The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) celebrated Belize’s pioneering approach to coastal development on Saturday, March 16, 2026, during the Mangrove Friendly Development Challenge awards ceremony. This innovative competition recognizes property owners, resorts, and community projects that successfully integrate construction with mangrove conservation.
Nadia Bood, WWF Mesoamerica’s senior program officer, emphasized the critical importance of these efforts: “With most of Belize’s mangroves under private ownership, collaboration with landowners becomes essential. They can achieve both aesthetic appeal and functionality by incorporating mangroves into their landscape design instead of resorting to clear-cutting and concrete seawalls.”
Bood further highlighted the natural superiority of mangroves over artificial barriers: “Seawalls represent vulnerable infrastructure that can collapse during storms, whereas mangroves demonstrate remarkable resilience against extreme weather events.”
The competition featured two distinct categories. The Aesthetics and Creativity category honored developments that harmoniously blend with mangrove landscapes with minimal environmental impact. The Conservation and Sustainability category recognized projects actively engaged in mangrove protection and restoration.
Category winners included:
Aesthetics and Creativity:
1st Place: Hideaway Caye – An off-grid retreat preserving majority mangroves while creating selective viewing areas for guests
2nd Place: Naia Resort and Spa – Noted for its winding boardwalk design through mangrove areas
3rd Place: Coral Pointe – Recognized for maintaining mangrove buffers and reserves within its Hopkins property
Conservation and Sustainability:
1st Place: Toledo Institute for Development and Environment (TIDE) – For mangrove-friendly infrastructure in Payne’s Creek National Park and Port Honduras Marine Reserve
2nd Place: Sarteneja Alliance for Conservation and Development – For enhanced management of Bacalar Chico National Park
3rd Place: St George’s Caye Village Council – Honored for long-standing mangrove reserve maintenance
Additionally, seven Mangrove Champions received recognition for their contributions to restoration, research, and conservation advocacy. These awardees serve as ambassadors who can articulate the ecological and economic benefits that mangroves provide to both their establishments and financial sustainability.