The Belize Forest Department has issued a stern warning to citizens regarding unauthorized timber harvesting activities, emphasizing that violators face substantial fines up to $10,000 for logging without proper permits. This enforcement action supports an active five-year moratorium initially implemented in November 2025, designed to facilitate critical recovery of the nation’s forest ecosystems.
Chief Forest Officer Victoria Chi explicitly stated that all tree cutting activities—whether for firewood, bush sticks, or timber—require formal authorization from the Forest Department. “The public is advised that you must apply for a permit regardless of purpose,” Chi emphasized. “Unauthorized logging will result in criminal charges with penalties reaching $10,000 per violation.”
The regulatory framework applies comprehensively to government-owned lands, including leased properties pending formal title issuance. Permit pricing varies significantly based on species conservation status, with premium hardwoods like mahogany and cedar commanding higher fees while secondary hardwoods require a $16 per-tree permit. Private landowners must also obtain permits, though at a fifty percent reduced rate.
Officials describe these measures as essential conservation strategies to prevent further depletion of Belize’s forest resources. The moratorium represents a balanced approach to sustainable resource management, allowing ecosystems to regenerate while maintaining regulated access through permitted harvesting.