is hitting hard, eroding our beaches, damaging habitats, and threatening the wildlife that calls our coast home. That’s why, back in 2022, the Belize Fund for a Sustainable Future was launched—to protect and restore what we’re at risk of losing. This week, journalists from across the country got a behind-the-scenes look at how data, science, and smart investments are helping build a resilient blue economy. So, what does it take to save the sea? Let’s dive in.

 

Dr. Leandra Cho-Ricketts, Executive Director, Belize Fund

“Well a big part  of what the Belize Fund does is to provide support through financial support that is, and that’s a very critical source of support needed for Belize. And what enable us to do that is funding coming out of the Blue Bond. So this program is really important for Belize and the work of the Fund is crucial as it is a partner with government in ensuring that the monies we have are invested into Belize and into people on the ground. And that’s a big focus of the fund. Trying to make sure we find the right partners to connect with to support initiatives and projects that can create meaningful. And impactful changes and lasting changes on the ground. So all our grantees, they’re selecting true calls and those calls look at particular areas of priorities and in, and today the areas we’re looking at are directly relating to protection for biodiversity and focus on marine protected area management. So our support is all primarily for those.”

 

Josue Olive, Program Manager, Belize Fund

“It has  to be competitive. And how do we do competitive? We ensure that the projects that we get are aligned to one, at least one of our four thematic areas, right? Protection for biodiversity, sustainable fisheries, climate resilience, or blue business innovation.”